IFFI 2025: Emotional Tribute Planned for Dharmendra at Closing Ceremony; Prayer Meet Likely This Week

IFFI 2025:
IFFI’s closing ceremony will feature a special tribute to late actor Dharmendra, including a dedicated video presentation, speeches by dignitaries and a condolence segment. A separate prayer meeting in Mumbai is also likely to be organised later this week.

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The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), currently being held in Goa, is preparing to give an emotional farewell to legendary actor Dharmendra, who passed away on Monday morning at his Mumbai residence. According to festival officials, a special tribute segment has been added to the closing ceremony scheduled for this weekend.

Earlier, during the ‘Film Bazaar’ segment of the festival, a one-minute silence was observed to pay respects to the late icon. Following this, organisers decided to honour Dharmendra—popularly known as Bollywood’s “He-Man”—with a more elaborate tribute during the festival finale.

What Will Happen at the Tribute Segment?

Sources reveal that the closing ceremony will include:

• A video montage celebrating Dharmendra’s six-decade career

• Remembering iconic films like Sholay, Chupke Chupke, Satyakam, Phool Aur Patthar

• Tributes and speeches by distinguished film personalities

• A collective prayer for peace to his departed soul

This segment is expected to be one of the key highlights of the closing event.

Sholay 4K Screening Cancelled

Dharmendra and Amitabh Bachchan’s evergreen blockbuster Sholay was scheduled for a special 4K screening at IFFI.
However, reports state that the screening has been cancelled due to technical issues from the makers’ side.

The fully restored 4K version of Sholay is still set for its theatrical re-release on 12 December 2025.
Filmmaker Ramesh Sippy and actress Hema Malini were expected to attend the screening, but with Dharmendra’s sudden demise, plans may further change.

Bollywood Visits Deol Residence

Following Dharmendra’s passing, several industry members visited the Deol family in Mumbai to offer condolences.

Celebrities spotted included:

• Rani Mukerji

• Kriti Sanon

• Jeetendra

• Ameesha Patel

• Ahaan Panday with his father

A prayer meeting for Dharmendra is reportedly being planned this week, though the venue has not yet been disclosed.