Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; September 13, 2020)

He made his Bollywood debut with Barsaat (1995), and since then, Bobby Deol has played varied roles across genres. The actor hit a rough patch in his career a few years ago, before coming back with a makeover in Race 3 (2018). Raring to go, he is now exploring new avenues and mediums. As he celebrates 25 years in Bollywood this year, Bobby looks back at his journey so far. Excerpts from a chat...

You have been a part of about 45 films in 25 years. Tell us about some of your most unforgettable experiences?
I have been working for many years, and every film has left me with pleasant memories. However, the one memory I cherish the most is of the day I faced the camera for the first time. It was for a film by Shekhar Kapur also starring Twinkle Khanna (he had appeared as a child artiste in the 1977 film, Dharam Veer). It was a simple shot where I was walking down the stairs, leading to an arena where I was supposed to have a fight. The first day on a film set felt like a dream come true. I shot for that film for 27 days, but it never got made. Shekhar got an opportunity to direct Bandit Queen (1994), and he had to choose between that film and ours. Since the former was a gateway to Hollywood, my dad (Dharmendra, who was the producer of that film) didn’t push him to do it.

You faced a lull in your career before coming back with a makeover in Race 3 (2018). Looking back, do you regret not reinventing yourself a little earlier on?
As an actor, you think of becoming secure and fearless at the same time. There have been times when I tried to do something different, but it didn’t work. That’s when you think of taking a safer path. After seeing the ups and downs, and then making a comeback, I felt that I needed to take chances in life. I became fearless and took chances. With Race 3, I was trying to get noticed and get more work. I am really happy with the opportunities that came my way post that. The OTT projects feel like a great start to a new life. Now, I believe in myself more than I ever did. I feel that even if I fail today, I have the capacity to bounce back. I am in a much happier space in life. I am always going to be persistent.

Was there a particular moment that prompted you to get your act together?
One day, I heard my sons asking their mom, ‘Why is dad at home? Doesn’t he go to work like you do?’ That was the trigger point.

You have ventured into the digital space this year.In fact,your web show, Aashram on MX Player, has won a lot of appreciation. How has your experience been exploring a new medium in the 25th year of your career?
Shooting for a web show is just like shooting for a movie, just that in the former, you are shooting for a five-hour-long movie (laughs!). I feel that web shows are a great platform for new actors to showcase their talent.

You are known as one of the most shy and reserved actors in Bollywood. But, is there someone who you have opened up to and connected well with, in the industry over the years?
I have done many films with Abbas-Mustan (Ajnabee, Humraaz, Naqaab), and they treat me like a younger brother. I have fond memories of working with them. That apart, I am very fond of Preity Zinta. I call her Pritam Singh. I knew her from even before she became an actor. She used to be a part of my friends’ group. I remember she was studying Criminal Psychology and asked me to be her case study. I turned her offer down (laughs!). I had suggested her name to Abbas-Mustan bhai for Soldier (1998) and that’s how we got cast.

Over the past few months, there have been debates about favouritism and nepotism in Bollywood. While you were never a part of any film circles or camps, the fact remains that you come from a starry family?
I don’t believe in being a part of any camp, and that’s the way I have been brought up. Chaplusi karna aadat nahi hai hamari. My family has been away from all this. My dad struggled his way into the film industry. He is the biggest example of an outsider making it big in Bollywood. I am blessed that I am his son and part of this profession. If the nepotism bit was true, toh mere paas kaam aate rehna chahiye tha.

You followed your father and elder brother’s (Sunny Deol) footsteps into the industry. Are your sons gearing up for a career in movies as well?
My sons are just 18 (Aryaman) and 15 (Dharam) years old. My older son is academically inclined; he is a class topper and has got selected by one of the top universities in the US. He is studying Business Management. He still has a few years to decide his career choice. The younger one is in 9th grade. I have seen how the industry has become competitive over the years. It is not easy for everyone to make a mark. At this point, I just want them to be well-educated, so that they can explore various career options.

