Dharmendra recalls first Uttar Pradesh shoot for Ikkis, wins hearts with warmth

By Shantiswaroop Tripathi

On November 24, legendary actor Dharmendra bid farewell to the world at the age of 89. Coincidentally—or perhaps fatefully—on the very same morning, the first look poster of his final film ‘Ikkees’ was released. The film Ikkees is scheduled to hit theatres on January 1, 2026, with Agastya Nanda in the lead role and Dharmendra portraying his father.

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For the shooting of Ikkees, Dharmendra travelled to the Barabanki region of Uttar Pradesh. Those who remember him are countless. Sujit Sarkar and Abhishek Gupta, who were part of the production team managing the film’s shoot in Uttar Pradesh, shared their memories of Dharmendra with Mayapuri magazine. What follows is their account, presented verbatim.

At that time, we were handling the shooting of two films simultaneously in Uttar Pradesh. One was Aanand L. Rai ’s Nakhrewali, and the other was Ikkees. The locations of both films were almost the same. Ikkees starred Agastya Nanda and Dharmendra. It was Dharmendra saab’s first time shooting in Uttar Pradesh. (Dharmendra final film role in Ikkis)

There was no shortage of his fans. Everyone longed to meet Dharmendra even for a minute, to exchange a few words with him. Many people wished to click photographs with him.

That day, I was on the set of Nakhrewali. But the moment I learned that Dharmendra ji was on the other set, I ensured all the requirements at the Nakhrewali set were taken care of and immediately headed to the Ikkees set. Since the production of both films was being handled by the same company, there was no issue.

After all, we had grown up watching Dharmendra saab in films like Sholay, Satyakam, Tehelka, Chupke Chupke, Phool Aur Patthar, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Seeta Aur Geeta, and many more—on VCRs and in cinema halls. Naturally, we too were eager to meet him. (Dharmendra remembered by production team)

When we reached the set, we were astonished by what we saw. Despite being a superstar, Dharmendra saab appeared as the very embodiment of simplicity and a grounded human being. Smiling warmly, he was taking photographs with everyone. This was not a mere formality. He would seat people next to him, talk to them affectionately, and then pose for pictures.

Both of us were completely taken by his humility and his smile. He appeared exactly as he always had—warm and familiar. He wasn’t just interacting with spot boys or assistant directors, but also with housekeeping staff—the people responsible for cleaning—speaking to them with the same affection and clicking photos with them.

Dharmendra saab happily posed for photographs not only with the production unit but also with local people present at the location. While clicking pictures with everyone, it felt as though he was pouring his love onto his own people. From him, we learned that a truly successful person carries no arrogance about success or wealth.

(Dharmendra Ikkis first look poster reaction)

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Honestly, that day Dharmendra saab perfectly embodied the saying that a fruit-laden tree always bends low. He appeared to be a truly big-hearted man. There was not even a trace of attitude in him. Everyone on the set could feel his simplicity and kindness.

Ultimately, that day—hundreds of kilometers away from Mumbai, on the soil of Uttar Pradesh—his nature, his work ethic, and his grounded reality were clearly visible. This very quality made him far more than Bollywood’s “He-Man”; it made him a deeply humane and down-to-earth individual.

FAQ

Q1. What was Dharmendra's last film?

Dharmendra's last film was "21", in which he played Agastya Nanda's father

Q2. When is the movie '21' releasing?

The film 'Ekkis' is scheduled to release in theatres on January 1, 2026.

Q3. Where was Dharmendra shooting for '21'?

Dharmendra had reached Barabanki area of ​​Uttar Pradesh for the shooting of the film.

Q4. What is the speciality of the first poster of '21'?

The first poster of Dharmendra's last film features his memorable look and is an emotional moment for his fans.

Q5. How did the shooting team remember Dharmendra?

Production team members like Sujit Sarkar and Abhishek Gupta remember Dharmendra with great affection and respect and appreciate his contribution.

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