Actor Sunny Deol is often associated with the ‘Angry Young Man’ persona due to his roles in films, leading people to believe that he is just as temperamental off-screen. Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali received warnings about Sunny’s temperament before their initial meeting for the narration of Imtiaz’s debut film, Socha Na Tha. However, Imtiaz’s perception changed after meeting Sunny. Today, he deeply respects the actor, as Sunny was the one who entrusted him with his first film opportunity.
In a recent interview, Imtiaz, renowned for directing films such as Jab We Met, Rockstar, Tamasha, and Love Aaj Kal, revealed the story behind his directorial debut, Socha Na Tha, starring Abhay Deol and Ayesha Takia as the main characters. The opportunity came to him when Sunny Deol learned about his cousin Abhay’s intention to work with Imtiaz on a film project.
“Sunny Deol must have heard from somewhere that Abhay is planning to do a film. So, he summoned me and told me, ‘Ye kya ho raha hai? Pehle main approve karunga fir ye film banegi. I will produce it. (What is happening? This film will be made only after my approval),” Imtiaz told Lallantop.
Before Imtiaz had the chance to meet Sunny Deol, others tried to intimidate him, warning that Sunny is an action hero, an angry man, and he is approaching him with a story where the hero gets slapped. He is physically strong too. What will you do if he would slap you in anger?” people told him. Despite these warnings, Imtiaz, who had never met a star before, was determined to make the film. He went to Simla to present the script of Socha Na Tha to the Gadar star.
Post the narration, Imtiaz’s perception of Sunny Deol changed. He said, “He (Sunny) is a very shy man, very sensitive. That day, the stereotype around him broke for me. He didn’t ask me where I was from or what is my experience. He has a very important position in my life because he gave me my first film.”
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