Punjabis ruled on the night of July 1, at San Jose's Unify Center, where DBR Entertainment (Dave Atwal, Bikramjeet Singh, Rana Atwal, Joe Johal), held a dance and dinner event to welcome the stars of the newly released film Apne to USA. Apne, directed by Anil Sharma, is a Bollywood flick where Dharmendra comes together with his two sons Sunny and Bobby Deol. The Bollywood churner is doing very well in India, and the film seems to be catching on in the US too.

It was a full house as a largely Punjabi audience, dressed in their Indian best, gathered to meet their beloved Dharmendra and his two strapping sons. A press conference, managed by Amritpal Singh, was held prior to the show, and the famous threesome, along with Anil Sharma, made a dignified entry into the press hall. Dharmendra, 71, flanked by Sunny Deol, 50 and Bobby Deol, 40, was easily was the best looking of the three, and also the most forthcoming in his chit-chat with the press.

Born in 1935 in Phagwara, Punjab, Dharam Singh Deol had an early fascination for films and aspired to become a famous movie star. Life for him changed forever when he was spotted in a Filmfare talent contest and soon the world knew and loved him for his sensitive, yet strong and sensual portrayals on screen as well as his excellent comic timing. Despite his popularity and fame, Dharmendra at heart remains the simple, unaffected small town lad from Punjab, preferring his own Punjabi to any language.

He was profusely thankful to the public for giving him their love and admiration over the years and mentioned that Apne would not disappoint fans. Sunny Deol burst on the scene in 1983 with Betaab and Bobby Deol debuted in 1995 with Barsaat, though not many people know that when Bobby was 10 years old, he made a very brief appearance as a younger Dharam in the 1977 Dharamveer. There was a sort of frenzy amongst the audience when the Deols made their way onto the stage.

Everyone strained to get a look at the stars, and photographers swarmed around to get the best shot. Someone from the audience let out an enthusiastic \'Bole So Nihaal\', and soon the Emcee switched from Hindi to a robust Punjabi. The whole of the Bay Area seemed to be happy to honor the actors and it was with great pleasure that Dharmendra and sons accepted awards from Dr Romesh Japra of India Post, State Assembly member Jim Bell, legal advisor Dr Ashwini Bhakhri, Gurpreet Sandhu from Quami Ekta, Asha Sharma from Radio Geet Sangeet, Harpreet Singh Sandhu from the city of Richmond and a host of other prominent Indians, actively involved in the community.

The actors, especially veteran Dharmendra, were friendly and down to earth, full of witty remarks which endeared people to them. It was a lively vibrant affair and the irresistible beat of Bhangra music soon saw a full dance floor. Sandhu Indian Cuisine catered for the event, and the delicious Punjabi khana was enjoyed by all.

FREMONT: Punjabis ruled on the night of July 1, at San Jose\'s Unify Center, where DBR Entertainment (Dave Atwal, Bikramjeet Singh, Rana Atwal, Joe Johal), held a dance and dinner event to welcome the stars of the newly released film Apne to USA.