I like to keep doing different roles: Sunny Deol

Excerpts:

What does stardom mean to you?

For me, stardom is enjoying my work as an actor. I believe in doing my work and moving on to the next project. And if my work is appreciated, I feel happy. I am blessed and feel happy that I am part of the industry. You get to live with so many different characters and enjoy it.

Do you have a preference for action films?

We do a film because of the story. Since Gadar, God has been very kind to me. A few filmmakers came to me with different storylines. I don’t look for action as such in the stories. I just do whatever is required within the premise of the story. If I suit a character, and can justify and live up to it, I want to do it.

Is doing action scenes physically challenging your age?

I have never feared taking on physically challenging things. It’s part of my profession. Age is just a number, it will keep on increasing.

Do you feel people in the South don’t watch films of Bollywood heroes?

Dekhne ya na dekhne ka reason alag alag hota hai. I have met so many directors down South who have watched my earlier films and they are huge fans. Since the box office numbers game has become an important factor to decide the fate of a film, a few films of mine have been remade here. It all depends on how interesting the story line is.

Do you have directorial plans?

I have tried to turn producer and tried my hand at directing as well, but somehow I couldn’t manage that. I gave acting a back seat when I was doing that. But as an actor, meri dukan chal padi hai [my work is happening]. After Gadar, people want to watch me, so I like to keep on doing different roles.

Will you ever play a villain?

Nobody has offered me a negative role, though there have been discussions. But as an actor, I believe there is no ‘negative’ or ‘positive’ role, it’s just a character that we have to portray as per the demands of the story. The audiences want to see me in an image that they have put me into. I want to play different roles. But this image is a hurdle. I have no idea if the public would like to see me in a negative role. The producer will have to take this risk, not me. Years back I did Damini though, and people loved me in that character.

Do you agree that after Gadar 2, you have entered the Golden Era in your life?

When I was doing Gadar 2 everyone said it was dated. But after its release, the audience zoved the film. Yes, this phase of mine is good. We are going back to making rooted films

And after 2023 it seems to be the Deol Period!

Yes, it wouldn’t be too much if I say, ‘Jab se hamare ghar beti (daughter-in-law) aayi hai, she has brought luck to us. Professionally, Bobby, I and Dad have been getting films.

Have you signed a 3-film deal with Mythri Movie Makers and People Media Factory?

I haven’t signed any 3-film deal with any producer. If I feel good working with some producer/director then I love to do more films with them. However, it depends on the subject. Yes, if I get a good story from Mythri and People, why would I not do another film with them?