IFFI 2025: Dharmendra to be honoured at Goa fest but 4K Sholay screening cancelled

The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Panaji is set to honour late actor Dharmendra, who died on Monday in Mumbai at the age of 89. His death has prompted emotional tributes and programme changes, including the cancellation of the 4K-restored screening of Sholay, which was slated for November 26.

Festival organisers cited technical reasons for pulling the screening, but Dharmendra’s presence continues to shape the mood at IFFI. A minute’s silence was observed during the Film Bazaar closing ceremony, and further tributes are being planned as the festival enters its final stretch.

Prakash Magdum, Managing Director of the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), confirmed a formal homage at the closing ceremony. “We will also be paying tribute to the beloved legend during the festival’s closing,” he told PTI.

Meanwhile, the festival is continuing its celebration of Sholay’s milestone year. On November 27, filmmaker Ramesh Sippy will host a session titled ’50 Years of Sholay: Why It Still Resonates?’, expected to draw heavy attendance.

Among IFFI’s most-viewed exhibits is the iconic motorcycle from Sholay, displayed at INOX as part of the anniversary showcase. The vintage BSA WM20, now a quiet tribute, evokes Dharmendra’s unforgettable “Yeh Dosti” sequence, a moment of cinema that reportedly took 21 days to film.

Magdum said, “The motorcycle displayed on the festival premises was introduced as a special attraction this year to mark the celebration for 50 years of ‘Sholay’. But it has also become a tribute to Dharmendra ji now, as visitors can’t help but recall the iconic song ‘Yeh Dosti’ and his unforgettable presence when they see it.”

Dharmendra worked in over 300 films in his 60-year-long career.