‘There’s only one Dharmendra, and That’s me!’

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Dream couple: Dharam with Hema

Ahead of the release of Yamla Pagla Deewana 2, the ultimate action hero of yesteryears, Dharmendra, seems to be more excited about the prospects of his grandson Karan Deol than he is about the film.

“I was literally in tears when I heard the rap song written and sung by Karan in Yamla Pagla Deewana. This little fellow has tons of potentials to write as well as sing,” says Dharam Paaji.
When asked whether Karan had the makings to become another Dharmendra, the actor–producer smiles: “He has assisted Director Santosh Sivan and I think he will strike the silver screen successfully in a year. However, there is only one Dharmendra and that’s me.”
About his character in Yamla Pagla Deewana 2, Dharmendra adds, “I play a fraud in the film and Bobby is my accomplice… God had fitted a computer in me which has enabled me to play different characters so efficiently.”
“I had arrived in Mumbai in 1958 and was staying at Versova. I would swim down from Versova to Juhu Beach regularly. Right now, I am sitting at Sunny Sound and I am so happy about my achievements. When I look back I feel so privileged to have made it in the industry. It’s all thanks to my mother without whose support I would not be here.”
When we complement him on his snazzy suit, he says proudly, “All my dresses are designed by Ahana. She is good at designing. She has designed this suit too and asked me to wear a white shirt with it.”
This Jat from Punjab has decided to show the trailers of Yamla Pagla Deewana 2 on “Bioscopes” which rural Indians still watch films and songs on. “I have learnt one thing…publicity plays a vital role in box office success. Hence the trailers of YPD will be shown on ‘Bioscopes’ at cinema halls. Also we want our film to go beyond Punjab. A rigorous publicity exercise has begun and YPD 2 is all set to reach audiences worldwide.”
While Sunny Deol is a big star, neither his nor Bobby’s career has been anywhere as meteoric as their father’s. “I believe in destiny. Betaab, which was Sunny’s debut film, did very well at the box office but Bobby’s first film Barsaat did not do so well,” says Dharmendra, adding, “For example, look at the typical Dharmendra dance steps…I am not a good dancer at all but the steps which I danced to synced with the music. We did not have any choreographers those days. In Chupke Chupke I had to dance to ‘Abki Sajan Sawan Mein….’ Now, playing a driver what steps I could do? I decided to just dance like a driver whose steps needed to go off beat. So, I just behaved like an uneducated driver. The song and the steps became a rage amongst my fans. Today I feel very proud that people follow ‘Dharmendra’s dancing steps’.”
Talking about his famous water tank sequence in Sholay, Dharam paaji says, “While speaking from up on the tank…I happened to add ‘Mausi Ji’ in my dialogue which became very famous. These extempore stuff at times become hits. We were not very technically adept but went with our gut feelings.”
About his dreams for younger daughter Ahana, he says, “She intends to get into designing. She very efficiently designs my dresses. I am with her and wish she achieves whatever she desires.” Besides an actor and producer, today, Dharmendra is also a doting grandfather. “I love my grandchildren. For me now my family is complete.” The yesteryear star also has a great equation with Prakash and Hema Malini. “I am happy that my first wife Prakashji knows what I need. She has always stood by my side. Hema has also given me all her love and support and Esha and Ahana’s love makes me complete.”