Dharmendra turns 75 today (December 8) and also completes 50 years of acting; since making his debut in Dil Bhi Tere Hum Bhi Tere (1960).
The celebrations started in Chennai on Monday when Dharam and Hema Malini received the Rajnikanth Legends of Bollywood awards, followed by a party. Daughters Esha and Ahana were also present.
Annual ritual
Esha says, "We will bring in dad's birthday by calling him at midnight a ritual which we follow with every member of the family on birthdays. Tonight we may even go out for a family dinner."
The original Dhoom girl has bought an iPhone for her dad. "Dad's like a typical father and feels daughters shouldn't spend on their dads. He's got an iPad and I am sure he will love the phone.
On the flight back from Chennai, he kept asking me how to operate my iPhone. He's become tech-savvy now as we show him how to operate these gadgets.
He has downloaded all his songs and movies on his iPad and keeps watching it. Sunny bhaiya hooked it up for him."
Fans ke liye
The Deol beti continues, "Dad reserves a part of the birthday for his fans. Hundreds of his fans come to see him on this day.
A lot of his colleagues also drop in. Dad is a very good human being and that's why he is so loved. He's also a very simple man and is as enthusiastic about his work as he was when he joined films.
While shooting for Tell Me O Khuda, after every shot he would go to the monitor and check the angles and the lighting.
It's amazing that he still has so much enthusiasm. Dad is too cute he's like a child and we are so proud of him."
Cherished moments
Esha continues emotionally, "He has taught all of us that whatever we face in life, we should remain humble and always be good human beings.
I cherish every moment I spend with dad even the time we spent on the flight. A father-daughter bond is a special thing.
One of my treasured moments with dad is when we did our first shot together for Tell Me O Khuda.
I never dreamed of it happening. I thought that things might get awkward as dad and I are both very emotional but it was very cool and we wrapped up the shoot fast.
Now the film is complete and we are busy with editing and post-production."
Esha's favourite Dharam films
Tum Haseen Main Jawan as that was the first film mom and dad did together and both had a crush on each other but
couldn't tell each other. Seeta Aur Geeta is one film I can see every day of my life. Apart from the fact that it has mom and dad together, I really enjoyed dad's tapori Raaka character, who wore an earring!
Sholay because Dad and Amitji shared an amazing chemistry which perhaps can only be seen in Abhishek and John in Dostana.
Chupke Chupke for dad's cool comic timing.
Dharam veer where dad looked super hot and super toned in those costumes.
Dadagiri where dad trains Padmini Kolhapure to be a tough girl and beat up people. I would imagine dad training me like that.
Satyakaam for everything from his fabulous performance to his whole look, and character.
