IFFI 2025 to Honour Dharmendra; 4K Screening of 'Sholay' Called Off
IFFI ends its 2025 edition with a tribute to the legendary actor, even as technical hurdles force the withdrawal of its restored Sholay showcase.
The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Panaji is preparing a heartfelt tribute to Dharmendra, whose passing earlier this week has cast a reflective shadow over the festival’s final days. The veteran actor died on Monday in Mumbai at the age of 89, prompting an outpour of grief from the film fraternity and compelling the festival to recalibrate parts of its programming.
One of the most anticipated events, which was a 4K-restored screening of Sholay scheduled for November 26 has been cancelled. Organisers cited technical issues, though the film’s absence now sits heavily against the backdrop of Dharmendra’s death. At the Film Bazaar closing ceremony, a minute’s silence was held as a mark of respect, and officials have since confirmed a formal homage during IFFI’s closing night.
“We will be paying tribute to the beloved legend during the festival’s closing,” said Prakash Magdum, Managing Director of the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC). He noted that the festival has already been witnessing a wave of emotional visitors following the news of the actor’s death.
Despite the cancelled screening, Sholay remains central to this year’s programming. On November 27, director Ramesh Sippy will lead a special session titled '50 Years of Sholay: Why It Still Resonates?'
One of IFFI’s busiest exhibits is the vintage BSA WM20 motorcycle used in the iconic 'Yeh Dosti' sequence. Displayed in a glass enclosure at the INOX complex in Panjim, the bike was originally showcased to celebrate the film’s 50th anniversary. Over the past two days, however, it has transformed into an unplanned memorial. Festival-goers have been gathering around it, recalling Dharmendra’s charm, the film’s camaraderie, and the nowlegendary song that reportedly took nearly three weeks to shoot.
Magdum noted that the motorcycle “has become a tribute to Dharam ji now,” capturing the mood of a festival that finds itself celebrating cinema while mourning one of its most enduring stars.