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IFFI 2025 to honour Dharmendra at closing ceremony after veteran actor’s demise; 4K Sholay screening cancelled

The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa will pay a special tribute to legendary actor Dharmendra at its closing ceremony later this week. The veteran star, who passed away on Monday morning at his suburban Mumbai residence at the age of 89, was fondly remembered with a minute’s silence during the closing of the Film Bazaar segment of the festival, officials said. Prakash Magdum, Managing Director of NFDC, confirmed that a dedicated homage will be part of the main closing ceremony, calling Dharmendra a “beloved legend” whose contribution to Indian cinema continues to resonate with audiences across generations. As part of the festival’s programming, a restored 4K screening of Dharmendra’s cult classic Sholay, scheduled for November 26, has been cancelled due to what organisers cited as “technical reasons”. However, IFFI will still celebrate the film’s enduring legacy through a special session titled “50 Years of Sholay: Why Sholay Still Resonates?” to be held on November 27, featuring the film’s director Ramesh Sippy. Additionally, the iconic motorcycle with sidecar from Sholay, on which Dharmendra and Amitabh Bachchan shot the unforgettable song Yeh Dosti, has been displayed in a glass enclosure at the INOX theatre in Panjim since the start of the festival, and has now organically turned into a tribute to the late star. The bike, a BSA WM20 originally designed as a military motorcycle for Britain’s war efforts starting in 1937, has drawn visitors who are reminded of Dharmendra’s on-screen camaraderie and charm every time they see it. Information displayed alongside the vehicle notes that the five-minute ‘Yeh Dosti’ song sequence took 21 days to film. Also Read: “Dharmendra has done a wonderful job in Ikkis,” says Sriram Raghavan: “I knew he was tired, but he would say, ‘Ok, let’s do it’”.

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Hema Malini slams ‘unforgivable’ death rumours about Dharmendra; Esha Deol confirms he is stable and recovering

The Deol family was forced to intervene on Tuesday morning after a wave of false reports claiming that veteran star Dharmendra had passed away spread rapidly across social media and certain digital platforms. The rumours, which surfaced shortly after the news broke of the actor being hospitalised for age-related ailments, triggered widespread confusion among fans and prompted an outpouring of concern. Dharmendra, who was admitted for routine monitoring a few days ago, has been under medical care but remains stable and on the road to recovery, according to his family. Despite his children already keeping followers updated on his progress, misinformation continued to circulate, causing distress to both fans and the actor’s loved ones. Deeply upset by the insensitivity, Hema Malini took to social media to issue a firm statement condemning the false reports. Calling the situation “unforgivable,” the actress and parliamentarian expressed shock at how “responsible channels” could circulate such baseless news. She emphasised that Dharmendra is “responding to treatment and recovering,” and criticised the spread of rumours as “extremely disrespectful and irresponsible.” She further urged media outlets and social media users to allow the family space during this time, stressing the importance of respecting their need for privacy. What is happening is unforgivable! How can responsible channels spread false news about a person who is responding to treatment and is recovering? This is being extremely disrespectful and irresponsible. Please give due respect to the family and its need for privacy. Hema Malini (@dreamgirlhema) November 11, 2025Esha Deol, too, voiced her frustration with the situation, calling out the media’s haste in spreading unverified information. She reassured fans that her father is stable and recovering, adding that the family remains grateful for the prayers and well-wishes pouring in. Her message was clear: the Deols do not seek public speculation, only privacy and sensitivity from those reporting on the actor’s health. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ESHA DEOL (@imeshadeol)The rumours began circulating after reports emerged on Monday about Dharmendra being admitted to the hospital once again, which was quickly amplified online. By Tuesday, the misinformation had escalated to the point of falsely declaring the actor dead, compelling the family to step in and clarify the truth. Dharmendra, a beloved figure in Indian cinema with a career spanning over six decades, continues to receive strong support from fans who have flooded social media with messages of love and prayers for his speedy recovery. With his family assuring that he is stable, they hope the public will rely on verified updates moving forward and refrain from sharing misleading content. Also Read: Dharmendra health update: Veteran actor is stable, confirms family; dismisses ventilator rumours.

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Dharmendra hospitalised after breathlessness; condition stable at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital

Bollywood legend Dharmendra, fondly known as the ‘OG He-Man,’ has been admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital after complaining of breathlessness. The news sparked immediate concern among his millions of fans and the wider film fraternity. The 89-year-old veteran actor is currently under observation in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), but latest updates from the hospital indicate his condition is stable. Journalist Vickey Lalwani shared an update on social media after reportedly contacting the hospital, providing reassuring details directly from a staff member.“Dharmendra came in complaining of breathlessness. He is in the ICU and he is sleeping now. Nothing to worry, I asked? No, right now nothing to worry. He is stable. His parameters are okay-the heart rate is 70, the blood pressure is 140 by 80. His urine output is also good,” he stated in a social media post. While initial reports had suggested the visit was for a routine check-up, the hospital’s confirmation that the actor was admitted due to difficulty in breathing has clarified the severity of the episode. Doctors are closely monitoring the nonagenarian star, and his sons, actors Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, are said to be by his side. Despite his age-related health concerns, Dharmendra has remained remarkably active. He last appeared in the film Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya and is slated to star in the war drama Ikkis, directed by Sriram Raghavan. Also Read: Bobby Deol opens up on his father Dharmendra’s emotional praise for his acting evolution: “Now you understand yourself as an actor, now you know your capabilities”.

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