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Bobby Deol Voices Dharmendra’s Younger Self in Ikkis
As Bollywood gears up for the release of Ikkis on January 1, 2026, one of the standout stories surrounding the film isn’t just its compelling narrative, but the deeply personal and emotional contribution from Bobby Deol — who has dubbed dialogue for his late father, veteran actor Dharmendra, to portray the younger on-screen voice of his character. This creative decision has captured both industry and audience attention, adding a layer of legacy and emotion to what is already being billed as one of the most poignant films of the year.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sriram Raghavan, Ikkis is a war biopic that tells the heroic real-life story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of India’s highest military honour, the Param Vir Chakra, for his bravery during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war. In portraying the older generation of characters — including Arun’s father, Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal — the film includes the final on-screen performance of Dharmendra, who passed away in November 2025.
However, because the story spans decades, the filmmakers needed to represent a younger version of Dharmendra’s character in certain scenes. In a rare and personal gesture, Bobby Deol stepped in to dub select dialogue for that younger voice, lending authenticity and emotional resonance to the portrayal.
Legacy Meets Authenticity: The Creative Decision Behind the Voice Work
Having Bobby lend his voice isn’t just a technical choice — it represents a powerful link between generations of the Deol family in Bollywood. Known for his versatile career in Hindi cinema, Bobby is Dharmendra’s son and has his own significant body of work, including major roles in films like Barsaat and Animal. But this role in Ikkis goes beyond performance — it’s about honouring his father’s legacy in a way few actors experience.
This creative decision has also been formally acknowledged by the producers: Bobby receives a “Special Thanks” credit in Ikkis for his contribution to the voice work, reflecting the deep emotional significance of his involvement.
Audiences and critics alike have remarked that Bobby’s voice work adds a layer of emotional depth and continuity to the film, helping bridge the transition between the character’s past and present in a more intimate and impactful way.
A Life Full Circle: From Dharam Veer to Ikkis
Interestingly, this moment in Ikkis resonates with an earlier milestone in Bobby’s life and career. In 1977, as a child actor, he made his film debut in the classic Dharam Veer, playing the young version of Dharmendra’s character — a role that was deeply formative for him. Nearly fifty years later, Bobby revisits a similar thematic space by voicing his father’s on-screen younger self, creating a poetic full-circle journey in his cinematic legacy.
This blend of personal history and professional tribute enriches the narrative of Ikkis, making Bobby’s involvement not just noteworthy, but symbolically powerful.
Emotional Response at the Premiere and Behind the Scenes
Leading up to the film’s official release, Ikkis has already garnered significant attention at advance screenings. Bollywood stars and industry peers have shared emotional reactions. At a recent preview in Mumbai, Salman Khan was seen visibly moved as he paused by a poster of Dharmendra, while other stalwarts like Rekha and several cast members paid their respects to the late actor’s legacy.
Adding to this emotional backdrop, Bobby Deol has also paid heartfelt tribute to his father at events related to Ikkis. In a touching moment at one such screening, he chose to wear one of Dharmendra’s iconic shirts — a gesture widely shared and celebrated on social media as a testament to their enduring bond.
These moments reflect how deeply intertwined Dharmendra’s legacy is with the film’s emotional fabric — not just as an actor in his final performance, but as a father and cinematic icon whose influence resonates across generations.
What Ikkis Means to Audiences and the Industry
Ikkis isn’t just another historical drama; it’s viewed as a tribute to courage, sacrifice, and familial legacy. With its release poised at the beginning of 2026, the film combines national pride with personal story arcs, blending the narrative of a war hero with reflections on family, loss, and remembrance.
Critics who have previewed the film early have highlighted its emotional depth, sincerity, and understated storytelling, noting that the film balances its historical and personal elements with grace. Bobby’s voice work has been singled out as one of those subtle details that elevate the narrative — making the audience feel even closer to the characters and their journeys.
The anticipation surrounding Ikkis is further fueled by its cast. The film stars Agastya Nanda, grandson of Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan, in the lead role — marking another notable debut in a story steeped in legacy and historical significance.
A Tribute That Transcends Screens
Bobby Deol’s decision to lend his voice for his late father in Ikkis is more than just cinematic technique — it’s a tribute steeped in love, history, and generational connection. Through this heartfelt contribution, Bobby not only honours Dharmendra’s memory but also brings audiences closer to the emotional core of the film.
As Ikkis prepares for its theatrical release, this story of legacy and familial tribute adds a rich, human dimension to what promises to be one of Bollywood’s most talked-about films of the year.
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