Bollywood Hungama

Sanjeeda Shaikh recalls Sunny Deol returning to Ikka shoot days after Dharmendra's death: I would say kya professionalism hai

Sanjeeda Shaikh has reflected on Sunny Deol's commitment towards his work, recalling how the actor resumed shooting for Ikka shortly after the death of his father, veteran actor Dharmendra, in November 2025. Dharmendra passed away at the age of 89 following age-related health issues, leaving the Deol family in mourning. In a recent conversation with Hindustan Times, Sanjeeda shared her experience of working with Sunny during the film's final schedule and spoke about the dedication he displayed despite going through a deeply personal loss. Recalling the time, she said, I remember Sunny sir coming for the shoot. Dharam sir had just passed. And I would say kya professionalism hai yaar! Iss level pe aa ke toh bol bhi sakte hain na ki Yaar ek hafta, das din shoot band rakho, main nahin aata aaj set par kyunki I don't feel like shooting.' (At his level, he could have said, Please keep the shoot closed for a week or ten days, I'm not coming to the set today because I don't feel like shooting.) She further added, But no, that man used to come to the set, do his work, and leave. Toh bahut kuch seekhne ko milta hai (I learnt a lot from him). Directed by Siddharth P. Malhotra, Ikka premiered on Netflix in July. The film featured Sunny Deol as Arjun Mehra alongside Akshaye Khanna, Dia Mirza, Tillotama Shome and Sanjeeda Shaikh in key roles. Sunny Deol is now gearing up for the release of Batwara 1947, a period drama directed by Rajkumar Santoshi. Set during the Partition of India, the film explores themes of pain, separation and human resilience. Backed by Aamir Khan Productions, the project also stars Preity Zinta, Shabana Azmi, Karan Deol and Ali Fazal. The film is slated to release in theatres on August 14. Also Read : Arshad Warsi starrer Jeevan Bheema Yojana to release on August 28