The diverse working styles of Bollywood royalty were recently highlighted by prominent choreographer Vijay Ganguly, who shared contrasting behind-the-scenes memories involving veteran actor Dharmendra and his son, Sunny Deol.
During a recent interview, Ganguly discussed his experiences collaborating with the father-son duo across different projects. The choreographer offered fans a glimpse into the dedication and distinct methods that have kept both actors relevant across multiple generations of Indian cinema.
While working with Sunny Deol on the upcoming feature film Anthony, Ganguly encountered a notably instinctive approach to performance. The actor preferred to abandon rigid choreography in favor of unscripted movement that came straight from the heart. Rather than practicing formal steps, Deol chose to express the rhythm of the music through spontaneous physical reactions that suited the mood of the sequence.
In contrast, Ganguly recalled a remarkably disciplined encounter with Dharmendra during the production of the movie Ikkis. Despite facing late-night scheduling and dealing with physical discomfort, the legendary actor refused to take shortcuts. Dharmendra insisted on mastering both the exact lyrics of the track and every precise dance movement before the cameras began rolling.
This steadfast work ethic demonstrated the veteran star's long-standing commitment to fully understanding the emotional and physical requirements of a scene. Even with decades of cinematic experience behind him, Dharmendra approached the choreography with the meticulous preparation of a newcomer.
Industry observers note that both performers hail from a family that has defined Hindi cinema for decades, yet their methods on set clearly differ. While Dharmendra relies on thorough rehearsal and technical precision, Sunny Deol leans toward raw, unrehearsed emotion to connect with audiences.
Ganguly remarked that witnessing these two distinct styles provided a fascinating masterclass in cinematic performance. Both approaches ultimately reflect a deep-seated passion for storytelling that has characterized the careers of the Deol family for generations.
Reporting based on coverage first published by The Times of India. Read the original report at The Times of India.
