This Article is From Apr 05, 2011

Rickshaw puller is now Dharmendra's guest

Rickshaw puller is now Dharmendra's guest
Mumbai: Dejection at not being able to enter the stadium with his beloved cycle rickshaw during the India-Sri Lanka final didn't last too long for Mohammad Sheru Khan despite him having pedalled nearly 1,500 km to get to the city from Meerut.

The ardent Dharmendra fan got shelter at the Yamla, Pagla, Deewana star's home in Juhu, where he plans to stay for the next 20-odd days.

Khan decided to travel all the way from Meerut to Mumbai in his cycle rickshaw after a local politician challenged him and promised a ticket to the finals if he accomplished the feat.
Khan made it to Mumbai in time and got the ticket but decided against watching the match when he was not allowed to take his rickshaw inside the stadium.

"I came all the way from Meerut with a World Cup trophy replica on my rickshaw. I didn't see any point in watching the match if the players did not get a chance to at least have a look at it," said Khan.

He went to Dharmendra's house on Saturday night itself. "I have known Dharam ji for a long time and respect him a lot. I did not know anyone else in the city and I was sure he would help me out if I called on him.

I am happy spending my time here. I am a big fan and always organise shows of his movies for people in my village. He has a big heart and is a great actor," he added.

On Sunday night, a Mid-Day reporter spotted Khan giving a ride to kids in his rickshaw at Carter Road.

"I am planning to stay in Mumbai for the next 20-odd days and hope to make some money out of giving rides to people.

Many teenagers have been asking me for a ride because of the lights and the trophy replica on my rickshaw. I don't have a fixed rate and ask people to pay whatever they want."

Asked whether he was planning to return to his family of seven the same way he came to the city, he said, "I think I'll take a train and use it to take the rickshaw along as well."

When MiD DAY spoke to Dharmendra, he said, "I consider Sheru to be my biggest fan. It's not like I have known him personally for a long time, but we had met a few years back.
I was very happy to meet him and I think you will not find many people who are as genuine as him. His honesty has won my heart and letting him stay at my place is not a big deal. I will do whatever I can for an honest person."

The actor had also given Sheru a bit part in Yamla, Pagla, Deewana. "Sheru had come to the sets when I was shooting for the film and I had given him a small role to play."
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