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**Dharmendra Defends Controversial Kissing Scene with Shabana Azmi in ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’**

**Mumbai, India** – Veteran actor Dharmendra has spoken out about the buzz surrounding his kissing scene with Shabana Azmi in the 2023 hit film “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.” The scene, which featured the two senior actors sharing a kiss, sparked debate among audiences, with some questioning its appropriateness given their age.

Dharmendra, however, has brushed aside the controversy, describing the moment as beautifully filmed and a natural part of the film’s narrative. In a recent interview, he playfully recounted telling co-star Ranveer Singh, “You had so many kissing scenes in ‘Rocky Aur Rani,’ but my one kiss shook everyone!”

He defended the scene by emphasizing that there is no age limit to love and romance. He likened his character in the film to a Devdas-like figure, grappling with memories and finding solace in alcohol. Dharmendra explained that the unexpected nature of the kiss amplified its impact on viewers, providing a unique moment amidst the film’s central love story between Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt’s characters.

The actor also revealed that he last performed such a scene in the film ‘Life in a Metro’. He stated that he wasn’t initially taken aback when director Karan Johar narrated the scene but understood the necessity of the scene in the film.

Dharmendra further elaborated that there was no awkwardness between him and Shabana Azmi while filming the scene. He reiterated that the scene was filmed in a simple and artistic way.
“Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani,” a family drama directed by Karan Johar, was a box-office success, with its storyline, music, and the performances of its lead actors, including Jaya Bachchan, being praised. The film explored themes of love and family across generations, with the controversial kissing scene adding a surprising and talked-about element to the overall narrative.

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