Veteran actor Dharmendra says Yamla Pagla Deewana was born out of a desire to make a comedy but while shooting for the sequel of the film, he realised that it was not turning out to be as expected.
The Deols — Dharmendra and two sons, Sunny and Bobby — came together on screen for the first time in 2006 with the family drama Apne.
They followed it up with the comedy Yamla Pagla Deewana in 2011, which was a huge hit but its sequel did not do well at the box office.
“Apne had made people cry so I told someone that next time I’ll make you laugh. We didn’t even have a script or anything ready then. We made Yamla Pagla Deewana one. But there’s this beemari [sickness] of franchise and sequel. We don’t understand business,” Dharmendra said.
“We had to make a sequel but it was taking time, things were not falling into place and then even the screenplay wasn’t good. I knew while doing the film that it’s rubbish and had told the crew that I’m not enjoying shooting it. One knows whether it’s going right or not,” he added.
The trio are set to reunite for Yamla Pagla Deewana: Phir Se.
“I heard this story several times and I liked it. I really enjoyed listening to the script and we all have tried to make it as nice as possible. Hope the audience enjoys it now,” he said.
The 82-year-old actor is excited to return to a full-fledged film after a gap of five years.
“I’ve worked in two shifts, three shifts for 25 years now. I am enjoying this phase currently. I am fulfilling my hobby. Acting is my mehbooba [lover] and I can’t stay away from it for too long. I’m very fortunate to be in films. You get love, admiration and what not from all over the world. It’s a great blessing of God,” he said.
The actor is also excited to see how audience reacts to some of the cameos in the film, including Salman Khan, Rekha, Shatrughan and Sonakshi Sinha.
“Shatru and I have a good chemistry. We were in Dost and several other films. Timing is the key in comedy. I am hopeful people will enjoy it,” he added.
Yamla Pagla Deewana: Phir Se also stars Kriti Kharbanda and is scheduled to release on August 30 in the UAE.
