The air was thick with emotion on latest episode of ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’. Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan opened up about loss of his dear friend and screen legend Dharmendra. The moment left both audience and viewers at home visibly moved.
The episode began with heartfelt tribute to the “He-Man” of Indian cinema honouring the life and legacy of Dharmendra. Amitabh called him not just a co-star but “a feeling that never leaves you.”
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Ikkis: Dharmendra’s final gift to fans
Amitabh took a moment to reflect on Dharmendra’s last cinematic outing, ‘Ikkis’. “This film is the final treasure he left for millions of people,” he said, his voice soft with emotion. “An artist wants to practice his craft until his last breath. That is exactly what my friend, my family, and my idol, Mr. Dharmendra Deol, did.”
The legendary actor emphasised that Dharmendra was more than just a star. “He was not just a person. He was a feeling. A memory. A blessing that keeps you going,” Amitabh said.
That iconic death scene from ‘Sholay’
Amitabh recalled a scene shot in Bangalore during ‘Sholay’, the movie that turned Jai and Veeru into household names.
“He had this incredible physical presence like a wrestler, like a hero,” Big B said. He went on to describe Dharmendra’s death scene, where the pain on screen was very real. “The way he held me, it turned into natural acting. It wasn’t just acting; it was instinct, it was art.”
The KBC tribute also featured director Sriram Raghavan, who helmed ‘Ikkis’. “I feel truly blessed that Dharmendra worked in my last film. His performance is extraordinary, and his legacy shines through every frame,” he said.
Actor Jaideep Ahlawat, also part of ‘Ikkis’, echoed these sentiments. “I was lucky to share most of my scenes with him. On set, he didn’t feel like a superstar. He felt like family,” he said.