PANAJI: A formal tribute will be paid to late actor Dharmendra at the closing ceremony of the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Panaji, festival organisers confirmed today.
The legendary actor, whose career spanned over 300 films across six decades, passed away on Monday at 89, was also honoured with a minute’s silence during the Film Bazaar closing ceremony.
While the 4K-restored screening of Sholay, originally scheduled for November 26, was cancelled due to technical reasons, the festival continues to celebrate the film’s 50th anniversary. Filmmaker Ramesh Sippy will host a session on November 27 titled ‘50 Years of Sholay: Why It Still Resonates?’, expected to draw large audiences.
Among IFFI’s highlights is the iconic Sholay motorcycle, the vintage BSA WM20, displayed at INOX. The bike, featured in the memorable “Yeh Dosti” sequence filmed over 21 days, has become a quiet tribute to Dharmendra. Prakash Magdum, Managing Director of the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), said, “Visitors can’t help but recall the iconic song and his unforgettable presence when they see it.”
