He isn’t old,he is Dharam-Garam

Every thing in this world has its time. Fifty years ago,I was destined to do films and so they happened. Today,I am destined to do television and I am doing it. I also have some free time before my next film with Bobby (Deol),Cheers,goes on floors.

Have you seen the previous seasons of India’s Got Talent?

I did call for the DVDs of the previous seasons and watched the show in order to get an idea of what it is all about. I was really overwhelmed to see the kind of talent in our country.

Are you comfortable with the way television functions in India?

I had no clue about the hours that would go into it. The first few days,I actually wondered if I had taken the right decision. But with interesting participants coming in,I am really starting to enjoy myself.

You had also got your break in films through a talent hunt show. Would you take us down memory lane?

In 1958,I had come to Bombay to become an actor. Bimal Roy and Gurudutt had organised this talent hunt show where we had to perform. I won the show and I got my first big break in Roy’s,Bandini. Probably if I hadn’t got that break,I would have not survived for so many years in the industry.

Your son,Sunny Deol is also making his TV debut at the same time as you. Is it mere co-incidence?

Sunny told me recently that everyone in the industry and media considers us to be very shy people. He said,“Papa,why don’t we do television and change this perception.” I am happy we are coming on television at the same time.

You will be seen with Hema Malini after almost 14 years,in,Tell Me O Khuda. How was the experience of working with her?

It is always nice to work with Hema. It brings back memories. This is the first time she has directed me in a film.