Tag: Sholay

Events in Goa, IFFI 2025

IFFI 2025 Pays Heartfelt Tribute to Legendary Actor Shri Dharmendra“He was an iconic actor and an exceptional human being,” says filmmaker Rahul Rawail

allycaralgoa

#IFFIWood, 25 November 2025 : The Indian film fraternity continues to mourn the loss of one of its most cherished legends—Shri Dharmendra, who passed away on September 24, 2025. On Day 6 of the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), the festival hosted an emotional and dignified tribute to the beloved actor, celebrating his unmatched legacy and decades-long contribution to Indian cinema.

Noted filmmaker Rahul Rawail, who shared a deep professional and personal bond with Dharmendra, delivered a heartfelt remembrance that resonated with the audience. He began by acknowledging the profound grief enveloping the nation, urging everyone to celebrate the extraordinary life of the man fondly known as Dharam Ji.

Rawail revisited his experience as Assistant Director in Raj Kapoor’s Mera Naam Joker, recalling Dharmendra’s unforgettable portrayal of trapeze artist Mahendra Kumar. With awe, he shared how the actor would travel daily from Mumbai to Delhi to shoot till dawn and return to continue filming Aadmi Aur Insaan.
“This dedication was beyond imagination,” Rawail said. “He never missed a day.”

A Father, Mentor, and Eternal Superstar

Speaking of Betaab (1983), which launched Dharmendra’s son Sunny Deol, Rawail recalled the massive crowds that gathered in Kashmir just to see Dharmendra—even though he wasn’t acting in the film. After its release, Dharmendra watched the film at Gaiety Cinema every day for several days, each time with the enthusiasm of a first-time viewer.
“He had that childlike excitement,” Rawail recounted warmly.

He also shared a moving story of a Delhi police officer who once longed to meet Dharmendra and touch his feet. When the officer heard of the actor’s passing, he broke down, expressing his desire to meet Sunny Deol to offer condolences.
“This is the power of Dharam Ji,” Rawail emphasized with emotion.

A Legacy Etched in Indian Cinema

Calling him a “father figure,” Rawail spoke of Dharmendra’s kindness, humility, mentorship, and unwavering support.
“We’ve lost a great human being,” he concluded. “We were fortunate to have lived in times when icons like Dharmendra Ji were working.”

IFFI 2025’s tribute was a poignant reminder of the actor’s towering presence—an artist who brought joy to millions, a gentleman of warmth, and a star whose legacy will forever illuminate Indian cinema.

Films

Sholay’s Enduring Appeal Lies in Navarasa Tradition, Says Screenwriter Anjum Rajabali

Tanisha Cardozo

According to screenwriter and cinema theorist Anjum Rajabali, the reason why Sholay continues to captivate Indian audiences across generations lies in its emotional architecture rooted in the navarasa tradition of Indian aesthetics. Speaking at the Museum of Goa in Pilerne during a recent MOG Sunday session celebrating 50 years of Sholay, Rajabali explained that the film’s lasting appeal cannot be attributed only to its stars, dramatic dialogue, or iconic action sequences. Instead, it’s the way the film embodies the nine rasas — love, laughter, sorrow, anger, courage, fear, disgust, wonder, and peace — that makes it emotionally complete. He described how the film’s emotional balance creates a connection with audiences that transcends time and familiarity.

Rajabali illustrated this through scenes such as Jai’s ultimate sacrifice, which embodies heroism, grief, and loyalty simultaneously. He pointed out that comedy in Sholay does not function as a break from tension but as an emotional counterbalance, seen through characters like Basanti and Soorma Bhopali. The laughter, he said, arises naturally from personality and circumstance rather than being forced. Discussing casting choices, he recalled how Amjad Khan’s portrayal of Gabbar Singh was designed to evoke terror and disgust subtly, with “dead eyes” that communicated menace without theatricality.

Rajabali emphasized that rasa is not an intellectual framework but an instinctive experience that audiences feel. Even without understanding the theory, viewers connect emotionally because the film operates through these timeless human essences. He believes that removing even one rasa would have weakened the story’s emotional harmony. Reflecting on modern cinema, he suggested that while some rasas like peace are underexplored today, Sholay achieved a rare equilibrium — a blend of drama, humour, tragedy, and tranquility — that continues to make it one of India’s most enduring films.