Amitabh Bachchan breaks down on KBC 17 honouring Dharmendra: ‘He was not just a person’

amitabh on kbc 17

• Amitabh Bachchan gave an emotional tribute to Dharmendra on KBC 17
• Dharmendra's final film Ikkis is set for release in 2026
• Bachchan recalled their bond and shared memories from Sholay's set

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Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan delivered a deeply emotional tribute to his longtime friend and fellow icon Dharmendra on the latest episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati 17, moving both the studio audience and viewers at home. The episode opened with a special segment honouring Dharmendra, whose final film Ikkis — set for release in 2026 — features one of his last cinematic performances. As he spoke about Dharmendra, Big B’s voice trembled with emotion, and he appeared visibly teary-eyed.

Recounting memories of their decades-long bond, Bachchan described Dharmendra not just as a person but as a feeling that will never fade from the hearts of his admirers and peers. He talked about Dharmendra’s, Ikkis, Amitabh said, “The film Ikkis is the last precious memento for us, left behind for millions of people. An artist wants to practise art until the very last breath of life, and this is exactly what my friend, my family, and my idol, Mr Dharmendra Deol, did.”

His voice softened as he added, “Mr Dharam was not just a person. He was a feeling, and a feeling never lets you go. It becomes a memory, a blessing that keeps you moving forward.”

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Amitabh Bachchan also shared a touching anecdote from the set of Sholay, the 1975 blockbuster in which they portrayed the iconic duo Jai and Veeru. “We were shooting in Bangalore. He had what I call a physical quality; he was a wrestler, a hero. In the death scene, the agony you saw on screen was real because of the way he held me so tightly that the pain became natural acting.”

Also read: Arun Khetarpal’s brother breaks down after watching Ikkis, also praises Agastya, “You will be Arun for life”

Joining Amitabh on stage was Ikkis director Sriram Raghavan, who expressed gratitude for having worked with Dharmendra on his final project, calling him “extraordinarily good at it.” Fellow cast member Jaideep Ahlawat echoed the sentiment, remembering Dharmendra as more family than a superstar on set.