Bobby Deol plays a Godman in MX Original Series, Aashram, which starts streaming from August 28; insists OTT has given him a chance to reinvent himself
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 25, 2020)

After 25 years in the showbiz, Bobby Deol is all set to begin a new innings on the OTT platform, with the MX Original Series, Aashram, streaming on MX Player. The actor plays a Godman accused of manipulating the blind faith of his followers. “Good things are finally happening, I have worked really hard and now my work is speaking for me,” exults Bobby, who’s now looking for challenging roles that will break his image. “This is a chance to reinvent myself, prove myself as a versatile actor and connect with a generation that hasn’t seen me yet.” He admits that one of his reasons for doing Aashram was producer-director Prakash Jha. “When you are choosing such relevant subjects, you need someone who will do it right,” asserts the actor, confiding that the director inspired him in the gym too. “I’d wake up every morning at 5.30 am, during the shoot, to find him halfway through his workout, then, stay energised through the day,” he marvels.

The show was filmed in a palace in Ayodhya and to give it the ambience of an ashram, Jha had greenery planted around it five months before the shoot. “It was beautiful,” Bobby raves, admitting that he didn’t need much prep because the script is so beautifully penned. “I spent a month-and-a-half with my diction trainer, as in my dialogues there were at least four words in a sentence that I didn’t understand,” he laughs.

Bobby’s father, Dharmendra, has been at his farmhouse since the Coronavirus lockdown in March. Is he planning a visit to Khandala? “I’d love to, but we are worried we could carry the virus there, even if we seem fine. Why take that chance? Also, my boys (Aryaman and Dharam) are schooling online and there is no wifi at the farmhouse. Right now, the more we stay away from each other, the better,” he asserts, admitting the family is missing the patriarch. “We are an emotional and close-knit family and there is a 4G corner in the farmhouse. So, even though the reception is so bad, we chat daily.”

At home, younger son Dharam has been pushing Bobby into working out daily. “You think you know your kids, but you don’t, till you sit with them. The lockdown gave me that chance,” he reveals. So, will we see him with a six-pack soon? “If it’s required, sure. But at my age, it won’t be easy. Right now, the focus is to look fit and healthy as that gives me the confidence and energy to work more.”

And how are the kids reacting to his new innings? “I know they are proud of their father for trying something different. They read all the reviews and interviews and are happy with all the appreciation I am getting,” he shares, adding that the new industry kids are getting to do diverse work early on. “It’s been more difficult for me, but OTT provides varied opportunities.”

But doesn’t a show like Aashram stand the risk of hurting religious sentiments? “These stories have grown out of what’s happening around us and create awareness. Prakash ji is only warning us not to fall prey to blind superstitions. There is a disclaimer at the beginning, stating that we respect every religion and belief,” he informs, adding that all speculation around his character will be proved wrong, once the show starts streaming on MX Player from August 28. “I’ve never done a web series before, so I’m going to binge watch it through the night,” he says excitedly. 

With his firstborn back from US, Bobby Deol is spending lockdown working out with both sons, nephews and Sunny
Ankita Chaurasia (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 5, 2020)

It’s day 42 of the Coronavirus-induced lockdown, but for a self-confessed homebody Bobby Deol, who admits to have not stepped out of home since March 11, it’s like any other day. He has been tinkering with a camera, shooting 15-year-old son Dharam in their garden for the past one hour, before coming on the line. “I have washed my hands too,” the actor chuckles as a way of greeting, adding that his sons, who had to be reprimanded earlier to clean up and change after returning from school, have now reversed roles and don’t let him off the hook even if he had only gone downstairs.

At the beginning of the year, Bobby was in the US, bringing in his 51st birthday with son Aryaman, who studies there. “Luckily, Aryaman came home a day before Holi without hassles or travel restrictions,” the relieved father relays.

If he wasn’t confined indoors, along with the rest of the country, Bobby would have been in the Maldives right now, ringing in friend Dharmil’s 50th birthday, with buddies flying in from around the world. “Last year, my friend weighed 100 kgs and had vowed to lose weight. We were very excited to celebrate his 20-kg weight loss on this milestone birthday, but it was not to be,” rues the actor, who’s now competing with his buddy over miles clocked on the treadmill. “We keep comparing our steps and the time taken. It keeps us motivated.”

