Monday night’s special screening of Ikkis wasn’t just another Bollywood premiere—it was an emotional farewell to legend Dharmendra, whose final performance shone through in this powerful war biopic. From Salman Khan’s tears to Rekha’s tender blessing for debutant Agastya Nanda, the evening captured Bollywood’s heart.
Emotional Moments That Stole the Show
| Star | Heartfelt Gesture | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Salman Khan | Teared up seeing Dharmendra’s poster | Close friend paying final tribute |
| Rekha | Kissed Agastya Nanda’s poster frame | Blessing Big B’s grandson |
| Sunny Deol | Stood teary-eyed beside father’s photo | Son’s emotional goodbye |
| Bobby Deol | Broke down after watching the film | Last viewing of father’s performance |
Salman’s Tearful Tribute
Salman Khan, who recently celebrated his 60th birthday, arrived at the screening visibly moved. As he posed for photographers, his eyes welled up seeing Dharmendra’s poster—a testament to their decades-long friendship. The superstar and veteran actor shared an unbreakable bond, and losing him has left the industry reeling.
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Rekha’s Graceful Blessing
Looking resplendent in a light green and golden saree, veteran actress Rekha stole hearts with her elegant gestures. She first bowed reverently before Dharmendra’s poster with folded hands, then moved to Agastya Nanda’s frame, gently placing her hand on it and blowing a flying kiss as a blessing.
This tender moment symbolized Bollywood’s generational continuity—the old guard blessing new talent stepping into the spotlight.
The Deol Family’s Grief
Sunny and Bobby Deol attended with their families, both struggling with visible emotion. Sunny paused deliberately near his father’s poster, offering a gentle smile through teary eyes. Bobby reportedly broke down after watching his father’s final performance, wiping away tears as he left the venue.
The family’s raw emotion reminded everyone that behind the glamour, they’re simply children saying goodbye to their beloved father.
What Makes Ikkis Special
Directed by Sriram Raghavan (Andhadhun, Badlapur), Ikkis chronicles the heroics of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal—the youngest Param Vir Chakra recipient who sacrificed his life at 21 during the 1971 India-Pakistan war’s Battle of Basantar.
Agastya Nanda (Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson) makes his theatrical debut as the brave warrior, supported by powerhouse performers including Jaideep Ahlawat, Dharmendra, Sikander Kher, Vivaan Shah, and Simar Bhatia.
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Amitabh Bachchan’s Proud Reflection
The legendary Amitabh Bachchan penned an emotional blog post after an earlier screening, recalling memories from Agastya’s birth to watching him excel on the big screen. He praised his grandson’s performance, noting his ability to command every frame with authenticity and honoring Second Lieutenant Khetarpal’s legacy.
Star-Studded Attendance
The screening brought together Bollywood royalty: Tabu, Jeetendra, Manish Malhotra, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Genelia and Riteish Deshmukh, Tiger Shroff, Arjun Kapoor, Randeep Hooda, Naseeruddin Shah with family, Sussanne Khan, and many more—all united in celebrating Dharmendra’s final cinematic gift.
Release Details
Ikkis releases theatrically on January 1, 2026—a New Year’s Day tribute to India’s war heroes and a bittersweet farewell to one of Hindi cinema’s most beloved icons. Produced by Maddock Films’ Dinesh Vijan and Binny Padda, the film promises to be both a gripping war drama and an emotional tribute.
