Sunny Deol is riding high on the success of Jaat, his first full-fledged lead role in a South Indian film. Directed by Gopichand Malineni and produced by Mythri Movie Makers and People Media Factory, the film has struck critical and commercial gold. In an exclusive chat with LIPIKA VARMA, Sunny opens up about his experience working in the South, redefining stardom, and why audiences are returning to strong, rooted cinema.

Exclusive Excerpts

After Gadar 2, would you call this a golden phase in your career?

Absolutely. When the first Gadar became a hit, meri dukaan band ho gayi. Then came the second one and dukaan khul gayi. People said Gadar 2 was outdated, but the audience loved it. Today, we’re returning to rooted films. Bollywood directors have moved away from making original, grounded stories—they’re focusing too much on city-centric films. But 99 percent of our audience is Indian, and they want stories they can connect with.

How do you define stardom today? Do you consider yourself a star or an actor?

I focus on my work, not on stardom. These days, actors feel the need to constantly stay in the public eye. But for me, stardom is enjoying my work as an actor. If my work is appreciated, I feel fulfilled. I feel blessed to be in this industry where we live different lives through our characters, even if it means no weekends and no regular work hours. We are people who love a peaceful life.

Is doing physically demanding roles still challenging for you?
Honestly, I’ve never found physical roles difficult. That’s just who I am. Age is just a number. If the role suits me and I can live the character truthfully, that’s enough. I don’t shy away from physically demanding work.

What precautions do you take while performing action scenes at this stage of your career?
There are no special pointers, really. I don’t chase action. I pick films based on the story. After Gadar, I suddenly realised I have to make a century at the B.O. So the makers come with offers to me. [It’s a joke] A few filmmakers approached me with strong concepts. In South Indian cinema, producers trust their directors and give them complete creative freedom. The action flows naturally from the story, not the other way around. In the story, I don’t look for action as such. I just do whatever is instilled within the premise of the story.

Fans of the South are very loyal. How do you look at your fandom down South? 

I don’t know about my fandom over there, abhi pata chalega, as I am debuting with Jaat. Fans connect with your work. Unfortunately, for a long time, we stopped making films for our core audience. We just started remaking South films. But things are changing. I’ve met many South filmmakers who told me they grew up watching my films and are huge fans. We just hadn’t reached out to that market before.

There’s a belief that South Indian fans don’t connect with Bollywood heroes. Do you agree?
Dekhne ya na dekhne ka reason alag hota hai. Many South directors are fans of my older films. We were the ones who didn’t explore the South audience properly. And I’ve never done a remake—not even of my own films. Jaat is an original story, and it’s been accepted well. That shows it’s the story that truly matters. 

You are also passionate about direction. What are your future directorial plans?

I have tried a lot to turn into a producer and have tried my hand as a director as well. Somehow, I couldn’t manage. I have gone through a lot of hiccups. Then I had given acting a back seat. But as an actor, meri dukan chal padi hai, even after Gadar people want to watch me, so acting is my main focus for now.  

Will you ever play a villainous or negative character in a film?

No one’s officially offered me one, but there have been discussions. I don’t think in terms of “positive” or “negative” roles. As actors, we play characters based on what the story needs. But my image can be a hurdle. I don’t know if the junta would accept me in such a role. The producer would have to take that risk, not me.  Years back, I did Damin and people loved me in that character.

Have you signed a 3-film deal with Mythri Movie Makers and People Media Factory?

I didn’t sign any 3-film deal with any producer. If you feel good working with a producer or director, then I would love to do films with them. However, it depends on the subject. Yes, if I get a good story from Mythri people producers, why would I not do another film with them?

Also, after 2023, it seems to be the Deol period professionally?

Yes, it wouldn’t be too much if I say, Jab se hamare ghar beti aayi hai, she has brought luck to us. Bobby, Dad, and I are all doing well professionally. When your family is happy and thriving, you enjoy every bit of that time.