‘I live in people’s hearts’

Dharmendra,who became famous for his macho man image during the ’70s and ’80s,got his first big break through a talent contest,judged by Guru Dutt and Bimal Roy in 1960. He worked in several romantic black-and-white films in the early ’60s. He mostly played second fiddle to the leading actors of the time such as Nutan,Meena Kumari and Mala Sinha,before hitting solo hero stardom with the blockbuster,Phool aur Patthar (1966). “That was a turning point. Soon after the film,people started calling me ‘Shaaka’ everywhere,much before I became popular as Veeru,” recalls the actor.

As his career progressed,he earned the action hero tag with films such as Jugnu,Pratigya,Charas,Dharam Veer and Dost. “Deols are synonymous with action,” says Dharmendra. “But they can make you laugh and cry as well,” he adds. Dharmendra also seems unapologetic about his movies in the ’80s,which many critics believed were the reason of his departure from his A-lister status. “Films like Ghulami (1985) and Hukumat (1987) were very good and enjoyable,” he says.

Today,Dharmendra seems more committed to his home banner,Vijeyta Films. Soon after YPD 2’s release,he will begin work on Cheers with Bobby. “I want to do pivotal roles in films. And I get those in my home banner. If I get similar roles outside I will do them,” he says.