It was inspiring to know Dharmendra`s story: Kristina Akheeva

Mumbai: Australian model-actress Kristina Akheeva is part of the Deols` home production ‘Yamla Pagla Deewana 2’. While working on the film she got to spend time with yesteryears star Dharmendra and was inspired by his life story.

Describing 77-year-old Dharmendra as the "most kindest" and "most humble" person, he made her feel "extremely welcome" and said she was a "part of the family". At the same time, Dharmednra, a village boy who entered Hindi cinema after winning a Filmfare new talent award and became a star after hits like ‘Phool Aur Patthar’, ‘Satyakam’ and ‘Sholay’, reminded her of her professional responsibilities. "He constantly reminded me that I am here for a reason and that I was doing a good job. He told me a lot of stories from his past and how he got into the industry. It was inspiring to know his story," Kristina said. To direct three Deols - Dharmendra and his two sons - Sunny and Bobby - in ‘Yamla Pagla Deewana 2’, Sangeeth Sivan went behind the camera. Releasing June 7, the film`s story is penned down by Sunny`s wife Lynda Deol. Kristina says it was "amazing" to work in the film. "I had a fantastic time. I learned a lot and got to work with such an iconic family. I have always been passionate about getting into films, so for me it was amazing to just be on sets everyday and do something which I love," she said. The Hindi film industry`s professionalism impressed the 26-year-old. "I didn`t have any preconceived notions. I had nothing to compare it with. I was happy to see that it was so professional. I got to work with honest people in the industry and I feel lucky about it. Everything was how I imagined it to be," she said. Although she did not get time to learn Hindi, but she didn`t "struggle with it as much as I had thought". Now that she has time, she is taking regular classes to master the language and added: "I have a teacher and I am learning more conversational Hindi." IANS