I want thighs like yours: Dharmendra

He is 81 years old, but Dharmendra’s charisma is intact. He also looks fit enough to throw a punch! Add to it, his charming smile and you know why his heroines and women in the audience skipped a heartbeat. The actor who is still busy as an actor — his last release was Second Hand Husband — has now forayed into another business — sports. He is the co-owner of CDR Punjab Royals in the pro-wrestling league. Here, the original He-Man of Bollywood talks about his love for desi sports, kushti (wrestling) and kabbadi and why going to the gyms is not enough. The proud father also raves about his son Sunny’s debut directorial film Ghayal Once Again and why he never thought of turning a director. Read on..

What prompted you to associate with wrestling and Punjab in particular?
Wrestling is my childhood game. It’s a form of exercise that has been passed on to us since centuries. And, it has to be kept alive. Kushti, kabbadi are outdoor games (now they have become indoor, too) which require a lot of effort and strength and they make you sweat. I remember we used to play a lot of kushti and bath outside. Being healthy is important. If you have good health, you have everything, if not, nothing. So, when I got to know that a pro-wrestling league is being organised I was very happy.  I was approached by this gentleman from Haryana. He asked me if I would like to be the brand ambassador for Punjab. I asked why Punjab and he said when my name gets associated with that State, people get enthused, ek josh aa jaata hai. I thought why not, but the fact is I consider myself Indian, who belongs to every part of the country.

Cricket, football, kabbadi and now wrestling. Hasn’t this become more of a business venture?
Yes, today everything is measured in terms of money. It is a mix of business and sports. Cricket has made a lot of money in India, lately even kabbadi. But it’s going in the right direction. Children are getting introduced and encouraged to make exercise a habit and at the same time play different sports. In fact, I would love it if a gilli danda league starts. gilli danda, which is a desi game is similar to cricket. We have 11 players, one person throws the ball, another has the stick, there are fielders and he can be caught out. Points are also given. In villages ,children still play it. It was one of my favourite games. In cities this game is not played anymore. Instead of playing, people have started going to gyms. Even the intake of food is measured. Itna hi khao,  ye mat khao… We used to play a lot, eat a lot (smiles).

You are considered as the original He-man. What is your take on actors working out on their physique?   
Today, the show business demands it. In our times we didn’t need to have five packs or six packs. Nor did we have to show our body. I had done a shirtless scene in Phool Aur Patthar and forgotten about it. Somebody found out that I was the first to go bare-chested on screen. But at that time I remember it evoked a ‘haw’ kind of response. Then there was  Dharam Veer where I again I was bare-chested and also wore shorts. People started calling me He-man and garam Dharam after that. When Salman was doing Veer, he came to me and said ‘Paaji I want to have thighs like yours.’ I told him yeh mere maa-baap aur kudrat ke den hai and I have taken care of it.  As I said, I used to play a lot, which was an exercise. I remember when I would be asked to dance, I would feel, why should guys dance. Later, I realised dancing is also sort of an exercise. It makes you sweat and burns your calories. I used to sweat just trying to hold the rhythm (laughs), still I danced a bit. 

After your combined outing with Sunny and Bobby in Yamla Pagla Deewana 2, is there any other film in the offing?
Yes, we are working on the script. Our first film together Apne was a big hit. At that time people said the film is very emotional and it made them cry. So, I decided that in the next film we should make them laugh. Comedy is a beloved dish and I have done various comic roles. So, we did Yamla Pagla Deewana, which also did well. However, the second installment was a flop. Now, we are being very cautious. Story is the backbone of a film, so that has to be good. Once you get that right, people appreciate everything from acting to screenplay and if you don’t everything goes for a toss.

What kind of a film will you be making now?
A true to life story. I want to play a pivotal role and do something good, which will touch people’s heart. At the same time, it should prick their conscience and help to bring them on the right path.   

Sunny Deol has turned director with Ghayal Once Again. Didn’t you ever think of directing?
No,  I was too busy as an actor — I didn’t need to do direct, nor did the thought cross my mind. In fact, I never wanted to be a producer either. I produced films only to launch my sons.

Have you seen the rushes of Ghayal Once Again?
Yes, and I must say it is good film. It touches you. It is about young kids who get trapped in the wrong path. Mehra (Sunny’s character) feels alone after his bhabhi and other family members died in the original film Ghayal. Now, he has come out after so many years and the society has become even worse. Things are going wrong, and he helps make them right. The way he has directed it... so smooth — jaise makkhan mein se chhuri jaa rahi ho.  

December 8 is your birthday. Any special plans?
No, I lost my brother and I am very upset. In any case since my mother passed away, I don’t believe in celebrating it. When the person who gave birth to you is not there what is to celebrate? I don’t like to do it for publicity.

If a film were to be made on your life, who would you want to play your role?
I am a multi-faceted actor – I have done everything from action, romance, emotion to comedy. I think any actor can do my role.