SEEDHI BAAT ON AAJ TAK

"I am secular and I believe in humanity"

Bollywood actor and BJP leader DHARMENDRA spoke to Editor PRABHU CHAWALA about his films and politics.

Q. You've gone astray since you joined politics.

A. I never dreamt of becoming a politician. I got into politics because of Atalji.

Q. Have you gone through the BJP's manifesto?

A. A Muslim once asked me why I was joining the BJP. Then I realised that this group is composed of Hindus only. I joined the BJP as Muslims' representative. I am secular and I believe in humanity.

Q. What did your mother want you to be?

A. When I told her that I wanted to be an actor she told me to send an application. Guru Dutt and Bimal Roy were looking for new talent. Roy gave me a role in Bandini. After seeing Dharam-Veer my mother asked who would I give the credit to? I said, to you and to God.

Q. Have you used sycophancy to get roles?

A. Never. For me, self-respect is most important. I've never begged for work. For my first work I got Rs 51 from Arjun Noorani, with which I ate and drank with friends.

Q. You're the first hero who took off his shirt in a film.

A. Yes. I took off my shirt in Phool Aur Patthar.

Q. What helped you get films-looks or acting ability?

A. I did a variety of roles in films like Anupama, Phool Aur Patthar, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Naya Zamana...

Q. How many actresses have you worked with?

A. Many. But I did a lot of films with Hema Malini. We were a hit pair. In the early days, Asha Parekh was not good to me but she changed and was very lucky for me.

Q. There was no number one hero in your time.

A. Rajesh Khanna was the first superstar of Bollywood. Later it was Amitabh Bachchan.

Q. How are today's films different from earlier ones?

A. Now everything is high-tech and instant-tussle, money making and busy schedules. There is no peace.

Q. Who is the best director?

A. Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Bimal Roy, Mehboob Khan.

Q. Who is the best actor?

A. Amitabh Bachchan. He is beyond gravity. Dilip Saheb was the greatest actor of my time.

Seedhi Baat is telecast on Aaj Tak at 8.30 p.m. every Sunday and 3.30 p.m. every Monday

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