I am working on a few new posts, including the next instalment of the Decades of Dharam series... but in the meantime I would like to share this Dharmendra interview from 2007, in which Dharam talks to Tina Ambani about poetry, patriotism, parenthood, prayer... and pyaar....
Excerpts:
Do you prefer Dharam, the lover, over the action hero?
Love is also action, Tina! I am driven by love. Love should never be demanding; it must be unconditional. Love is an exquisite pain and in that pain lies intoxication. And if your lover shares that pain, the intoxication reaches another level altogether. I have been privileged enough to share such a love for over 25 years and it is amazing.
And all the female actors still rave about your good looks. How do you stay so handsome?
Whatever is in your heart and soul shows in your face. For the past few years, I have been practising pranayama [yogic breathing exercises] every day. It has transformed my life. I find it intoxicating — it has the same effect on me that alcohol used to. I used to drink a lot but I stopped about five years ago.
How do you get along with your own children?
Wonderfully. My girls, Esha and Ahana, are more open with me, though. I guess daughters have that kind of bond with their fathers. Sunny and Bobby are a little shy. Sunny is also a bit of an introvert.
The full interview is quite a treat for a Dharam fan. I always enjoy reading Dharmendra's more recent interviews (the good ones, at least) because there's something very consistent about them - both in the things he says and the way he says them, and always underneath it all... a poignant, human touch of vulnerability.
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16 comments:
Thank you so much for this interview. The Filmfare lady compared him to James Dean. She could see that then, back when he was an unknown rustic.
I think Dharmendra in his own way was a pioneer. He did things differently. Even his athleticism, and fitness. There hasn't been much of a culture of that in India (perhaps there was some in the parts of Punjab where they recruit hockey players and military men from) and yet, Dharmendra worked out for his roles. Those taut hamstrings and quadriceps on display in Dharam Veer are the result of much effort. I could go on of course. I love the guy.
Hi Sophy! Totally agree with you regarding Dharmendra's emphasis on physical fitness and how, unlike most others of his time, he worked out for his roles. He was body-conscious long before it became fashionable. He maintained a great physique for a long time, and he wasn't shy about showing it onscreen (but always tastefully!) either. Definitely, as you say, he did things differently.
Its good to hear he doesn't drink anymore!
His children are all sweet and hardworking too... like father like son they say!
MsBlogger, I know, I was glad to read that as well - I think alcohol definitely took its toll on him.
Wow, you reply to comments so quickly!!
So... what is your favourite feature of Dharmendra?
"there's something very consistent about them - both in the things he says and the way he says them, and always underneath it all... a poignant, human touch of vulnerability."
You've thought about all these things! Yes, perhaps that is probably why Dharmendra creeped into my imagination and took over it. It's that honesty and vulnerability. He's a good man.
As for my favorite Dharam feature, why it's his smile. Nice teeth too. Oh and his beautiful brown back is tres sexy.
What's yours, DG?
Thanks a great question, Ms Blogger! And I love Sophy's response...
I love everything about Dharmendra really, except the haircut he wore for a while in the late 70s and early 80s. To pick a favourite feature is pretty tough, but I will go with his mouth... as Sophy says, great smile, nice teeth. Love his eyes too. And his hands... and his legs.. and... oh well, you get the picture....
I think it's so cute how much you adore Dharmendra :)
:-) Thanks Nicki. I love your Allu Arjun and Bipasha pyaar as well! I do love Dharam, it's totally random how it all started but I'm just fond of him and always wish him well.
DG,
I'm looking for a review of Anuparma: have you done one? Or do you know where I could find some?
Thanks,
yves
Hi Yves! It's been a while.... Bollyviewer has done a great review of 'Anupama' here: http://bollyviewer-oldisgold.blogspot.com/2009/12/anupama-1966-romance-hrishikesh.html Are you planning to watch it soon? It's a lovely film....
Hi DG
I have been catching up on your posts today - great ones on heroes and heroines of the 70s. Agree with your choices. Jaya indeed is a natural actress and it is a pity that she stopped acting in films after marriage
I am right now in India and managed to buy quite a few Dharam movies like Aaya Sawan Jhoom Ke, Aahye Din Bahar Ke, Mere Hum Dum Mere Dost, Anupama, Bandini, Blackmail etc. I haven't seen any of these except Mere Hum Dum Mera Dost. So am looking forward to seeing these after returning home!
Filmbuff, thanks for stopping by! It's been a while. I am so jealous of the fact that you're in India - I was there in '07 and hope to make it there again this year or next.
I am loving your choice of DVDs - 'Blackmail', 'Bandini' and 'Anupama' are wonderful, and I hope you love them as much as I did... MHMD, which of course you've already seen, has great songs and beautiful people but... not too much else. I haven't seen the other two you mentioned, although I want to soon. Enjoy!!!
Thanks I do hope to enjoy these movies. The first 2 Dharam movies are famous for their songs.
I have also managed to buy The Train, Teesri Manzil, Chupa Rustom, Jewel Theif, Seema and some Guru Dutt movies !
I do hope you are able to make it to India soon - not in april or may - tooooo hot!
Just another reason why I love reading everyone's blog posts: you learn so much. I actually had no idea that Bobby, Sonny, Esha were Dharam's kids. Also, I think it's funny when you get to know an actor for when he was in his prime, and then realize that guy you saw in such and such newer movie is the same guy. That just happened to me with Dharmendra!
ilovelovelovedharmendra.blogspot.com is a nice bollywood blog, I have rarely seen such blogs providing ample of information on bollywood celebrities. I have visited some similar sites like www.fridayrelease.com but didn't find such information there. Thanks a lot keep it up.
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