In a candid revelation, actor Behzaad Khan, who portrays Babar Khan in the much-anticipated film Border 2, disclosed that he was initially extremely skeptical about physically confronting Sunny Deol during the shoot. This hesitation stemmed from deep-seated respect and acknowledgment of the senior actor's legendary status in the industry.
Overcoming the Awe of a Legend
Opening up about the intense scenes he shared with Sunny Deol, Behzaad elaborated on the internal conflict he faced. "We were shooting an action sequence where we had to hit each other," he shared. "Looking at Sunny Sir, out of respect and seniority, and considering the monumental work he has done over the years, I was very skeptical. My punches and pushes were not that hard because somewhere I was holding myself back."
This reluctance did not go unnoticed. Sunny Deol, with his characteristic insight, recognized Behzaad's hesitation and took a moment to address it. "Sunny Sir told me, 'Don't worry that you are trying to hit me or push me. We are actors. Take me as your opponent and just go for it. I'll save myself,'" Behzaad recalled. This pivotal conversation proved transformative, allowing Behzaad to shed the overwhelming aura surrounding Sunny and view him simply as a dedicated co-actor.
A Childhood Hero and an Unforgettable First Meeting
Behzaad's reverence for Sunny Deol is rooted in a long history of admiration. He described their first meeting as nothing short of "overwhelming." "The first time I met him, I had tears in my eyes," he confessed. "We have literally seen him grow on screen. He is a childhood hero for me. I have watched so many of his films. He is a legend."
The experience of sharing screen space with his idol was surreal. "Sharing screen space with him, discussing scenes, and trying to make the scene look authentic and beautiful was an unreal experience," Behzaad explained. Beyond the star power, what left a lasting impression on him was Sunny Deol's unwavering professionalism.
Lessons in Discipline and Life Beyond Acting
Behzaad was particularly struck by Sunny's discipline and dedication to his craft. "He is extremely supportive and very dedicated to his craft. Even at this age, he remembers everything. He performs all his sequences on his own," the actor added with admiration.
However, the impact of working with a veteran like Sunny Deol extended far beyond the technical aspects of acting. Behzaad admitted that the collaboration sparked significant personal and creative growth. "Working with a senior actor of Sunny Deol's calibre gives you immense creative growth," he stated. "After finishing the shoot, I genuinely felt I had grown as an actor. He teaches you not just about acting but also about life. You understand how important it is to be humble, grounded, and down to earth. Sunny Sir embodies gratitude and respect in the most effortless way."
This behind-the-scenes glimpse into Border 2 highlights not just the physical demands of action cinema but the profound interpersonal dynamics and mentorship that can define a film set, especially when legends like Sunny Deol are involved.
