In a career spanning over five decades, veteran actor Dharmendra starred in a variety of films in the genre of action, comedy as well as romance – and of course, delivered multiple blockbusters. But, his humility is what makes him a bonafide star since limelight as well as subsequent stardom hasn’t got the better of him. Apart from addressing his ardent fans, Dharmendra also values them since he is aware of their innate respect for him.

The 82-year-old actor's latest release, Yamla Pagla Deewana: Phir Se – the third part of the franchise, co-starring his sons Sunny and Bobby Deol, has released today. A few days before the films' release, in an interaction with us, the veteran superstar spoke at length about his tenure in the film industry, adding that he was inspired by legendary Dilip Kumar from the very beginning. It is, in fact, the 95-year-old actor who inspired Dharmendra to make a career in films.

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For the unversed, Dharmji got a chance to share screen space with his idol twice in his career; in 1971's Guddi and in 1972's Anokha Milan, in which Dilip saab made a guest appearance.

In his words, he watched Dilip Kumar onscreen and was absolutely floored by the celebrated actor, following which; he believed that he “belonged” to this world.

“I didn’t come to Bombay for fame or for money. I watched Dilip Kumar’s Shaheed and became a true blue fan. So I started thinking that this beautiful, charming prince….I belong to them. I should go to them. Since, then, I started thinking about films,” Dharmendra said, adding that movies are his first love and the bond just keeps on getting stronger by the day.

Punjab-based Dharmendra made his debut with Arjun Hingorani's Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere in 1960 and subsequently starred in films including Sholay, Chupke Chupke, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Naya Zamana and The Burning Train.

Apart from receiving numerous awards, Dharmendra was bestowed with the Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian honour, by the Government of India in 2012, but interestingly never won an award as an actor in the fraternity.