The film Ikka, directed by Siddharth P. Malhotra and recently premiered on Netflix, has been receiving steady appreciation from audiences. Featuring Sunny Deol alongside actress Sanjeeda Sheikh in key roles, the project has garnered attention for its performances. Following its digital release, Sanjeeda Sheikh shared her experience of working with veteran actor Sunny Deol, opening up about his remarkable professionalism and how he maintained his work schedule even during a period of profound personal loss.
Sunny Deol's Professional Commitment and Discipline on Set
Reflecting on the filming of Ikka, Sanjeeda Sheikh highlighted that working beside a seasoned performer like Sunny Deol offered her invaluable insights into acting nuances and sustaining a long career in the film industry. She observed that his dedication on set set a benchmark for everyone involved in the project.
Sanjeeda revealed that when Sunny Deol's father, the legendary actor Dharmendra, passed away, the final shooting schedule of Ikka was underway. Despite the grief, Sunny Deol chose not to halt the production. Dharmendra passed away on 24 November 2025, just before his 90th birthday, after dealing with age-related health issues and heart disease that required prolonged hospitalization under expert medical care.
Lessons in Professionalism and Staying Grounded
Sunny Deol's decision to return to the set immediately after his father's passing left a strong impression on Sanjeeda Sheikh. Recalling the moment, Sanjeeda Sheikh remarked, "I remember Sunny Sir reached the set for shooting right after Dharmendra Sir passed away." She pointed out that given his stature in Indian cinema, Sunny Deol could easily have requested a pause in shooting for a week or ten days. Instead, he arrived on time, completed his scheduled work, and departed without causing delays, providing a masterclass in professional discipline.
Working Alongside Industry Stalwarts
Sanjeeda Sheikh also noted her experience collaborating with senior actors across projects like Dhamaal 4 and Ikka, where she worked with established stars including Sunny Deol, Ajay Devgn, and Akshaye Khanna. She reflected on how these high-profile actors carry themselves with humility and passion, free of pretense on set. Observing their grounded approach reinforced her belief that humility is the key to enduring success and longevity in the entertainment industry.
