The premiere of the late legendary actor Dharmendra's final film, Ikkis, transformed into a poignant tribute in Mumbai on Monday, December 30, 2025. The event saw the Deol family unite in a rare public gathering, with emotions running high as Bollywood paid its respects. Superstar Salman Khan and Dharmendra's son Sunny Deol were notably moved, creating heartfelt moments in front of the veteran's poster.
A Family United in Tribute
The posthumous release brought together the Deol clan for a significant public appearance. Sunny Deol, who had maintained distance from the media following his father's hospitalization and subsequent passing, made a prominent appearance. Dressed in a grey suit and white shirt, he posed solemnly in front of a large poster of Dharmendra, visibly emotional as photographers captured the moment.
His brother, Bobby Deol, attended with his wife Tanya Deol and their son Aryaman. Bobby opted for a classic white shirt and black pants, while Tanya chose an all-black outfit. Adding to the family presence was cousin and actor Abhay Deol, marking a solid show of support for the cinematic patriarch's legacy.
Salman Khan's Poignant Moment
Bollywood heavyweight Salman Khan, who shared a close bond with Dharmendra, added to the evening's emotional weight. The actor, who recently turned 60, was seen pausing in front of Dharmendra's poster, his admiration and grief evident. His visibly emotional state highlighted the deep personal connection he shared with the veteran star, making for one of the most touching scenes of the night.
The premiere was attended by the who's who of the film industry, turning the event into both a celebration of Dharmendra's work and a collective moment of remembrance for his towering contribution to Indian cinema.
The Legacy of Ikkis and Dharmendra's Final Days
Earlier, Sunny Deol had shared a behind-the-scenes video from the sets of Ikkis, offering a glimpse into Dharmendra's final day of shooting. In the clip, the veteran actor expressed his happiness working with Maddock Films and director Sriram Raghavan. "I think people in both India and Pakistan should watch it," Dharmendra said, followed by a cake-cutting ceremony.
He also confessed to feeling "a bit sad" on the last day of the shoot, with co-star Jaideep Ahlawat and director Raghavan by his side. The film is significant as it stars Agastya Nanda, Amitabh Bachchan's grandson, in the lead and marks the acting debut of Simar Bhatia, Akshay Kumar's niece.
Ikkis is scheduled for a theatrical release on January 1, offering audiences a chance to witness Dharmendra's final performance. The premiere night in Mumbai successfully set the stage for this release, intertwining the excitement of a new film with the bittersweet remembrance of a beloved icon.
