The anecdotes about Dharmendra's love for liquor are far too many. The veteran actor now reveals that he has given up drinking for good

In his trademark style, Dharmendra tells us about his decision to ditch the drink. `She (bottle of alcohol) said you don't deserve me Mr Dharmendra, kindly stop looking at me. I take pity on you.

I know you need me sometimes when you are alone or tired or a bit upset but I don't want to be a part of your life again as I want to see you healthy, ` he exclaims.

Interestingly, it was on a flight to US in 2001, when Dharmendra first thought about putting a stop to his drinking. He recounts, `It was very boring on the flight but I made up my mind not to touch alcohol. I passed the daroo pariksha and stopped drinking.`


Though he didn't stop drinking totally after that, whenever he did, the senior actor admits he wasn't impressed at all. `I did drink sometimes but I didn't enjoy it.`

A family friend of the Deols, on conditions of anonymity, says, `He tried to give it up a couple of times earlier but failed. This time, it's for life. Next time he invites you home he might offer you a glass of beer but he will drink nimbu paani only.`