Every year, Dharmendra makes a resolution on his birthday. As the He-man of Bollywood turns 78 today, we find out what's new on his list this year.
“I wish to keep myself fit and healthy. Last year, I resolved to give up drinking. I think I have almost done it," says Dharmendra, who has, of late, taken to cycling and doing sit ups in the gym in his Juhu home.
“If you can keep yourself active now, you can tackle old age really well. Also, I want to be seen more in front of the camera. That's my second resolution," says the actor, whom Hyderabadis, especially taxi drivers, fondly remember as Shaka, the ruffian from the 1966-film 'Phool Aur Patthar'.
So, what are his birthday plans? “Ever since my mother passed away a few years ago, we have stopped celebrating. She used to be really happy on my birthday. Now, it has become a private affair. The family will do a hawan in the morning. My friends from the industry, Dilip saab, Amitji...will be sending me their wishes. My home becomes a garden on this day. I get so many bouquets."
These wishes, Dharmendra admits, have seen him through as a successful actor over the decades. “I feel like paying back to my fans for their love. That's why I continue to do films... I don't enjoy TV much."
He has just wrapped up the shooting for his Punjabi film, 'Double Di Trouble' and has also forayed into Bihari cinema recently with 'Des Pardes'. Yes, he is open to Tollywood as well. “I want to do films in every province," says Dharmendra, who will be doing a film each with his sons, Sunny and Bobby Deol, next year. “I haven't found a script good enough to work with Abhay yet," adds Dharmendra.
The year 2014 also holds a lot of promise for Dharmendra's grandson, Sunny's son Karan. While Karan is making his debut as an assistant director, rapper and writer with 'Yamla Pagla Deewana 2', rumour has it that the 21-year-old might be launched by Yash Raj Films as an actor.
“He (Karan) has been training in acting in England. But his launch will take some time," says the proud grandfather, adding, “I was never trained. For me, acting was natural. I was romantic, witty, naughty and emotional."
He is also looking forward to the marriage of his daughter Ahana on February 2. “We have found her a handsome boy, Vaibhav Vora, from a good family in Delhi. It was an arranged marriage which turned into love. Ahana and Esha both are very close to me."
