A special screening for the upcoming Bollywood film Ikkis became a poignant moment as veteran actor Rekha paid a moving tribute to the late legend Dharmendra, whose final film this is. The event, attended by numerous celebrities, has since ignited a fervent discussion online after a video of Rekha's actions went viral, drawing both admiration and criticism.
A Moment of Tribute and Blessing
In a video captured by paparazzi on the red carpet, Rekha was seen posing for cameras. She then paused and looked intently at a film poster featuring a picture of Dharmendra. In a gesture of deep respect, she walked over and stood beside the late actor's poster, folding her hands in a reverent namaste.
She then moved to the poster of the film's lead actor, Agastya Nanda, who is making his debut. In a warm and maternal gesture, Rekha gently placed her hand on his poster image, as if offering a blessing. She concluded the moment by blowing kisses towards the poster, a gesture that has been interpreted as her support for the young star, who is the grandson of Amitabh Bachchan.
Netizens React: Praise and Criticism
The viral video quickly became a talking point on social media platforms like Reddit and X (formerly Twitter), with reactions sharply divided.
A section of users praised her emotional depth and enduring grace. One user on X wrote, "The world might end but Rekha will never move on," referencing her long-standing connection with the industry. Another added, "Her love is eternal for him," while a third noted, "She even did it with Janhvi Kapoor's poster, maybe it's a habit towards kids."
However, a vocal group criticized her actions, calling them attention-seeking. On Reddit, one comment read, "Seriously I used to really like this woman... but she is so attention hungry and a lot of times it looks so fake now." Others were more direct, with comments like, "Will you stop doing unnecessary things to get attention?" and "She's so embarrassing she needs to really stop with this." Another user questioned, "Why is she so shameless and why do people keep hyping up her creepy behaviour?"
All About 'Ikkis': Dharmendra's Final Film
The screening was held for Ikkis, a significant project for several reasons. Primarily, it marks the final film appearance of the beloved actor Dharmendra. The movie is a biopic based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military award for valour.
Directed by Sriram Raghavan of Andhadhun fame, the film introduces Agastya Nanda in a leading role. The cast also includes Jaideep Ahlawat, Suhasini Mulay, Sikander Kher, and Rahul Dev. The movie also marks the official debut of Simar Bhatia, the niece of actor Akshay Kumar.
Ikkis is scheduled for a theatrical release on January 1, 2026.
The incident at the screening underscores how public gestures by iconic figures like Rekha are intensely scrutinized in the digital age, often reflecting the complex interplay between fandom, perception, and celebrity culture in Bollywood.
