The Indian film industry entered 2026 with a profound sense of loss, still mourning the passing of its beloved star, Dharmendra, in November 2025. The veteran actor's final cinematic appearance in the war drama 'Ikkis' made the film's release a deeply sentimental event for fans and colleagues alike. Among those most moved was co-star Jaideep Ahlawat, who shared the screen with the legend in his last project.
A Void in the Industry: Remembering a Legend
Reflecting on Dharmendra's demise, Jaideep Ahlawat expressed the collective grief of the nation. "The whole country, I think all cinema lovers, there was not a soul who didn't feel bad," he stated. The promotion of 'Ikkis' felt incomplete without the veteran actor's presence. "I felt a void while promoting Ikkis. I wish he were there, in all these promotions. He should have been with us to watch this film, to see his work," Ahlawat added, acknowledging the irreversible hand of destiny.
On-Screen Magic: Fond Memories from the 'Ikkis' Sets
In an exclusive conversation, Jaideep Ahlawat recounted the cherished moments he spent with Dharmendra during filming. He considered himself fortunate to be part of a project featuring such an icon. "You feel lucky to be part of a project where the legend is there," he remarked. The 'Family Man 3' actor highlighted Dharmendra's warm and humble nature, which put everyone at ease.
"I had a lot of fun working with him. Being with him, I never feel that you are working with such a great legend. He makes you feel like family," Ahlawat shared. He fondly remembered the late star's vibrant energy on set—"He was constantly cracking good jokes, making small one-liner jokes, reciting very beautiful poems, telling stories." The overall experience, as Jaideep summarized, was simply "amazing."
Looking Ahead: Jaideep Ahlawat's Future Aspirations
Shifting focus to his own journey, Jaideep Ahlawat shed light on his continuing aspirations as an actor. His goals remain rooted in artistic integrity and growth. "Every actor wants to be a part of a good story, to get to play good characters, to keep surprising himself, and not get bored with the art form," he explained.
His philosophy is straightforward: "So, the aspiration is to keep working, to keep doing good work, to keep surprising myself." He concluded by emphasizing the constant effort to collaborate with talented people and be part of compelling narratives, a pursuit that defines his career path forward.
