It has been nearly a month since the world bid a tearful goodbye to the “He-Man” of Bollywood, Dharmendra, who passed away in November 2025. While the void he left behind is impossible to fill, his daughter Esha Deol has shared a precious memory that is bringing fans to tears.
On Saturday, December 20, Esha took to Instagram to post an unseen behind-the-scenes (BTS) video from the sets of Ikkis—the film that marks Dharmendra’s final on-screen appearance. The video captures the legendary actor on his last day of the shoot, delivering a message so humble and pure that it perfectly encapsulates why he was loved by millions.
Here is the story behind the emotional clip and the details of his swan song, Ikkis.
The Video: “I Am A Bit Happily Sad Today”
The video shared by Esha Deol shows a frail yet spirited Dharmendra addressing the cast and crew on the final day of filming. Dressed in his character’s attire, he speaks with the warmth and vulnerability that defined his later years.
His Heartbreakingly Humble Words: In the clip, Dharmendra says:
“I’m a bit happily sad today, the last day of shooting. I love you all. If I made any mistake, please forgive me.”
He further expressed his joy at working with the team, praising the “captain of the ship,” director Sriram Raghavan, and the production house, Maddock Films.
“I’m extremely happy to be in Mandav films (Maddock Films). The team, the captain Sriram ji… it was done in a very nice way.”
In a touching moment, he also urged audiences from both India and Pakistan to watch the film, highlighting the universal message of humanity over borders.
Esha Deol & Sunny Deol’s Reaction:
- Esha Deol captioned the video with a simple yet powerful tribute: “He is the best. Love you, Papa.”
- His son, Sunny Deol, also shared the clip, writing: “A smile that lit up the darkness… Let’s celebrate him in movie halls this New Year.”
About ‘Ikkis’: The Legend’s Last Act
Ikkis is not just a movie anymore; it is a piece of cinematic history.
- The Role: Dharmendra plays M.L. Khetarpal, the father of the war hero Arun Khetarpal. The role is described as an “emotional anchor” of the film.
- The Lead: The film stars Agastya Nanda (Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson) as Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra.
- The Plot: Directed by the National Award-winning Sriram Raghavan, the biographical war drama is set against the backdrop of the 1971 Indo-Pak war.
- Release Date: The film is scheduled to hit theaters worldwide on January 1, 2026, making it the first major release of the new year.
Fan Reactions: “A Golden Heart Stopped Beating”
The video shared by Esha Deol has triggered an outpouring of love on social media. Fans are calling it a “final blessing” from the superstar.
- One user commented: “He asks for forgiveness even when he gave us nothing but joy. That is true greatness.”
- Another wrote: “Can’t believe we won’t see this smile again. Ikkis will be an emotional watch.”
Conclusion
Dharmendra’s career spanned over six decades, but his final act seems to be one of his most personal. As Ikkis prepares for its release, it stands as a tribute to a man who remained a “student of cinema” until his very last breath.
Will you be watching Ikkis to honor the legend?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which is Dharmendra’s last film? Dharmendra’s final film is Ikkis, a war drama directed by Sriram Raghavan.
2. When is Ikkis releasing? Ikkis is set to release in theaters on January 1, 2026.
3. What did Dharmendra say in the viral video? In the BTS video shared by Esha Deol, Dharmendra said, “If I made any mistake, please forgive me,” marking his humble nature on the last day of the shoot.
4. Who stars in Ikkis alongside Dharmendra? The film stars Agastya Nanda in the lead role of Arun Khetarpal, along with Jaideep Ahlawat.
