Actor Dharmendra, who has been a part of the film fraternity for five decades now, feels that he is still a newbie in the industry. “I am still a newcomer and I am still learning. If a person starts believing that he knows everything, then the thought marks his downfall,” he shares, as his film
Yamla Pagla Deewana 2 (YPD2) opens today.
His Bollywood journey, the 77-year-old says, has been a long and wonderful one. “I want to continue acting till I live. The film industry is my beloved, if she gets upset, I cheer her up and vice-versa.”
About the concept of Yamla Pagla Deewana 2, he says, “The audience’s reaction to Apne (2007) was good but it made them emotional. So, later we decided to make them laugh in the next flick. And that’s how we came up with Yamla Pagla Deewana. Since there’s a sequels trend going on these days, we came up with Yamla Pagla Deewana 2.”
The veteran actor’s grandson Karan, who is the assistant director of Yamla Pagla Deewana 2, is also being groomed for his acting debut. “It was Sunny’s (Deol, actor) idea to give Karan some exposure before launching him. Karan is interested in acting and has also been trained in London. Right now, he’s learning and we’re searching for a good story. We’ll launch him when the time is right,” he says.
And is Dharmendra happy with the way his sons Bobby and Sunny’s film careers have shaped up? “I am very happy. I was never after money during my time. All I wanted was to be loved and admired and I am still getting it. Similarly, Sunny and Bobby are getting it, so I am happy,” he says.
The actor, who has been facing back ailment and also underwent two surgeries, says he’s doing much better now. “I exercise as per the needs of my body. I know how much my body can take at this age. I can still workout as a youngster because God has given me strength.”
