Sunny Deol was left in tears while talking about his father, veteran actor Dharmendra, when he attended an event for his movie Border 2 and shared how the latter’s iconic film Haqeeqat influenced him greatly towards his own path of cinema. The moment tugged at the heartstrings of fans and colleagues, so much so that it became a deeply personal plug for the film as Sunny addressed “legacy”, “inspiration” and the bond between father and son.
The Border franchise is one of the Indian film industry’s classic war sagas, and the sequel to the blockbuster Border 2 has generated tremendous curiosity as audiences have till date enjoyed the way in which Border had been showcased, complete with a grand storyline and spirit of patriotism.
It was a soft, introspective moment that Sunny took from the promotional do to acknowledge and ruminate upon his roots (he’s the son of Dharmendra, whose filmography includes classic roles as well as mainstream blockbusters).
A Son’s Tribute at Border 2 Appearance
Talking about Haqeeqat, a film in which Dharmendra was cast and one that is still remembered for its pathbreaking emotional content, Sunny said that the 1964 drama always remains close to his heart as it was one of the first films which made him realise what storytelling could do. He described how its image of sacrifice and heroism in films struck him as a child, forming the roles that he would later choose as an actor.
“As a boy I watched Haqeeqat with my father,” Sunny said, choking on his words at times. “The manner in which he embodied that character showed me what movies can do they can touch hearts, and they can motivate. I’m so blessed to have learned so much from him.”
The audience of celebrities and fans were also touched by Sunny’s heartfelt reminiscence, many of them later taking to social media to post clips of the tearjerking moment.
Dharmendra’s Legacy in Indian Cinema
Having established himself as one of the most versatile stars in Indian cinema, over the years Dharmendra had gained love for his action-packed roles mixed with elements of rugged charm and outright comedy or drama. After five decades, his filmography has influenced countless actors and inspired a generation of filmmakers.
His impact on Sunny is perhaps the most apparent Sunny Deol broke through by doing more hardcore, performance-focused roles, especially in action and jingoistic movies, which made both a critical as well as fan sensation out of him.
Recalling his father’s long innings, Sunny said Dharmendra’s discipline and love for his craft were qualities he strived to mirror. “He enjoyed the work,” Sunny said. “And he showed me, you give everything you can when you stand in front of the camera. That’s something that has always stuck with me.”
Border 2 and Audience Expectations
The emotional outpouring was all part of a pre-release publicity flurry for the upcoming movie Border 2, which is set to reportedly turn again on themes of valour, sacrifice and national pride, just as its predecessor did. The original Border film had a lot of fans who want to see the sequel live up to the past and have added emotional depth.
With films like Gadar: Ek Prem Katha and the original Border, Sunny, known for intense roles, has already hinted at what awaits fans. His remarks at the event introduced a sense of personal touch to it which connected his life experiences with the emotional soul of the film.
Reactions from Fans and Industry
Fans took to social media after the event to share their thoughts about Sunny and praised him for being so open and emotional. Tweets and posts shared clips of his homage to Dharmendra, celebrating father and son as titans of Indian cinema.
Friends and colleagues from the film industry also applauded Sunny’s emotional speech, with many actors and directors expressing their admiration for what Dharmendra has done for Bollywood.
The film, whose Border 2 adaptation is set to be released soon, has drawn attention not only for its lineup of stars but also the behind-the-scenes stories. Sunny’s tearful scene lends a human touch to the movie, beyond all its action and patriotism.
And while audiences get ready for the sequel, they are also reminded of how its leads, including Dharmendra, have had a lasting impact on cinema and hearts till this day, decades after their films first released.
Image credit: YouTube/Screenshot