Bobby, who has an in-house gym, finds himself working out with brother Sunny, nephews Karan and Rajvir, and sons Aryaman and Dharam. While his trainer conducts online sessions, it is his younger son who poses difficult challenges. “Dharam is completely into fitness. He learns new techniques online and teaches me. I wish I had the access he does at his age. He has a six-pack already and keeps challenging Tanya and me to try new things. I have to tell him I’m not that flexible anymore,” he laughs.

A passion for the camera and ripped abs… is Deol Jr readying for showbiz? “There’s no business like show business,” Bobby quips, quick to add that while both his sons are interested in films, they are level-headed and want to complete graduation before venturing into the industry. “They are attending online classes conducted by their college and school respectively. My elder one has been submitting study papers ever since he returned. He has to stay up all night for lectures,” informs the dad.

The actor, who lives in a joint family, insists he is blessed to have a roof over his head and access to internet. “The street near my house is covered with yellow flowers. We have lots of trees in our compound where rare birds gather. There’s incessant twitter all day. I get calls from Punjab informing me that mountain ranges are visible from our village. We can’t step out to enjoy the sights but it’s good to know that nature is rejuvenating itself,” he asserts.

He is spending time with his staff too. “One of them has an ailing father back home who had to be hospitalised following a heart condition. He wanted to visit home but understands that right now that might do more harm than good,” Bobby points out, adding that once a week, they send one of the staff members in protective gear to fetch essentials. “I’m missing the milk and vegetables from our farm though,” he sighs.

Speaking of the farm, Bobby’s actor-father Dharmendra has been posting pictures with fresh produce. “His friends had to stop visiting him in the evenings because of social distancing and he was getting bored. Papa had gone to the farmhouse with my mother and aunt two days before the lockdown, then, everything shut down,” he informs. However, with a loyal staff, the veteran actor is taken care of. “We chat every day. Today, he was telling me that he feels like he has never lived in a city. I’m glad he’s away as the fear of contamination is less.”

For now, Bobby’s days don’t look different from each other. Never one to frequent restaurants or theatres, he is happy to lead the simple life. “I love dal-chawal and have discovered a new love for cabbage. Tanya asks me what I’ll have for lunch, I tell her to make patta gobi and repeat it for dinner,” he shares.

Only his sleep pattern has changed because he has lost track of time. “Before you know it, it’s 2 am and time to doze off,” he muses. Tired of watching online content, he often plugs in his earphones for some musical respite. “I’m also thinking of going back to reading. Dad told me it helps you sleep well and I can vouch for it,” he acknowledges.

Ask him if he’s picked up a hobby too, like most of his peers, and he is dismissive. “I don’t need a hobby. I watch a lot of cooking videos but all I make is coffee, mostly a decaf version for my son. Not Dalgona, which is just our phenti hui coffee,” he guffaws, admitting that he has his lows too, when he feels guilty about staying home, but his wife keeps spirits high. But as soon as things go back to normal, he promises to begin work on a film. There’s another show and a film, in the post-production stage, waiting to be released. “But for now, like everyone else, I wait,” he signs off with a smile.

The actor, who celebrates his birthday on Jan 27, will spend the next few weeks with his elder son Aryaman, who is studying business management in New York
Hiren Kotwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 22, 2020)

After a star-studded 50th bash last year, Bobby Deol is opting for a quieter birthday this year in the Big Apple. His elder son, Aryaman, is studying business management at a university there and the actor who turns a year older on January 27, heads to NYC on Friday to bring in his special day with his son.

In between shooting for a show in Ayodhya, helmed by Prakash Jha, Bobby informs that he didn’t get to spend too much time with Aryaman when he was home last because of his hectic work schedule. “It’s been a couple of months since we met. Since he has no holiday coming up, I’m travelling on my work-break to catch up with him,” says the doting dad.

