A recent conversation the renowned actor Jaideep Ahlawat opened up about the deep emotional effect of working with veteran film actor Dharmendra for the film Ikkis in addition to the loss caused by the famous actor’s absence from the post-release phase of promotional. Ahlawat’s insights provide a glimpse into the process of creation behind one of the most anticipated films of the year, as well as the bonds of friendship that guided the production process and its publicity.
Ahlawat who plays Brigadier Jaan Mohammad Nisar in Ikkis, opened up in a candid way about the unique experience of being on the same screen as Dharmendra who is widely regarded as one of the most important pillars in Indian film — and in the was the final performance. Dharmendra died in 2025, in the year 90, was deeply entwined with Hindi film’s history, which made Ikkis an undertaking of immense emotional and cultural significance to its crew, cast as well as the audience.
In the discussion in the interview with the Times of India. Ahlawat stated that the absence of Dharmendra was deeply felt by everyone on the Ikkis staff in particular during events for promotion after the film’s release. “The whole country, I think, all cinema lovers — there was not a soul who didn’t feel bad,” Ahlawat said and emphasized the impact of the passing of Dharmendra on colleagues and fans. Ahlawat expressed his own sentiments: “I felt a void when I was promoting Ikkis. I would like to have him with us to go through the film and to see the work he did.”
Beyond the professional elements of the film Ahlawat stated that Dharmendra’s presence on set as warm welcoming, and deeply human. In spite of his legendary fame and a career that lasted for six decades, Ahlawat said Dharmendra never made his coworkers feel like they were working with the legend of cinema. Instead Dharmendra treated everyone as family members, creating an environment that was based on mutual respect and friendship. The way he treated everyone, as Ahlawat explains helped make the whole experience significant for him.
“He made everyone feel like family,” Ahlawat told the press recalling his memories from the film’s production. He noted that Dharmendra frequently uplifting his mood by his witty remarks, performed poems in between takes and told personal stories that showed his humour and humility. According to Ahlawat these instances were not just entertaining, but also deeply personal and bridged the gap between co-artist and legend and allowing young actors to connect with a person of historic significance in Indian film.
The actor also imparted personal tales that emphasized the spontaneous and intimate interactions he had with Dharmendra on filming. One of these was Dharmendra’s humorous remark to himan expression that Ahlawat said he’d cherish for a long time after filming ended. While the death of the veteran actor kept him from being a part of Ikkis promotional events or watching the finished product with the crew and cast The memories of the production are a source of enduring appreciation for the actor.
Ikkis produced by Sriram Raghavan and produced by Dinesh Vijan, who is the director of Maddock Films, draws its inspiration from the life that of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal who was India’s oldest recipient of Param the Vir Chakra posthumously in recognition of his courage in The 1971 Indo-Pakistan War. The film is starring Agastya and Nanda, who play Arun and is backed by Simar Bhatia Ahlawat Alawat, Simar Bhatia and Dharmendra Arun, whose presence provides substantial depth and emotional weight to the story.
The film’s release was welcomed with great enthusiasm by both critics and the public and critics, with the historical subject matter paired with dramatic performances generating public interest. Many reviews have pointed out the intensity of the film due to the final performance of Dharmendra and the time period for promotion was accompanied by a lot of celebration. But the absence of Dharmendra in press conferences and public appearances because of his tragic death cast a dark shadow on the proceedings, turning events that could have been celebrated occasions into moments of reflection and grief.
Industry experts and insiders have observed how the Ikkis promos were characterized by references to the lasting legacy of Dharmendra and cast members frequently paying tribute to his work both on and off screen. Ahlawat’s comments are a part of the larger narrative, highlighting the emotional significance of the loss of the actor and the connection he had with Dharmendra throughout the production.
As well as discussing the experiences he has had, Ahlawat also shared his hopes for the future. He discussed about his artistic goals and stated that he would like to continue to choose roles that test him and tell compelling stories. His upcoming projects include starring in films with a high profile like Siddharth’s King with Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone and many more which demonstrates his growing position within his position in the Hindi movie industry.
The story that is told in Ikkis Ikkis focused on sacrifice, bravery and national prideand the real-world setting of Dharmendra’s last performance, adds multiple layers of significance that have attracted media and public attention. Ahlawat’s reflections highlight these dimensions by presenting personal stories that are a complement to the film’s narrative while depicting the human interactions that go with the story.
While Ikkis remains debated in both the entertainment industry and with people who watch it, thoughts from the actors, specifically the actors like Ahlawat, who collaborated closely with Dharmendra and contributed to a greater understanding of the film’s influence. With its strong performances as well as a subject that is historical, and the emotional impact of Dharmendra’s contributions, Ikkis remains an important topic within current Bollywood debates.
