Pind Apne Nu Jaanwa: Dharmendra's last poem in Ikkis becomes his heartfelt goodbye
Dharmendra's final film, Ikkis, is now a tribute after his death. A video of him narrating a Punjabi poem, Pind Apne Nu Jaanwa, was released. The film, about a 1971 war hero, releases Dec 25, 2025.
Last Updated: 03.56 PM, Nov 28, 2025
The Sriram Raghavan-directed war drama Ikkis, which is Dharmendra's last film before his death on November 24, 2025, has become an extremely meaningful one. The film's producers just released a poignant video featuring the renowned actor's narration of a Punjabi poem titled Pind Apne Nu Jaanwa ("I feel like going to my village"). The poem serves a dual purpose as a parting gift from the Bollywood legend and an integral part of the next film's emotional heart.
Dharmendra's reflective poem on roots
With Dharmendra's long-recognised connection to his roots, the poem, now seen as a sorrowful departure, resonates deeply. "Aj bhi ji karda hai, pind apne nu jaanwa" (Today, I still feel like going to my village) captures the actor's longing and nostalgia, reflective of his reputation as a "son of the soil" during his six-decade-long career.
This video montage was shared shortly after the 89-year-old star passed away. It features shots from the film, such as a solitary car on a rural road, a farmer operating a tractor, a family reunion with Dharmendra, a hand touching the ground, and an embrace, intercut with his narration of the verse. The video also features the late actor Asrani, who passed away on October 20, 2025. The makers' notes, which accompanied the poem, emphasised its double nature, describing it as a "yearning; a tribute from one legend to another."
Poem's intimate theme contrasts star status
In this verse, the simple pleasures of life are praised: the pleasant water of the five rivers of Punjab, playing the village game of Kabaddi, bathing buffaloes in the pond, and gathering fodder from the fields with a sickle. Considering the context of its release, the poem's climax—an impassioned plea to his mother and a refusal to let go of the memory of her embrace—is all the more poignant. This last, very intimate literary contribution contrasts Dharmendra's enormous star status in Mumbai with the genuine bond he kept with his ancestral village of Nasrali in Punjab.
Based on the historical story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, who was killed at the age of 21 during the 1971 Indo-Pak war, Ikkis tells the tale of the youngest recipient of India's highest military decoration, the Param Vir Chakra. In his final film appearance, Dharmendra plays the soldier's father, Brigadier M. L. Khetarpal.
Film campaign shifts
From being just a film announcement to more of a tribute, the film's promotional campaign has transformed since Dharmendra's death, which featured the release of his character poster. "Fathers raise sons. Legends raise nations," the creators remarked in their homage, and it superbly captures the meaning of his last act, in which he portrays the bravery of a heartbroken military father who is both proud and sorrowful.
The film, set for a global theatrical release on December 25, 2025, stars Jaideep Ahlawat and Agastya Nanda. With the added weight of being Dharmendra's last gift to his countless fans, Ikkis promises a performance grounded in the profound, potent emotions that characterise his lasting impact.
FAQs:
What is Dharmendra's final film?
Dharmendra's final film outing is the Sriram Raghavan-directed war drama Ikkis. He completed the film before his passing on November 24, 2025, and it is scheduled for release on December 25, 2025.
Who does Dharmendra play in the film Ikkis?
In Ikkis, Dharmendra plays the role of Brigadier M. L. Khetarpal, the father of the central character, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, who was martyred during the 1971 Indo-Pak war.
When is Dharmendra's last film Ikkis scheduled to be released?
The film Ikkis, starring Dharmendra, Agastya Nanda, and Jaideep Ahlawat, is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on December 25, 2025.