Aryaman turned 18 on June 17, any plans of him following in the footsteps of his grandfather (Dharmendra), father and uncle Sunny? “Right now, he’s focussed on his studies and completing his education. Today’s generation has its priorities right,” smiles Bobby, adding, “Later, if and when he decides to make a career in the movies, we will support and guide him appropriately.”

Bobby, too, is more focussed on his career even though he has yet to announce a new film. He admits that earlier the approach was more easy-going, but now he wants to do good work, irrespective of the platform. “I’m in talks for a few interesting subjects and things should be finalised soon,” he says, admitting that on a show, the pace of work is more hectic, so, it’s early to bed and early to rise. “But I’m in happy space, 2019 was good with Housefull 4 doing well and hopefully, this year will rock too.”

Last year, his nephew Karan Deol debuted as an actor with Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas, which Sunny directed. The musical romance didn’t fare. With his brother’s now juggling Parliamentarian duties as an MP from Gurdaspur, what’s the way forward for Karan? “I can’t speak for my brother or my nephew. Karan is a hard-working guy and I’m sure things will work out for him,” Bobby says shortly.

For now, he will be in NY for a couple of weeks and plans to explore the city when Aryaman is busy with his classes. “Though I’ve been to New York before, I haven’t really gone out and about. I’ll do that this time,” he promises.

Bobby Deol, who’s back in the race and fighting to regain lost ground, even while he admits that work is not easy to come by
Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 19, 2019)

He’s one of the coolest actors in B-Town, both in style quotient and temperament. Nothing ruffles him, neither a hit nor a flop. That’s because Bobby Deol is careful not to get arrogant with success or let failure make him bitter. “If success is a high, then failure is the after-effects of that high. And like any downer, it can leave you feeling depressed. So, you need to keep things in control and not let them get to you,” reasons the actor who’s been see-sawing between two extremes through a career spanning almost 25 years.

At the moment, Bobby is trying to regain lost ground after a selfimposed exile from the screen, which he admits was a mistake. He is grateful to Salman Khan, whom he describes as “the greatest human being he has come across”, for getting him back in the race. “Thanks to him, I got Race 3 without which I would not have landed Housefull 4,” he acknowledges, admitting that choices are limited with work opportunities not easy to come by when you have been out of the running. “You need lots of luck, but I don’t want to leave it to just luck. I’m going out of my way to mingle and learn everything there’s to learn. It’s never too late, age is just a number. You’re as old as you are in your mind.”

He’s made 50 the new 20 and is at his fittest today. Bobby admits that after letting himself go, he is now focussed on staying healthy. Well, he couldn’t have got much sleep this week, with Akshay Kumar pushing up the call time of The Kapil Sharma Show to 6 am, then taking his Housefull 4 coactors on a train-ride to the capital as part of the film’s promotions. “Akshay bhaiya even got Kapil to the set early,” he laughs. “He’s a great guy and it was fun being on his show. The train journey brought back fond childhood memories. When we were in school and college, every year, during summer and winter vacations, we’d travel with the extended family to Punjab. It reunited the gang and gave us quality time together.”

While Akshay and Riteish Deshmukh have been a part of this franchise through four parts, Bobby is a new entrant. So, how was the Housefull experience for him in the context of producer Sajid Nadiadwala’s observation that every actor in the cast needs to shed their inhibitions and perform shamelessly, because without that conviction they’d stand out like a sore thumb in this crazy comedy. “Akshay and Ritiesh are the USP of this franchise. They’re amazing actors, with great comic timing and chemistry. For me, it was an opportunity to understand that kind of cinema. Fortunately, my character is not too over the top, but I’ve learnt a lot from them. I want to step out of my comfort zone now, do all kinds of roles, even on the digital platform because that’s where people turn to at the end of a long day to unwind. The younger audience does not have a set image of me, so I can get a little more experimental,” he avers.

Given that Diwali is a great release week, he must be hoping Part 4 replicates the success of the previous three films and gives him a much-needed box office boost? “I’m hoping people will enjoy this more than the other three. Akshay is a superstar, people love his movies, and through him, I hope they get to see me too,” he smiles.

