A heartwarming moment unfolded on the red carpet in Mumbai as veteran actress Rekha offered her blessings to the newest star from Bollywood's first family. The occasion was a special screening for the upcoming film Ikkis, held in memory of the late legendary actor Dharmendra.
An Emotional Gesture for a Debutant
The event, held on Monday, December 29, 2025, was organized by the makers of Sriram Raghavan's period military drama. As Rekha arrived, she was visibly moved upon seeing a large poster of debutant actor Agastya Nanda. Agastya, who is the maternal grandson of screen icons Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan, plays the lead role of martyr 2nd Lt. Arun Khetarpal in the film.
In a spontaneous and affectionate gesture, Rekha walked up to the poster and blew a flying kiss towards it. This act was widely seen as her blessing for the young actor ahead of his theatrical debut. She then posed for photographers before heading into the venue. Attendees noted that Rekha wore dark glasses, a rare choice for her at such events, perhaps to veil her emotions.
Connections That Span Generations
The moment was laden with history and personal connections. Rekha shared a long and celebrated on-screen partnership with Amitabh Bachchan in the 1970s and has often expressed her admiration for him. She also maintains a respectful relationship with Jaya Bachchan, whom she affectionately calls 'Didibhai'. The trio famously worked together in Yash Chopra's classic film Silsila.
Furthermore, Dharmendra, in whose memory the screening was held, plays the father of Agastya's character in Ikkis. This adds another layer of poignancy, linking the veteran star with the grandson of his former co-stars.
Amitabh Bachchan's Grandfatherly Pride
The pride of the Bachchan family is palpable. Amitabh Bachchan, who attended a private screening of the film, penned an emotional note on his blog. He recounted memories from Agastya's birth to his decision to become an actor, concluding with his awe at seeing his grandson excel on the big screen. Ikkis marks Agastya's theatrical debut after his first acting role in Zoya Akhtar's The Archies on Netflix in 2023.
Produced by Dinesh Vijan's Maddock Films, the movie also stars Jaideep Ahlawat and marks the debut of Akshay Kumar's niece, Simar Bhatia. The film is a military drama based on the true story of the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, Arun Khetarpal, and his actions during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War.
Ikkis is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on Thursday, January 1, 2026. The premiere event, blending memory, legacy, and new beginnings, has set a deeply emotional tone for the film's journey to the audience.
