Sunny Deol, the celebrated Bollywood actor, took a moment to reflect on his childhood memories during his recent promotional visit to Delhi for his latest film, Jaat. In a candid conversation, he shared stories of visiting his legendary father, Dharmendra, on film sets, offering a glimpse into the personal experiences that shaped his relationship with both his father and the film industry. While Sunny admitted that he didn’t visit his father’s shoots regularly, the occasions when he did made an everlasting impression on him, offering him a unique window into the world of cinema at a young age.
One of the most memorable experiences from his childhood came when Sunny visited the set of Ankhen (1968), a classic film directed by Ramanand Sagar. The memory stands out vividly in his mind. "I didn’t go to Papa’s shoots much, but whenever I went, those memories always deep-rooted in me," Sunny recalled fondly. During this visit, Dharmendra was filming a scene inside a cage, with a tiger outside. Sunny described the moment with awe, revealing how his sister and he watched their father work in such a daring and high-stakes scenario. "Papa was inside a cage, and there was a tiger outside with him," Sunny said, remembering the thrill of seeing his father interact with the wild animal, which created a lasting memory in his young mind. The courage and fearlessness displayed by Dharmendra in such an intense scene resonated deeply with Sunny, reflecting his father's larger-than-life persona even outside the film industry.
Apart from the exciting memories from the sets, Sunny also fondly recalled simpler times spent with his father during a trip to Darjeeling. "I remember going to Darjeeling once for his shoot. And that was again a great experience. When the tea leaves would grow, we would sit around the tea gardens," he shared. This memory painted a picture of a quieter, more intimate side of Dharmendra’s stardom, far removed from the glitz and glamour of Bollywood. For Sunny, these moments weren’t just about witnessing his father’s work, but about the pure joy of spending time with family in a beautiful setting. It was these unassuming, yet meaningful moments that shaped Sunny’s bond with his father and helped him understand the value of personal connections amidst the demands of a celebrity life.
In addition to these precious childhood memories, Sunny also opened up about his approach to acting and how he manages his emotions while filming. Being a seasoned actor, he has learned to maintain focus and composure on set, which he considers crucial for his craft. "That’s your job, that’s your profession, that’s what it is and it becomes a normal format basically. When you are working, I think all those things are thrown out. Otherwise, I won't be able to work," Sunny explained. He emphasized how acting provides him with a form of escape, where he can channel his emotions into a character rather than being bogged down by personal feelings. "For an actor, to be focused is the most important thing. It’s also an escape from your real emotions, and it’s a great sense of relief. It’s like opening a door, suddenly the world changes," he said. This ability to detach from his own emotions and immerse himself fully into his roles has allowed him to become one of Bollywood’s most respected actors, renowned for his intense performances and emotional depth on-screen.
These insights from Sunny provide a deeper understanding of his perspective on acting, showing that for him, cinema is both a profession and a personal journey. His reflections on his childhood, his relationship with his father, and his emotional approach to acting give fans a rare look into the man behind the iconic roles.
After the resounding success of Gadar 2 in 2023, Sunny Deol has been busy with Jaat, which marks another significant chapter in his career. Directed by Gopichand Malineni, the film also stars Randeep Hooda, Vineet Kumar Singh, Regina Cassandra, and Saiyyami Kher, and has garnered considerable attention. Jaat explores new territory for Sunny, adding to his already diverse filmography, and has been well-received by audiences. As the film continues to make waves at the box office, it’s clear that Sunny’s enduring legacy in the industry is built not just on his on-screen personas, but also on the deep emotional connections and experiences that have shaped him as a person and an actor.
In conclusion, Sunny Deol’s reflections on his father Dharmendra’s influence, his childhood experiences, and his approach to acting reveal the complexities of being part of a Bollywood legacy. His ability to balance personal reflection with his professional career speaks volumes about the depth of his character, both as an actor and as a person. Fans who have followed his journey over the years will undoubtedly feel a deeper connection to the man behind the powerful performances as they learn more about the experiences that have shaped him into the iconic figure he is today.
