Kaun Banega Crorepati 17: Amitabh Bachchan Breaks Down Remembering Dharmendra: “He Was Not Just a Person..."

The sets of Kaun Banega Crorepati fell into an unspoken silence as the episode opened with a heartfelt tribute to cinema's beloved He-Man, Dharmendra. What followed was not just remembrance-but a moment of collective mourning, gratitude, and love, led by an emotional Amitabh Bachchan, whose voice trembled as he spoke about his friend, family, and lifelong inspiration.

Remembering the icon and reflecting on his final cinematic offering, Ikkis, Amitabh Bachchan shared, "Film Ikkis is the last precious memento for us, which was left behind for millions of people. An artist wants to practice art till the last breath of his life, and this is exactly what my friend, my family, my idol, Mr. Dharmendra Deol did." His voice softened as he added, "Mr. Dharam was not just a person. He was feeling, and a feeling never lets you go. It becomes a memory, a blessing that keeps you going."

Adding to the tribute, director Sriram Raghavan said, "I am very blessed that he is working in my last film, and that his last film is something he is extraordinarily good at." Actor Jaideep Ahlawat echoed the sentiment, sharing, "I was lucky to have most of my scenes with him. On set, it never felt like a superstar was sitting with us - he felt like family."

The megastar then recalled a poignant memory from Sholay, saying, "We were shooting in Bangalore. He had what I call a physical quality - he was a wrestler, a hero. In the death scene, the agony you saw on screen was real because of the way he held me so tightly that the pain turned into natural acting." The anecdote revealed Dharmendra not just as a screen legend but as a deeply instinctive artist who elevated everyone around him.

The tribute turned the KBC stage into a space of quiet reverence-honouring a man whose legacy transcends cinema. As Amitabh Bachchan remembered his dear friend through tears, it became clear: legends may leave the screen, but feelings like Dharmendra never fade.

Catch Kaun Banega Crorepati this Friday at 9:00 PM, only on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV