Veteran actor Dharamendra on his new film Yamla Pagla Deewana 2

 
Veteran actor Dharmemdra may have completed 52 plus years in the Industry that is celebrating it's centenary year this year but the Yamla Jat claims he is still young at heart and despite the slew of acting awards right through his career, continues to be a learner. Dharmendra has given Indian cinema  some tremendous performances and his films have always entertained - even when they were not of the crassly commercial variety. His most recent reality check which started with 'Life in a Metro' and 'Johnny Gaddar' has extended much further since with Apne and Yamla Pagla Deewana and is currently awaiting the reception of his latest YPD 2.  Today when the industry he adores is going through some tough times because of it's leading lights' (Sanjay and Salman) trysts with the law, the humble 70 plus Jat says his heart bleeds for them. " I am not the type who wants to see his words in tomorrows headlines. I'd rather call them up and speak to them about my anguish and distress."
Dharmendra may be anguished about his fellow actors' plight but on the home front the scene is hotting up for the re-envisioning of a successful brand. The Deols second film together as family , 'Yamla Pagla Deewana'  was a big hit a few years ago and it's promos had created a record of sorts for the most hits on youtube. So it was a given that they would encash on the brand by expanding the ambit of it's story into a new film. What doubles the joy for the veteran star is the involvement of his grandson, Sunny's son, who has assisted Sangeeth Sivan the director of the film and his daughter-in-law, Pooja/Linda Deol being credited with the story idea. So this second YPD outing is truly a family afffair set in London during the time of recession.
Dhamendra says he is happy with the finished product and belives, "I hope to reach right-into the hearts of my fans through this film."  It was a fun experience for the cast and crew to shoot in London. Dharamji was in his element spewing shayari after shayari and holding grand durbars every evening reminiscing about the good old days-when he was a struggler looking for work and finally landing the filmfare talent contest win way back in 1958.
" I always acted from my heart.  I never took acting lessons or attended workshops. For me my method was spontaneity and that has always worked. When critics remarked about my underplayed performance in 'Bandini' I was clueless. I never knew what underplaying was. It was pure instinct that saw me through every performance of mine."
Dharmendra says he  has no craving for awards. He doesn't keep track of the awards he has received. For him the true barometer of his success as an actor lies in his connection with his audience. If he can keep them entertained he would be satisfied. "The peoples praise is the biggest award that an actor can receive,". he opines.
Getting back to YPD2, Dharmendra was quite happy with the overwhelming love and affection he has been serenaded with on the occasion of the launch of the trailer of the film. He is quite confident the film will do well and create waves at the Box Office. " The magic of teh Deols is intact. I am sure the public will take us three lovable rogues right into their hearts once again." he says.