Mumbai: Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan was visibly emotional on the sets of Kaun Banega Crorepati as the show opened with a heartfelt tribute to the late Dharmendra, fondly known as cinema’s beloved ‘He-Man’.

Amitabh, voice trembling with emotion, recalled his lifelong friend and inspiration. “The film Ikkis is the last precious memento for us, which was left behind for millions of people. An artist wants to practise art till the last breath of his life, and this is exactly what my friend, my family, and my idol, Mr Dharmendra Deol, did,” he said.

His voice softened further as he reflected on Dharmendra’s enduring presence:

“Mr Dharam was not just a person. He was feeling, and a feeling never lets you go. It becomes a memory, a blessing that keeps you going.”

Amitabh also shared a touching memory from their iconic film Sholay:

“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 turned into natural acting.”

This anecdote highlighted Dharmendra not only as a screen legend but also as a deeply instinctive artist who inspired everyone around him.

Director Sriram Raghavan, who appeared on KBC to promote Dharmendra’s final film Ikkis, said:

“I am very blessed that he is working in my last film and that his last film is something he is extraordinarily good at.”

Actor Jaideep Ahlawat, also part of Ikkis, shared his personal experience:

“I was lucky to have most of my scenes with him. On set, it never felt like a superstar was sitting with us; he felt like family.”

Even after 50 years of its release, the characters of Jai and Veeru from Sholay, played by Dharmendra and Amitabh, remain iconic. Their bond extended off-screen, making them one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated duos. IANS