The latest episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati opened with a special tribute to veteran actor Dharmendra, as the show remembered his legacy and his final film, Ikkis. Amitabh Bachchan led the tribute, speaking
emotionally about his long association with the actor. The tribute segment spoke volumes of Dharmendra’s contribution to Indian cinema and the impact he had on his colleagues, both on and off screen.
Talking about Ikkis, Amitabh Bachchan said, “Film Ikkis is the last precious memento for us, which was left behind for millions of people. An artist wants to practice art till the last breath of his life, and this is exactly what my friend, my family, my idol, Mr. Dharmendra Deol did.” He added, “Mr. Dharam was not just a person. He was feeling, and a feeling never lets you go. It becomes a memory, a blessing that keeps you going.”
Director Sriram Raghavan, who worked with Dharmendra in Ikkis, also shared his thoughts, saying, “I am very blessed that he is working in my last film, and that his last film is something he is extraordinarily good at.”
Actor Jaideep Ahlawat spoke about his experience of working with Dharmendra on set. “I was lucky to have most of my scenes with him. On set, it never felt like a superstar was sitting with us — he felt like family,” he said.
Amitabh Bachchan also recalled an incident from the sets of Sholay, recalling Dharmendra’s physical strength and instinctive acting. “We were shooting in Bangalore. He had what I call a physical quality — he was a wrestler, a hero. In the death scene, the agony you saw on screen was real because of the way he held me so tightly that the pain turned into natural acting,” he shared.
Kaun Banega Crorepati airs every Friday at 9:00 PM on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV.
