The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa will honour the late Dharmendra at its closing ceremony later this week. The veteran actor, who passed away on Monday morning at his Mumbai home at the age of 89, was already remembered with a minute’s silence during the Film Bazaar segment, festival officials said.
Tribute at the closing ceremony
Prakash Magdum, Managing Director of NFDC, confirmed that a dedicated homage to Dharmendra will be part of IFFI’s main closing event. Magdum described him as a “beloved legend” whose work still connects with audiences across generations.
Sholay plans change, but legacy remains
A planned restored 4K screening of Dharmendra’s cult classic Sholay on November 26 has been cancelled citing “technical reasons.” Organisers, however, will continue to celebrate the film’s impact with a special session titled “50 Years of Sholay: Why Sholay Still Resonates?” on November 27, featuring director Ramesh Sippy.
The bike that became an impromptu shrine
The iconic BSA WM20 motorcycle with sidecar, famous from the song Yeh Dosti, has been on display in a glass enclosure at the INOX theatre in Panjim since the festival began. What started as a film artefact has turned into an organic tribute, with visitors stopping to remember Dharmendra’s on-screen charm and his chemistry with Amitabh Bachchan.
Fun detail on display: the five-minute Yeh Dosti sequence took 21 days to film.
What to expect at IFFI this week
- A minute of silence and an on-stage homage at the closing ceremony.
- Discussion with Ramesh Sippy on why Sholay endures.
- Continued display of the motorcycle that evokes Dharmendra’s memorable moments.
Even without the 4K screening, Goa’s IFFI will keep Dharmendra’s spirit alive through conversation, memories and the tangible reminders of a screen legend whose films remain part of India’s cinematic DNA.
