IFFI will pay homage to Dharmendra at the closing ceremony

The ‘Sholay’ screening, which was supposed to happen earlier, has now been cancelled after the legendary actor’s demise.

A special tribute to actor Dharmendra will be held at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Panaji, Goa, during its closing ceremony later this week, an official said. The veteran actor passed away on Monday morning at his residence in Juhu, Mumbai, at the age of 89.

Special tribute for Dharmendra at the closing ceremony of the IFFI.

Veteran actor Dharmendra passed away on Monday, November 24, at his residence in Mumbai. As a mark of respect, the 56th International Film Festival of India will pay a special tribute to the legendary star at its closing ceremony in Panaji, Goa. Prakash Magdum, Managing Director, NFDC, told PTI, “We received the unfortunate news of Dharamji’s passing away on Monday. A minute’s silence was observed at the closing ceremony of the Film Bazaar as a mark of respect. We will also be paying homage to the beloved legend during the festival’s closing ceremony.”

Sholay screening has been cancelled.

A screening of Sholay in a 4K-restored version was scheduled for November 26 at IFFI but has been cancelled, with organisers citing technical reasons. The festival will also host a session titled ‘’50 years of Sholay: Why ‘Sholay’ Still Resonates?’, which will be held on November 27 with the movie’s director Ramesh Sippy. Also, the famous bike from Sholay has been put on display in a glass enclosure at the INOX theatre in Panjim since the first day of the festival, but it has now become a tribute of sorts for Dharmendra, who shot the hit song ‘YehDosti’ with Amitabh Bachchan on the bike.

Magdum further said, “The motorcycle displayed on the festival premises was introduced as a special attraction this year to mark the celebration of 50 years of ‘Sholay’. But it has also become a tribute to Dharmendraji now, as visitors can’t help but recall the iconic song ‘YehDosti’ and his unforgettable presence when they see it.” The bike was put on display to celebrate 50 years of the Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra-starrer film, where they play Jai-Veeru. The two friends ride around on a motorcycle with a sidecar while singing ‘YehDosti Hum NahiTodenge’.