The Journey of Bollywood's Iconic Villain
Bollywood has witnessed many legendary actors who carved a permanent niche in the hearts of audiences with their powerful voices and menacing villainous roles. One such name is Mukesh Rishi, who continues to be remembered for his fierce and chilling performances on the silver screen. From playing 'Bulla' in 'Gunda' to 'Deshraj Thakur' in 'Sooryavansham', Mukesh Rishi created absolute terror on celluloid while remaining a thorough gentleman in real life.
Sharing an untold story from his early career, Mukesh Rishi recalled an incident involving the legendary 'He-Man' of Bollywood, Dharmendra. The incident dates back to 1992 during the shoot of the film 'Humla', which marked the first time both actors were working together on a project.
The Tension on the Sets of 'Humla'
During the shooting of 'Humla', Mukesh Rishi intentionally chose to ignore Dharmendra when the veteran star arrived on the set. Crew members and onlookers were left baffled, wondering how a newcomer could dare to show tantrums or ignore a massive superstar like Dharmendra.
However, there was a solid and deeply respectful reason behind Mukesh Rishi's behavior. Dharmendra was not just a co-star to Rishi; he was his childhood idol whose posters adorned the walls of his room. Fearing that meeting the legendary actor beforehand would fill him with awe and nervousness, affecting his performance as a villain, Rishi decided to stay focused entirely on his work.
"Dharmendra ji has been a huge star for me. His posters were pasted on my cupboard. When we were shooting for Humla, it was our first shoot together. If I had met him before the scene, I would not have been able to come out of that aura of respect." — Mukesh Rishi, Actor
Falling at Dharmendra's Feet After the Shot
As soon as the director called 'cut' on their first major sequence together, Mukesh Rishi walked straight up to Dharmendra and fell at his feet. He honestly confessed why he maintained a distance before the shot and explained his deep admiration for the veteran actor.
Dharmendra, known for his gracious and warm-hearted nature, completely understood and appreciated Rishi's dedication to his craft. This mutual respect paved the way for numerous future collaborations, including films like 'Gio Shaan Se', 'Zulmo Sitam', and 'Loh Purush', cementing a lifelong bond of respect between the two cinematic icons.
