As Dharmendra’s grandson Karan got married on July 18, family friend Shatrughan Sinha recalls his long association with the Deol family.

“I’ve known Dharmendra for more than forty years. I call him the handsomest screen hero ever. He is as good in appearance as he is at heart. Truly a God’s child. Through Dharmendra I’ve also known his dhai kilo wala haath son Sunny Deol . Both Dharmendra and Sunny are tough macho men with hearts of gold. Now there is Sunny’s son Karan .Watching him getting married is like a child in my family getting married. It was an emotional moment. I am so happy Karan has found such a lovely life partner.”

Shatruji is not just close to Hema but also Dharmendra.

“Hema (Malini) is also a dear friend. Both Hema and Dharmendra have been my friends for years. It is rare for a friendship to survive so long in this industry where loyalties change every Friday,” said Shatrughan Sinha.

Shatruji names Hema and Dharmendra as his favourite co-stars. “All three of us have worked together in Dulal Guha’s excellent film Dost which I think was released in 1974. This is one of my favourite films. I think my wife Poonam has also worked in a film with Dharmendra.Do you know we would have done Sholay together. But God and Ramesh Sippy had other plans,” laughs Shatruji.