The late cinematic legend Dharmendra left behind a final gift for his fans—his last on-screen appearance in Sriram Raghavan's upcoming film, Ikkis. In a touching revelation, choreographer Vijay Ganguly, who worked with the veteran star on the film, has shared inspiring details about Dharmendra's dedication and vibrant energy during his final shoot, which lasted until the early hours of the morning.
A Night of Passion and Nostalgia
In a recent interview with Mid-Day, Vijay Ganguly opened up about the experience of filming a song sequence with Dharmendra for Ikkis. He described the shoot as a "moment of pride" and recalled the actor's incredible spirit. Despite being 89 years old at the time, Dharmendra stayed awake and energetic until 4 am to complete the song. "Shooting with Dharmendra was amazing as he was vibrant and full of life," Ganguly stated, highlighting the star's unwavering professionalism.
The collaboration was also a deeply personal journey for Ganguly. He revealed that the shoot became a nostalgic moment, as Dharmendra had previously worked with his father, filmmaker Anil Ganguly, on the film Dushman Devta. "During the shoot, he remembered my father fondly. He told me he was a kind man and that he enjoyed working with him," shared the choreographer, who worked on two tracks for the film.
The Final Curtain and a Director's Regret
Ikkis, which features Dharmendra in the role of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal's father, marks the final chapter in the actor's illustrious career. The film, based on the life of India's youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee, was originally scheduled for a December 5, 2025 release. However, its premiere has now been postponed to January 1, 2026. This move is strategic, allowing the film to avoid a direct clash with major releases like Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar and James Cameron's Avatar: Fire and Ash.
In a previous conversation with Galatta India, director Sriram Raghavan expressed a poignant regret. He mentioned that Dharmendra faced difficulties during the dubbing sessions for the film. "I could see that he was having a tough time dubbing. I told him to get better soon," Raghavan said. He lamented not being able to show Dharmendra the completed film, drawing a parallel to the late composer R.D. Burman not witnessing the success of 1942: A Love Story. "He was really looking forward to watching the film," Raghavan added.
A Legacy Remembered
The news of Dharmendra's passing on November 24, 2025, in Mumbai sent waves of grief across the nation and the film industry. The anticipation for Ikkis, presented by Dinesh Vijan's Maddock Films, has since grown exponentially, as audiences await one last chance to see the beloved star on the big screen.
Vijay Ganguly's account paints a picture not of a fading star, but of a passionate artist who lived for his craft until the very end. Dharmendra's commitment to staying up until 4 am for a perfect shot, his fond reminiscences of old colleagues, and his excitement for his final project stand as a powerful testament to a life dedicated to cinema.
