The recent release of veteran actor Dharmendra's final film, Ikkis, has left fans in an emotional state, cherishing every last frame of the screen icon. Adding a deeply personal layer to the tributes, choreographer Vijay Ganguly has now shared a heartwarming anecdote that perfectly encapsulates Dharmendra's extraordinary dedication to his craft, a commitment that burned bright even in the early hours of the morning.
A 3 AM Dance Lesson on the Ikkis Set
In an exclusive conversation with Pinkvilla, Vijay Ganguly recalled a specific incident during the filming of a qawwali sequence set at a college reunion for Dharmendra's character. The shoot had stretched late into the night. "It was around 2:30–3 am," Ganguly revealed. Understanding the physical demands on the senior actor, the team had simple instructions for him. They told Dharmendra he only needed to dance a little, doing whatever he felt comfortable with.
However, the ever-enthusiastic Dharmendra had other plans. He was keen to know what the younger actors in the scene were doing. "We showed him that the other boys were doing a leg step while holding each other by their shoulders. He immediately asked, ‘Why can I not do this?’" Ganguly shared. The team was naturally concerned, as standing up repeatedly was a physical challenge for the actor at that time.
"He Has to Give His 100 Percent": The Legend's Mindset
Despite the late hour and the evident physical discomfort, Dharmendra's spirit was unyielding. "He was sitting because for him, getting up again and again was also a little difficult," Vijay explained. The crew urged him to simply move to the music and enjoy, but the actor insisted on performing the steps correctly. In a move that left the team in awe, Dharmendra stood up, called two dancers over, and proceeded to learn the choreography on the spot.
Ganguly expressed his admiration, noting that Dharmendra's motivation transcended the scene's requirements. "He got up and he did it. Eventually, we told him not to do it because if we had many retakes, it would be physically exhausting for him. And honestly, dancing at that point was not very important for his character," the choreographer stated. "But for him personally, his thought was that he has to give his 100 percent. He was also feeling that no one should think that he can’t do it—so he showed that he could. We were like, ‘Wow, this is fantastic.’"
Commitment Beyond Choreography
Dharmendra's dedication didn't end with mastering the dance moves. Ganguly further revealed that the actor, in his pursuit of perfection, asked for the lyrics of the song. "He offered to memorise them in case any lip-sync was required," Vijay said. The team assured him it wasn't necessary, but his eagerness to deliver a complete performance was unwavering. This incident, set against the backdrop of a night shoot, stands as a powerful testament to the work ethic that defined Dharmendra's six-decade-long career.
Vijay Ganguly, who is the son of filmmaker Anil Ganguly—a director who worked with Dharmendra in the 1991 film Dushman Devta—also shared a poignant personal moment. When Vijay mentioned his father's collaboration, Dharmendra warmly recalled, "He was a very kind man." The legendary actor passed away in November 2023 at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy built not only on iconic roles but also on profound humility, discipline, and an unmatched love for cinema. The story from the sets of Ikkis serves as a fitting final chapter to that legendary narrative.
