The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa will honor the legendary actor Dharmendra at its closing ceremony this week. The beloved star, who sadly passed away at the age of 89, was remembered with a moment of silence during the closing of the Film Bazaar segment, according to festival officials.
Prakash Magdum, Managing Director of NFDC, shared that a special tribute will be part of the main closing event, referring to Dharmendra as an “iconic legend” whose impact on Indian cinema is felt by audiences of all ages. While a planned 4K screening of his classic film Sholay on November 26 has been canceled due to “technical reasons,” IFFI will still celebrate the film’s legacy with a session titled “50 Years of Sholay: Why Sholay Still Resonates?” featuring director Ramesh Sippy, which will take place on November 27.
Additionally, a famous motorcycle with sidecar, used in the memorable song “Yeh Dosti” from Sholay, has been displayed at the INOX theatre in Panjim since the festival began. This motorcycle, originally a military model from the late 1930s, has become a heartfelt tribute to Dharmendra. Visitors are reminded of his charisma and camaraderie each time they see the bike, alongside notes about the song’s filming, which took 21 days to complete.
The festival is ensuring that Dharmendra’s legacy remains alive in the hearts of his fans and the film community.
