He is popularly known as the He Man of Bollywood. The king of romance and emotions, Dharmendra has made us clench on to our seats when he beat the sense out of villains on the big screen. Although most of his contemporaries decided to appear on the small screen a lot before, Dharam ji opted to buy time and wait for the right time and opportunity. The charming and dashing Punjab ka puttar has now geared up to enthrall his fans by making an appearance on the small screen as one of the judges on Colors’ India’s Got Talent. In an interview with TellyChakkar, Dharam ji talks about his debut on the small screen and lots more. Excerpts from the interview… Whilst many of your contemporaries made their TV debut years ago you took long to come on the small screen. Why? I feel everything has its time. When it comes to films, I wanted to become an actor from a long time but I got the chance when the time was right. Your take on the small screen… I love the camera be it for the big or the small screen. I did start my career on the big screen but the small screen has taken over the world now. In fact, those who cannot go and watch movies in cinema halls get entertained at home. I wish television had so much variety when I was young as I was born in a poor family and had no means of entertainment. How difficult is it being a judge? Being a judge is not that difficult. People watch a movie and come out of the theatre and give opinions. And one doesn’t need to be actors, directors or music directors to pass a judgement. But the worst part is to say no to a contestant. I have been a contestant myself. I remember I had come from Sahnewal to Mumbai for the Film Talent contest and Bimal Roy and Guru Dutt were conducting it. They had arranged our accommodation in a five- star hotel and I felt like a goat that’d be slaughtered soon. I used to wait for the results eagerly. You’ve been to different states of India for the auditions. Which act impressed you the most? There were these little kids who did salsa. I liked it a lot. Apart from it there is a Chinese lady who stays in Orissa and she performed Odissi dance which was amazing. In fact, everyone who came for the auditions was talented. I wish all of them were selected. There are two beautiful ladies with you as co-judges. How is it working with them? They are diamonds and are like a family to me. (Kirron) Kher ji played the role of my wife in Apne, so I have a good rapport with her. It’s nice working with both of them. Basically, I am a soft-hearted person so I get along well with everybody. Why did you choose to be on this show? This show is about talent so it attracted me. The show was offered to me earlier but I was puzzled to give a nod or not. Finally I gave my consent. Furthermore, I was done with the shooting of Yamla Pagla Deewana and I had at least two to three months before the next movie went on floors. So in between I thought to be a part of India’s Got Talent. I am sure that after the show if I don’t become as famous as Amitabh, but people will definitely start calling me Darling D. Has Ahana styled your costumes for this show? Yes, she has. I hope I am looking good in the clothes I am wearing. (laughs). Even at 75 people you are quite young and hearty? I think one should be young at heart. The day you begin thinking about your age you will start growing old. I feel one should think that there is always a long way to go. Who is your favourite actor from Bollywood? I am a big fan of Dilip Kumar. I adore him.