And will we get to see the three Deols—Dharmendra, Sunny and Bobby—in at least one more film even if it’s not Yamla Pagla Deewana 4? “Definitely,” he assures. “We were all disappointed, particularly, that YPD 3 did not fare better. Next time, we will focus more on the subject so those who love us don’t feel let down,” he promises.

They must also be disappointed that Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas which heralded the entry of the third generation of Deols, Sunny’s son Karan, did not live up to expectations. Where did they go wrong, given that Sunny had directed it? “Every father will do his best for his child, so I have no answer to that. My nephew has talent and promise. He’ll definitely will make a name, he just needs to get the right project,” Bobby reasons.

Is his older son, Aryaman, gearing up for his Bollywood debut? He points out that it’s every father’s dream for his children to follow in his footsteps, and while it will make him happy too, he will never impose his views on his sons. “My father didn’t, the decision was my own, and I want my boys to think for themselves too. I will be equally happy if they want to do business,” he asserts, pointing out that today with more competition, it’s as difficult for a star kid as it is for someone with no film background.

He doesn’t believe in advice, but speaks to both Aryaman and Dharam about what is important, corrects them if necessary and tries to inculcate in them the values he grew up with. “We were taught to be honest and a good human being. That can be conflicting because human beings by nature are not honest. So, you try to be a good human being because then you’re more honest,” he smiles, adding that with his sons, he’s the good cop while wife Tania is the bad cop. “The mother is usually the disciplinarian, who ensures the children don’t go out of control. She’s also the one they love and connect with most.”

For Bobby, Tania is his lifeline. “While your father, mother, siblings always stand by you, it’s your better half who goes through ups and downs with you. My wife has been my biggest strength and most honest critic. Tania has given me the determination to fight back. Today, every step I take, I see it as a way forward,” he signs off with a smile.

Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; October 19, 2019)

Earlier this year, Bobby Deol shared a picture of his son Aryaman on social media, which went viral immediately. Netizens gushed over Bobby’s handsome son. Given the teenager’s good looks, one wondered if he, too, would choose films as a career like his grandfather Dharmendra, uncle Sunny, dad Bobby and now, cousin Karan. When we met Bobby recently to talk about his upcoming film, we asked him whether his 18-year-old son is likely to join films.

Bobby told BT, “When you are from the industry, and your kids grow up, everybody starts expecting them to enter films. I am from this business, and I would love my son to be an actor, but I don’t want him to feel restricted. He should broaden his horizon and think of other professions as well. My son is academically inclined. I just dropped him in New York, where he is studying business management at a renowned university. You need to be a good student to get into such colleges. He makes me really proud.” Let’s wait and watch if another Deol kid steps into the glitzy world of Bollywood.

Meena Iyer (DNA; January 28, 2019)

Fabulous at 50? Is that how it feels?
It feels great. I really toil hard to look and be fit. So, I love all the appreciation that I’ve been getting for it. All I’m waiting for is some good work now. That’s the main reason you have to be fit in this industry, not because of anything else, but because it makes you think more positively. If you’re not, then all the negativity gets into your mind. I’m looking forward to an awesome year ahead.

Your neighbour and collegemate Ajay Devgn says he’s envious of your physique.
I remember, when we were in college, Ajay never worked out. His dad (Veeru Devgan), had built a gym for him. I used to go and meet him there. Just before his dad came, he would quickly spray water on himself to make it seem like he was sweating. He was naughty. I don’t know whether he is envious of my physique, but I think now even he’s fighting fit.

Just before Race 3 (2018) you got all motivated, didn’t you?
Yes, it was after I got a lot of pep talk from ‘Mamu’ (Salman Khan) that I really gave it my all. He has really influenced me a lot.

Salman observed that he has seen different phases in people’s careers. He often mentions how you (according to him) were a big star; even bigger than Akshay Kumar. 
I’ve spoken a lot about it in every interview. There have been times when I just didn’t feel motivated. I went into a shell. As I’ve said umpteen times before this, I’m the youngest in the family, so I have always been protected. Now, I’m standing up and trying to do things on my own. No one can help you. It’s only your attitude and hard work that takes you somewhere. So, Salman saw me going through that phase and he would always tell me the same thing that he told you. And I said, “Yeah Mamu. I know I didn’t realise it. I wasn’t competing with people and I was happy to be in my space and work.”

