Episode Kicks Off with Tears

Amitabh Bachchan started Kaun Banega Crorepati season 17 with a heavy heart. Right from the top, he gave this super touching shoutout to his old buddy Dharmendra. You could hear his voice shake—talking about their friendship, family ties, and how Dharamji inspired him his whole life. Felt like more than TV; it was like saying goodbye to a legend.

Heartbreak Over His Last Movie

Amitabh jumped into Ikkis, Dharmendra’s final film hitting screens January 1. “This movie’s his last gift to all of us,” he said, eyes getting wet. “It’s something special for millions. Real artists keep going till their very last day, and that’s what my friend, my brother, my hero—Dharamji—did right till the end.”

Then he got quieter. “Dharamji wasn’t just some guy. He was a feeling. And feelings? They grab hold and never let go. They turn into memories that keep you pushing forward.” Watching that, you feel it too—Dharmendra’s magic has always hit deeper than any screen.

That Crazy Sholay Story

Amitabh lit up with a memory from Sholay shoots in Bangalore. “Dharamji was built like a wrestler—total hero stuff,” he laughed through the tears. “In that death scene, he squeezed me so hard, the pain was real. That’s why it looked so raw on screen. Pure genius, no acting needed. He made magic happen just by being him.”

Stories like that show why Dharamji’s stuck around forever—he’s got that natural spark everyone loves.

What the Ikkis Team Shared

Director Sriram Raghavan jumped in from the hot seat. “Man, I’m lucky he picked my film to wrap up with. His last role? He owned it completely—brought something no one else could.”

Jaideep Ahlawat, who did most scenes with him, nodded big time. “I won the lottery working opposite him. Set felt like home—he wasn’t a star, more like your funny uncle or dada. Made us all comfy, like family.”

Early Buzz Makes You Want to Watch

Word’s spreading fast before Ikkis drops. Casting guy Mukesh Chhabra’s all in. “This film’s pure heart—no fakes,” he said. “Dharamji’s work? So graceful and deep, it guts you in the best way. Stays with you forever.”

He bigged up the kids too—Agastya Nanda and Simar Bhatia. “Their spark and realness light up the screen. You feel every bit of it.” Sounds like the perfect way for Dharamji to bow out.

From small-town roots to Bollywood’s tough guy, Dharmendra touched hearts like no one else. Amitabh putting it into words on KBC? Spot on. As Ikkis rolls out to start 2026, grab tissues—it’s gonna be emotional, funny, and one hell of a ride.