Pehle log kuch bhi likhte the...lekin main kabhi papa ke pas nahi gaya: Sunny Deol on dealing with criticism

This time, the iconic actor, alongside his co-stars Randeep Hooda, Viineet Kumar Siingh, Saiyami Kher, Jagapathi Babu, and Ramya Krishna, is set to show the audience yet another fierce side of his acting prowess.

Speaking to ANI, Sunny Deol shared his thoughts on the upcoming film, his enduring journey as an actor, and the pressures he still faces despite his legendary status in Bollywood.

When asked about the anticipation surrounding the release of 'Jaat', Sunny candidly admitted that even after decades in the industry, he still feels the weight of nervousness before a film's release.

"There is always a tension, there is always fear," he confessed, reflecting on the constant nerves that accompany any new film.

Despite the immense love Jaat's trailer has received, he remains cautiously optimistic, hoping that the film will get the same reception.

"If the movie gets the same love and support as the trailer, it will definitely be appreciated," he added.

Sunny also spoke about his relationship with criticism. He revealed that early in his career, he did feel the sting of negative feedback, but over time, he has learned to rise above it.

When asked if he ever sought guidance from his father, veteran actor Dharmendra, after receiving critical reviews, he said, "Pehle log kuch bhi likhte the toh mujhe acha nahi lagta tha... lekin main kabhi papa ke paas nahi gaya"(Earlier, when people used to write anything, I didn't like it... but I never went to my father)," adding, "I always thought to myself, why did I do this? Then I understood that what they are saying, and what I have done, there is a lot of difference."

He added that while he doesn't dismiss feedback completely, he no longer takes it too seriously.

"I don't take those opinions seriously, I know what I am doing, what I have to do," he said, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection over external validation.

Sunny also revealed that while he respects reviews, he doesn't let them affect his decisions or confidence. "Cinema is made for the audience, their reviews, they come and watch it, they like it, that is what matters," he explained, emphasizing that the true judgment comes from the people who invest in the experience.

He noted that although reviews are part of the process, he doesn't give them undue importance because "I know what I have done right or wrong." For Deol, the audience's reaction is the true measure of success.

Known for his fierce on-screen persona, especially in high-voltage action scenes, Sunny Deol also reflected on how he manages his anger both on and off-camera.

The actor, who is often seen channeling his intense anger into powerful film roles, admitted that anger is something he does not suppress. "Anger will always be anger, whether I do it in cinema or in front of the camera, or personally," he shared.

However, he also stressed that in his personal life, he tries to control his anger, acknowledging that it's an emotion that must be handled carefully.

"In real life, I try to control it because it happens in the cinema, but when it comes, it comes as it is... you'll see it on my face," he added.

As a seasoned actor with over four decades in the industry, Sunny reflected on how his acting journey has evolved from the days of Betaab to Jaat.

He acknowledged that he has changed with the times, but the core values that define his performances remain intact.

"I was 21-24 years old, now I am 67," he said, recognizing how much he has grown, both as an individual and as an actor.

Despite the changes in the film industry, he emphasized that the essence of storytelling--rooted in love, culture, and family--has not changed.

"The basics will remain the same, the grassroots, that we are, our culture, our love, our family, will remain the same," he shared, hinting that while the film industry may evolve in terms of technology and storytelling, the emotional core of his work remains unchanged.

As Jaat prepares to hit theatres, all eyes are on Sunny Deol and his electrifying return to the action genre. With his signature dialogue making a comeback in Jaat' "Ye dhai kilo ke haath ki taakat pura north dekh chuka hain. Ab south dekhega", fans are waiting to witness his powerhouse performance once again.

The film, directed by Gopichand Malineni, promises to deliver high-octane action sequences and intense drama, offering a fresh yet familiar thrill for both North and South Indian audiences.

'Jaat' is set to release in Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil on April 10, 2025, under the banner of Mythri Movie Makers and People Media Factory.