Director Sriram Raghavan has shared poignant reflections on working with the late Bollywood legend Dharmendra in the upcoming war biopic ‘Ikkis,’ marking the actor’s final screen appearance before his passing last November. The film, scheduled for release on January 1, 2026, now carries additional emotional significance as a posthumous tribute to the iconic actor.
Raghavan revealed that Dharmendra never had the opportunity to view the completed film or witness the anticipated appreciation for his performance. The director recounted his final meeting with the actor during October’s dubbing sessions, noting that while Dharmendra was ‘okay, but not too well’ at the time, his dedication to his craft remained undiminished. ‘He is not here to enjoy the work he had done. That is a regret we have,’ Raghavan expressed.
The filmmaker highlighted Dharmendra’s meticulous preparation methods, describing how the veteran actor would personally transcribe his dialogues in Urdu script—a practice reflecting his old-school approach to character development. ‘He would also write the core actor’s dialogues. He was extremely well-prepared,’ Raghavan added, emphasizing the star’s professional commitment.
Producer Dinesh Vijan disclosed that Dharmendra’s family has yet to view the completed film, anticipating an emotional response when they do. ‘I think they’ll only cry. I just wish our kids could love us as much as they love him,’ Vijan remarked, describing the family’s profound connection to the project as both ‘heartbreaking’ and ‘beautiful.’
‘Ikkis’ portrays the story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, India’s youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra—the nation’s highest military honor. Agastya Nanda appears in the lead role, with Dharmendra’s performance serving as a cinematic farewell to the beloved actor who passed away on November 24 in Mumbai.