Legendary actor Dharmendra passed away on November 24 at the age of 89, and the film industry is still in mourning. Sriram Raghavan, the director of Ikkis, delivered one of the most poignant words among the numerous sincere condolences that poured in, remembering the legendary star with profound love and appreciation. Calling his demise an irreplaceable void, Raghavan said, “It’s a deeply personal loss. A top star, fine actor and most vitally, a warm and wonderful human being.”
Dharmendra’s death comes just days before what would have been his 90th birthday on December 8. The month of December is now expected to be marked by a series of tributes honouring his remarkable cinematic journey—from the re-release of his timeless classic Sholay on December 12 to the arrival of his final on-screen performance in Raghavan’s upcoming military drama Ikkis, slated for a Christmas release on December 25.
As part of the film’s release, Raghavan and producer Dinesh Vijan want to pay a sincere tribute to Dharmendra, according to Pooja Ladha Surti, the film’s editor and co-writer, who also expressed her sorrow. She praised the actor for his unparalleled professionalism and generosity, pointing out that despite his decades of expertise, he never hesitated during retakes and maintained the same enthusiasm as a novice.
Ikkis tells the tale of India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra recipient, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, who bravely fought in the Indo-Pak War in 1971. One of the most emotionally impactful elements of Dharmendra’s late career is his portrayal of Khetarpal’s father. His performance is anticipated to have a profound impact on viewers due to the film’s poignant subject matter as well as the fact that it concludes a tremendous cinematic legacy.
As Bollywood and fans prepare to celebrate Dharmendra’s life and artistry throughout December, Ikkis stands as a moving farewell—one legend telling the story of another.
Also Read: Top 20 Films of Dharmendra
