'Spent unforgettable time': Agastya on working with Dharmendra in 'Ikkis'
What's the story
Agastya Nanda recently opened up about his experience working with the late actor Dharmendra in the upcoming war-drama Ikkis. Speaking to India Today, he described how Dharmendra's presence on set was a constant source of inspiration and learning for him. "We didn't have many scenes together, but the time we did spend was unforgettable," Nanda said. The film is directed by Sriram Raghavan.
First encounter
Nanda's initial nervousness and Dharmendra's friendly demeanor
Nanda confessed to being nervous about his first interaction with Dharmendra, unsure of how to behave around a legend. However, he was pleasantly surprised by the veteran actor's friendly demeanor. "He never made you feel like he was a senior. He spoke to you like a friend," Nanda said. He described Dharmendra as warm, relaxed, and surprisingly energetic on set. "He was always there, always involved," Nanda said. "That kind of love for the craft stays with you."
Emotional impact
Nanda's favorite part of 'Ikkis' is Dharmendra
Nanda also spoke about the emotional weight of watching Ikkis now, knowing that Dharmendra did not live to see the final cut. "It feels unfortunate," he said. "He couldn't see the performance he gave. It's so endearing. Dharam Ji is my favorite part of the film." The final trailer for Ikkis was released on December 19, 2025, and the movie features Jaideep Ahlawat in a pivotal role alongside Nanda and Dharmendra. It will release on January 1, 2026.