The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will pay a special tribute to veteran actor Dharmendra during its closing ceremony, the organisers confirmed on Wednesday. However, the much-awaited 4K restoration screening of Sholay, originally planned as part of the tribute, has been cancelled.
According to PTI, the cancellation comes after technical and scheduling challenges, but the festival will continue to honour Dharmendra’s immense contribution to Indian cinema through a dedicated segment on the final day.
A Tribute to a Legend: Dharmendra
Dharmendra—fondly known as the “He-Man of Bollywood”—has delivered some of the most iconic performances in Indian film history.
The tribute will feature:
A curated showcase of his career highlights
Archival footage and interviews
Tributes from filmmakers and actors
A special segment honouring his legacy
IFFI organisers said this recognition was long overdue given his six-decade-long contribution to cinema.
Why Was the 4K 'Sholay' Screening Cancelled?
The screening of the 4K restored version of Sholay, arguably Dharmendra’s most iconic film, was cancelled due to:
✔ Technical scheduling issues
The print could not be made available in time for the festival’s closing schedule.
✔ Logistical constraints
Last-minute adjustments to the festival’s screening lineup left no slot for a full-length screening.
✔ Festival time constraints
Closing ceremony events and awards presentations took priority.
The organisers expressed regret but assured audiences that the tribute segment will remain impactful.
‘Sholay’: A Film That Defined Generations
Even after nearly 50 years, Sholay remains one of India’s most beloved films.
The 4K version was expected to:
Present restored visuals and audio
Appeal to both nostalgic fans and newer audiences
Celebrate the ensemble cast including Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Sanjeev Kumar, and Amjad Khan
The cancellation has disappointed fans, but interest remains high for a future screening.
What to Expect at IFFI’s Closing Ceremony
The closing ceremony will feature:
Awards for competition categories
Performances by leading artists
A dedicated Dharmendra tribute
A visual journey through his iconic roles
The event will celebrate both Indian and global cinema while honouring one of Bollywood’s biggest legends.
FAQs
1. Why did IFFI cancel the Sholay 4K screening?
Due to technical and scheduling issues.
2. Will Dharmendra attend the ceremony?
IFFI has not officially confirmed, but tributes will feature his archived appearances.
3. What will the tribute include?
Career highlights, video segments, and industry tributes.
4. Will Sholay 4K be screened later?
Possibly, depending on availability and scheduling.
5. When is the closing ceremony?
On the final day of IFFI 2025 (date as per festival schedule).
Published on : 26th November
Published by : SMITA
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Source Credit: Content inspired by PTI reporting