Dharmendra's Last Wish Unfulfilled: Director Sriram Raghavan Shares Heartbreaking Story Behind Ikkis

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Noted actor Dharmendra passed away last month, just weeks before the release of his film Ikkis. In a recent interview, the film's director Sriram Raghavan shared a poignant story about Dharmendra's final days. Raghavan met Dharmendra in October, when the actor was unwell. Despite his health issues, Dharmendra was eager to watch the film and waited for the second half to be completed. However, he never got the chance to see it in its entirety, leaving the director and the entire team with a deep regret. Dharmendra was known for his old-school approach to filmmaking. He would often write his dialogues in Urdu before the shoot, and even write the core actor's dialogues. His dedication to his craft is a testament to his legacy as a talented actor. Ikkis, directed by Sriram Raghavan and produced by Dinesh Vijan, is a war biopic based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. The film also features Agastya Nanda, Jaideep Ahlawat, Suhasini Mulay, Sikander Kher, and Rahul Dev. It is set to release on January 1, 2026, marking Dharmendra's posthumous screen appearance. Dharmendra's family, including his wife Hema Malini and daughters Esha and Ahana, have been paying tribute to the late actor. Hema Malini recently shared a heartfelt post on his 90th birth anniversary, reminiscing about their lovely years together and the happy memories they shared. The family is still grieving the loss of a beloved member, but they are proud to see his legacy live on through his films, including Ikkis.