Late actor Dharmendra’s last big screen role in Agastya Nanda’s Ikkis revealed; everything to know
Late actor Dharmendra will soon be seen in his final role on the big screen as the father of a 21-year-old Arun Khetarpal in Sriram Raghavan’s Ikkis
The highly anticipated Sriram Raghavan directorial, Ikkis, headlined by Agastya Nanda, has some new updates for those waiting. Slated to hit theatres on December 25, the film’s makers announced an exciting tidbit this morning. Late actor Dharmendra, who passed away today (November 24), will be return to the big screen one last time as the father of 21-year-old Arun Khetarpal, played by Agastya. While Dharmendra's involvement in the film is not new, this is the first time we are learning the details about the late actor's final role.
Dharmendra on the silve screen for the last time
The announcement was made via Maddock Films’ Instagram handle, where the team unveiled a new poster featuring Dharmendra. The caption read, “Fathers raise sons. Legends raise nations. Dharmendra ji, an emotional powerhouse as the father of a 21-year-old immortal soldier. One timeless legend brings us the story of another.”
In Ikkis, the veteran actor brings gravitas to the story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, India’s youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee. Dharmendra was last seen in Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya (2024) and Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023).
Agastya Nanda leads as Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal
Agastya Nanda, who made his debut in 2023 with Zoya Akhtar’s The Archies, stars as Arun Khetarpal in Ikkis. The 24-year-old actor steps into the shoes of the young soldier who was martyred at the age of 21 during the Battle of Basantar in the 1971 Indo-Pak war. Arun's bravery earned him the Param Vir Chakra posthumously, making him the youngest recipient of India’s highest military honour at the time.
The makers also shared another poster with the caption, “A father’s worst nightmare became a nation’s chance to dream again. Woh joh na sirf Hindustani, balki Pakistani fauj ke liye bhi misaal ban gaya.”
Directed by Sriram Raghavan and produced by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films, Ikkis is co-written by Raghavan, Arijit Biswas, and Pooja Ladha Surti. Alongside Agastya and Dharmendra, the film features Jaideep Ahlawat and Sikander Kher, adding further strength to its ensemble.
About Dharmendra's death
Veteran actor Dharmendra passed away today at the age of 89. Rumours surrounding his health had been swirling since today morning as an ambulance accompanied by heavy security made its way to the front of his Mumbai residence.
This was the actor's second health scare in the span of a month. Esha Deol and Hema Malini have been spotted at Pawan Hans Cremation Ground alongside heavy security. There has been no official statement from the family, and further updates are awaited.
