Agastya Nanda on working with Dharmendra in Twenty One: He was always involved
Agastya Nanda shares his experience of working with late actor Dharmendra in the upcoming war-drama ‘Ikkis’ (2026). The actor spoke to India Today about sharing screen-space with Dharmendra.
Sriram Raghavan’s twenty-one Is Dharmendra seen on screen for the last time? The legendary actor passed away in November this year. To honor his legacy, director Sriram Raghavan confirmed that after Dharmendra’s demise, a photograph and a simple line have been included in the film. He talked about him during an informal media interaction in Mumbai.
Dharmendra’s presence twenty-one This extends well beyond their screen time. For a film based on history, duty and sacrifice, his performance becomes an emotional anchor, carrying the warmth and vivacity that has defined his decades-long career. Raghavan describes it as a natural extension of man himself – intuitive, grounded and deeply human.
For Agastya Nanda, this connection is particularly poignant. Ikkis marked one of his earliest experiences of working with a major personality of Indian cinema, and the memories remain etched in him. Agastya shared, “We didn’t have many scenes together, but the time we spent was unforgettable.” Nervous about their first conversation, she recalled that she didn’t know how to behave with a veteran, but later learned that Dharmendra instantly hit it off. He described himself as warm, spontaneous and surprisingly energetic on the set, saying, “He never made you feel like he was a superior. He talked to you like a friend.”
What impressed Agastya the most was Dharmendra’s constant presence. Unlike the veterans, who retreat to their van in between takes, Dharam ji remained engaged, present and curious, watching the process. “He was always there, always involved,” Agastya said. “That kind of love for the craft stays with you,” the actor insists.
Watching twenty-one However, now comes with pain. Dharmendra did not live to see the final cut of the film, a fact that casts his performance in a softer, more emotional light. “It seems unfortunate,” Agastya admitted. “Couldn’t see the performance he gave. It’s so lovely. Dharam ji is my favorite part of the film.”
The final trailer of the film was released on December 19, 2025, which showed Dharmendra’s character talking about how Arun, played by Agastya, will always remain 21 years old.
twenty-one Jaideep Ahlawat is also in an important role in this. The film is set for theatrical release on January 1, 2026.
