People in Leicester have been given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to star in a Bollywood film featuring Indian film legend Dharmendra and his two sons Sunny and Bobby Deol.
The trio are in Leicester shooting for the sequel to their 2011 hit film Yamla Pagla Deewana. Along with a crew of over 100 people, they have been shooting across various locations in the city including at the University of Leicester and at the New Walk Museum and Art gallery.
While the actors been happy to pose for photographs with fans, some lucky people have been given the chance to star in the film itself.
Speaking to Pukaar News, 41-year-old learning support teaching assistant Jasvinder Kaur, said: “I was in a scene where I was playing a screaming fan. It was so exciting. I’ve seen most of their films and it’s great to see the actors being so friendly – they are very down to earth.”
Close protection officer Stuart Mundenedge, 40, has been providing security for Sunny Deol during his stay. He was asked at a moments notice to fill in as one of the extras and was more than happy to oblige. Stuart said: “I was flattered to have been asked. It’s a nice production unit and I was happy to help. The film is really helping to raise the profile of Bollywood to people who are outside the Asian community. 
“The actors are very down to earth and happy to meet the public. But I was shocked at the reception the father got. People wanted to touch his feet and everyone felt so humbled by him.”
Bhavin Patel, 19, is a student in Leicester. He said: “I’ve seen the first movie and I loved it. It’s great that they’ve come here. Leicester has got a big Asian community and is a very diverse and multicultural place. Bringing something like this here really boosts the profile of the city.”
Directed by Sangeeth Sivan, the film also stars Kristina Akheeva, Neha Sharma, Anupam Kher, Johny Lever and Gulshan Grover.
Yamla Pagla Deewana 2 will be releasing in summer 2013 and the cast and crew will be shooting in Leicester until November.
Photo credit: University of Leicester
