SimplyBhangra.com's Kulwinder caught up exclusively with the legendary Dharmendra to talk about his new movie ‘Double Di Trouble’, his first, full-fledged foray in Punjabi cinema.

The wait is finally over; we will now see the legendary Dharmendra appearing in his first Punjabi movie named ‘Double Di Trouble’. It is directed by Smeep Kang and is based on Comedy of Errors, where Shakespeare's well known play takes a desi twist!

Sat Sri Akal Uncle Ji!

Sat Sri Akal Kulwinder, how are you?

I am good, how are you doing?

I am good beta, was waiting to speak to you.

Why has it taken you so long to act in a Punjabi movie?

Everything has a time,I always had a wish to do Punjabi films and so many of my fans wanted to see me in a Punjabi movie too. I have been very busy in Mumbai with films etc and time just flew. So I was looking for a good storyline. Subhash is a good friend and like a little brother, he came up to me and said that he wants to do a Punjabi film. I also said that I feel this is the time for me to also do a Punjabi film.

He then told me that it will be based on Shakespeare Comedy Of Errors, and was thinking to feature Gippy Grewal and that is how the film team came together.  

Before the script came to you did you know about Shakespeare ‘Comedy Of Errors’?

Yes I had read a little bit. Also this is why I agreed to do my first Punjabi film, as the storyline is very good.

What is Double Di Trouble about?

It is a story based on Comedy of Errors by Shakespeare in where I am doing a double role, one of a city man and the other of a village man. Gippy is also doing a double role. It is a story of a father and son. There are lots of situations, which arise during the film, a lot of confusion as to why it is happening and this is revealed during the film.

The riot of laughter begins when the people around this duplicate duo keep confusing the two sets of lookalikes. The situation gets further confounded when the duo tries to put their own logic behind the new faces behaving like old pals.

Where in Punjab did you shoot the film?

Majority of the film was shot in Chandigarh and a little bit was in Mumbai.

What is the name of your character?

One of characters name is Ajeet and the other is Manjeet.

Was it hard becoming two different characters?

It will only be difficult if the character isn’t written well. In this case everything was well written with good dialogues and of course a good team.

How did you feel shooting in Punjab?

I enjoyed it a lot. It felt so nice shooting in Punjab as it brought back so many memories of my childhood. I have received so much love from different Pind’s from the elderly to the youngsters.

What was it like working with Gippy grewal and Gurpreet Guggi?

Gippy is a great actor and a very good boy, I had seen his previous film Carry on Jatta and I really enjoyed his performance. Guggi is amazing, he has very good timing and I also enjoyed working with him.

Do you find doing comedy easy?

I have done a lot of comedy; I find it fun, if the script is written well then I do not find it difficult.

You are working with the director Smeep Kang for the first time, how was your experience? What is he like as a director?

He is such a good lovely boy and a director I had fun working with him. He is full of love and energy. He really knows his job and does it very well.

From the trailers of Double Di Trouble you show a lot of energy. Gippy Grewal has even mentioned your energy level. Where do you get it from?

Acting is my love it is my life, hunger and my passion. I am in love with the camera, this has always been my desire and love and it is never less, in fact my love for acting is increasing therefore my energy is high as it is something I enjoy doing with pride.

What are your views on Punjabi films?

There are so many beautiful Punjabi films being made now on high budgets just like Bollywood with good actors and scripts. I think Punjabi cinema will achieve a lot of success in the upcoming years.

Are you happy you have made a Punjabi film?

I am really very, very happy. Punjabi is my mother tongueand when I speak it in a film it is just amazing.

How long did it take to make this film?

It took us 1 year

Will you and yours sons be making a Punjabi film together?

Yes when the right story comes along we will defiantly be seen together in a Punjabi film.

What was your best scene?

There are many good scenes I cannot pick one and if I tell you lot then there will be no fun. When you watch the film you will know exactly what scenes I enjoyed.

What’s your favourite song in the film?

My first one is the Bhangra track 26 Ban gyi and the other one is an item song with Neha Dhupia Lak Tunu Tunu it is a really good song. There are some films in which you like one song but in this film I liked all of them in particular the two I have named.

How has your overall experience been?

I enjoyed it thoroughly; it was like a big picnic the team was like a family, I have enjoyed every moment of it.

Are you nervous for the release?

It is now in the hands of the fans and see what they think of it on the 29^th August. I think we have made a good film. I hope it is a success and you all fill the cinema halls and that the success goes to Mumbai so that everyone knows what fabulous work everyone has done, and let them know that I have won your hearts by working in a Punjabi film.

Target audience?

It is a family comedy film for everyone and for all the Punjabi’s.

Will you be making more Punjabi films?

Yes I will look out for another good story, but yes I will defiantly do another one.

Message to Simply Bhangra readers?

Live in happiness and with love with one another, give happiness to everyone take care of one another, be good human beings.

Good luck and I wish you the best for the release of Double di Trouble on the 29^th August.

Thank you and I am sending my love to all of you.

Interviewed by Kulwinder Kaur Kainth