For Agastya Nanda, Sriram Raghavan’s Ikkis will always hold a deeply personal meaning. The film marks the last on-screen appearance of Dharmendra, and for the young actor, sharing the screen with the legend became an experience he says he will carry for life.
‘The time we spent was unforgettable’
Reflecting on their time together, Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson admitted that he was initially nervous about working with someone of Dharmendra’s stature. “We didn’t have many scenes together, but the time we did spend was unforgettable,” he told India Today, recalling how unsure he felt during their first interaction.What eased his nerves, Agastya shared, was Dharmendra’s warmth and humility. “He never made you feel like he was a senior. He spoke to you like a friend,” he said, describing the veteran actor as relaxed, approachable and full of warmth on set.One aspect that stayed with Agastya was Dharmendra’s unwavering involvement during the shoot. Unlike many senior actors who prefer retreating to their vans between takes, Dharmendra remained present throughout the day. “He was always there, always involved,” Agastya said, adding that the legendary actor observed the filmmaking process with curiosity and enthusiasm.
‘It feels unfortunate he couldn’t see his performance’
For Agastya, that dedication was deeply inspiring. “That kind of love for the craft stays with you,” he said, noting that Dharmendra’s commitment went far beyond just delivering his scenes.Watching Ikkis now, however, brings mixed emotions. Dharmendra passed away in November this year and did not live to see the final cut of the film. “It feels unfortunate,” Agastya admitted. “He couldn’t see the performance he gave. It’s so endearing. Dharam Ji is my favourite part of the film.” Also starring Jaideep Ahlawat, Ikkis is scheduled for a theatrical release on January 1, 2026.
