SUNNY DEOL EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW ON GHAYAL ONCE AGAIN
Punjab2000 had the pleasure of speaking with the wonderful actor, writer and director Sunny Deol about his upcoming movie Ghayal Once Again, which is out at cinemas on February 5th 2016.
The Punjabi superstar is back playing the character Ajay Mehra which follows his life after his release from prison. The sequel to the 1990 blockbuster Ghayal, depicts his trials and tribulations, while battling a wealthy businessman who has been making the lives of an innocent group of youngsters extremely difficult, due to them having photographic evidence of his involvement in a murder. Also starring Soha Ali Khan and Om Puri.
Q1 – We’re going to see you back again playing the iconic character of Ajay Mehra from 1990 super hit Ghayal, which was a huge film during my youth. Why have you chosen to revisit Ghayal and why has it taken 26 years to do so?
SD – Wow, twenty six years. I have wanted to make a part two for Ghayal for such a long time but I wasn’t getting the right subject or the right directors for the film, so eventually I decided ke menu karna pega (I have to to do it), so I jumped into it, wrote the film and directed the film. Right now it’s ready, twenty six years yes but I’m very happy with my film and have no regrets about it.
Q2 – Your movies normally have a message. With the huge success of Ghayal, what do you think those that loved the movie the first time around and the new generation will take away from Ghayal Once again?
SD – We made Ghayal with a lot of love and passion. We had no idea how it would turn out to be but we were very honest with what we were doing and eventually when it released it became so successful that it turned into a legendary film. It was extremely welcoming and we were so happy about it but definitely now I’m not taking on that pressure in my mind, that we are bringing part two, you know, what am I going to do, no…..I worked on the script in keeping it very relevant to todays society, today’s life, today’s youngsters, today’s world without the pressure, which is why I worked on this film. Ghayal was definitely a youthful films as is Ghayal Once Again. The Ajay Mehra then was young and the Ajay Mehra right now is in his late 40’s. It’s very interesting and when you see the film, the way he has become and what he’s gone through in life and what he’s doing in society right now it’s very very interesting. I hope all generations enjoy the film.
Q3 – You’re mostly known for your action roles regardless of the characters you’ve portrayed throughout your career. Do you still see yourself doing action roles in five or ten years time?
SD – I see myself as an actor, I see myself as a director, as a film maker and that’s what I love and that’s what I’m going to carry on doing till I stop existing.
Q4 – How was the experience of juggling the role as actor, producer, director? I know you’ve done this once before but how does it compare this time?
SD – Oh it was actually nice, I kind of enjoyed it more this time. Last time I just jumped into it but this time planned around it, really thought about it, gone deep into every character which I’ve brought across in this film.
Q5 – As you’re so hugely loved and respected by the masses especially Punjabi’s, many looking at you as one of their own, how do you deal with expectations or pressure to portray not only resposible characters but also being a resposible man, a responsible human being, especially regarding the heartache and problems that Punjabi’s and Punjab face every day?
SD – I’ve never let anything pressurise me, I like to exist the way I am. I definitely think people love you because of the kind of work you do and I want to be known for the good work that I do and not for anything in which I’m not worth it. That has always been my outlook towards life so if I’ve done good like it, if I’ve done bad shittar maro haha.
Q6 – So not succumbing to the pressure of the masses, therefore you must stay away from politics?
SD – Yes I do stay away from politics. My thing is that if I have to contribute towards my motherland, I must correct myself if doing anything that is not right and be a better human being and if every human being were to that your country would become better.
Q7 – You will be launching your son in his first movie soon? Do you think the industry has changed since your first movie launch and do you feel it’s become easier for the new generation?
SD – I don’t think much has changed from each generation. It’s a progression that keeps happening so ten years later we will look at life today and say how has it changed but we are changing along with it, we are adapting ourselves. As human beings, our thinking, greed, love, fashion is all the same. That hasn’t changed, it will always be very similar, a few changes in mindset and in life but nothing changes much.
Q8 – Sunny, how have the promotions been going for Ghayal Once Again and the appreciation you have received during this time? Have you had a chance to enjoy this process or has it been a difficult task?
SD – Oh no no, this has ben the most difficult task of my life hahaha. You have to do so many things. Initially I used to run away from it but now I’m excepting it and going along with it because I’ve worked really hard making this film so for the films sake I should do all the press so the film doesn’t suffer. I’m really enjoying it going everywhere and doing everything. You know what’s surprising is wherever I go, the kind of love and affection I get I keep thinking why didn’t I do more of it before, it’s beautiful.
Q9 – We were hoping that you would be coming to London and the UK to promote the film as you spend so much time here. Any plans to visit soon?
SD – Oh yeah, this film has kept me away from all my holidays haha and I’m dying to be there as have always visited so often. After the release of Ghayal Once Again, the first thing I’m going to do is go to England.
Q 10 – I’m sure the movie is going to be a success but what else do you have planned later on in 2016 and 2017?
SD – Well for the moment I just want everybody to go to the cinema on the 5th of Feb and see my movie. That takes me ahead and tells me what I’m going to be doing further in my life beacause it all starts off with this film. It’s like introducing myself all over again.
I know how rushed for time you are so thank you so much Sunny for speaking with me, it’s been a pleasure. Wishing you great success with Ghayal Once Again from the Punjab2000.Com team. Bye.
SD – Thank you so much Simran. I hope you enjoy it. Take care, bye.
Watch Ghayal Once Again offial trailer below. Out in cinemas February 5th 2016.