Dharmendra On Breezing Through Sholay

The  iconic Dharmendra  was  being his usual self-effacing self when he  said there was only one bad actor in  Sholay.

Explaining his modesty(not that it needs any explanation) the  agreeable actor said to me,  “There were so many great actors in Sholay. Even the smallest  of roles  like the ones played by Asrani and A K Hangal, stood out .I played a  masti-khor in Sholay and I went through the  film like   a picnic.”

Is  it is  true  Dharmendra  recommended Amitabh  Bachchan for Jai’s role? “It is true.  But so  what? Amit was relatively new at that time.And obviously a volcano of  talent. When I came into the industry so many seniors recommended me. The one thing that I’ve learnt to be most valuable in life is kindness and generosity.”

Is Hema Malini  Dharmendra  ‘s most favourite  co-star?  “Of course I  enjoyed working with her.We  grew close to one  another while  working  together.  But I also enjoyed working with Sharmila Tagore with whom  I did some of  my best films with  director Hrishikesh  Mukherjee, Asha Parekh, Mumtaz, Nutanji , Meena Kumariji, Mala Sinhaji  , Sairaji…I got the opportunity to work  with Sadhana  very late  in  Ishq Par Zor Nahin….they were all wonderful  co-stars. I learnt  so much  from them.”

Any  unfulfilled dreams? “I wish  I could have devoted more time to my poetry. It is only now that I  am  trying to catch up  for lost time. Writing  poetry gives me  great pleasure. Ek ajab sa sukoon hai pantiyan  likhne mein.”