India, Dec. 14 -- Filmmaker Ramesh Sippy is dedicating the 4K version of Sholay: The Final Cut (1975) to the late actor Dharmendra, who died on November 24 at the age of 89. The team had "some big plans" to re-release the iconic film in Indian cinemas after it completes 50 years on August 15, but the passing of its lead character, Veeru, has led to a more subdued theatrical release this Friday. The filmmaker says, "We will miss him (Dharamendra) dearly. Unfortunately, he passed away as did Amjad Khan, Sanjeev Kumar in earlier times, then Asrani recently and others. But, all their work will be there forever. So, they live through the film now". Sippy adds, "There were plans; we wanted to make a splash, but it wasn't appropriate. The film is a celebration for everyone, so why not look at it that way? His contribution - now that people will see the film - will come to the forefront. It will revive those memories, and we will say, 'Oh God, he just passed away, and he has done wonders.' The kind of enthusiasm like lines and character he brought in his way was amazing!" Recalling meeting Dharmendra sometime back, he adds, "I did meet him once but he was unwell. I didn't want to disturb him." Sholay: The Final Cut was showcased at Toronto, Canada, and now it hits screens in India. The premier at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Goa, was cancelled in November due to some 'technical reasons.' On what makes Sholay a class apart, even Ramesh Sippy does not have an answer. "Nobody can decode Sholay! There is something that connects the audience across generations and had I found the secret then would have made several Sholays by now!," he says adding, "Music, dance, friendship, romance, drama, action - everything was in abundance and the packaging was good. Salim-Javed's writing, actors were marvellous in each role, RB Burman's music - all put together brought out the best and my job was made easier because of that. Captaining the ship like that was a delight."...