How come you two call each other Mamu?
We have been calling each other Mamu since a long time. I don’t know how it came up. Anyway, coming to the point, I told him that I didn’t know there was so much competition and everyone wanted to take away what you were doing because they wanted those kind of roles. Slowly, things started slipping out of my hands and it was a while before I actually realised that.

Then you start giving up and losing faith. But eventually I realised that I had to pick up the pieces of my career and just do the right thing. That’s what I started doing, before Poster Boys (2017). When that film came along, I was very excited about it, I was getting to do something so different. Besides working out, I was trying to prepare myself, for an interesting role and a great opportunity. The next thing I know, Salman offered me Race 3, and while doing that, I got Housefull 4. Good things started happening as people saw a change in my attitude. Everyone in the industry loves me, but work took its own time to come my way in the last few years. Whenever I meet people, I’m chilled out; neither do I have any issues with anyone, nor does anyone have any issues with me. So, it used to always confuse me why they don’t work with me. I guess, I had to show interest.

Given that you celebrated your momentous birthday just yesterday, do you look back at your career?
I do and think to myself as to why I gave up in life. Why wasn’t I prepared? Why wasn’t I ready for any kind of challenge in front of me? So, it makes me think, okay, I’ve been in the industry for 24 years, but I never took up any challenges in life till now. I used to work out even before I started my career, but not treating it like a challenge that I have to have the best physique.

You always knew you were good looking. Did you ever take that for granted?
I never thought that physique was an important part of being an actor. Till now, you’ve seen so many actors...

You have two of the best-looking and fit guys in your own home — ­Dharamji and Sunny. They are like role models for the whole world.
Eventually, when you realise it yourself, then you notice the role models around you. When you see their lives, you see that they, too, went through ups and downs in their careers, but they never gave up. My brother had four-five back surgeries, yet he fights it and works out.

Now, I’ve got more equipments in my gym (in the house itself). Today, I’m using the gym more than I ever have in my life. In fact, I finished my workout just half an hour before this interview.

So, this is the best place for me and I’m happy when I exercise. I enjoy my sessions and I feel guilty when I miss them or have a late night. That’s why there’s no way I will miss my workout.

I’m happy that I don’t have to lose anything, but only gain. That’s my attitude now. I’m looking at web series and meeting people, too. I’ve decided to call the directors I’ve met in my life and speak to them. I’ve done that in the past also, but maybe they didn’t take me so seriously then. I met Salman, Akshay, Sajid Nadiadwala and a lot of other people from the industry.

Eventually, something came out of it and they saw that I was hungry for work. And I guess, I look better at 50 then when I was 40 (laughs). Maybe I was not taking care of myself and getting carried away, leading the lifestyle of an actor, not looking into the serious aspects of it. I still have bad habits, but what to do? (Smiles)

You’re awesome as you are. We don’t want to make you Saint Bobby.
I’m not. I’m just saying (laughs). I wish I did... My kids wanted me to give up these habits. I’m blessed to have such a beautiful family. My older son, Aryaman, studies so hard. Recently, when I was going to Goa for a friend’s birthday, he didn’t want to come with me, because he wanted to study. I can’t get over that. Who wouldn’t want to go to Goa?

If one were to ask you to choose, do you have any special films? Are you partial to any movies of yours?
It’s not like that... Some films didn’t do well, but I was happy to be a part of them because of the environment I worked in and the people I met.

There are some movies I don’t think I should have done, but such projects are a part of every actor’s career. I still remember the first day of Soldier’s (1988) shoot. We were filming far away, it was about a two-hour drive from the hotel. It was hot, but the scene I did was so cool. I was walking out with one arm fractured, and suddenly I shoot a guy; it was such a cool moment.

I can also recall clearly the first shot that I gave for Barsaat (1995). The set was that of an old factory and I had to walk down the staircase. I will always cherish the memory because it was the first time I was facing the camera.

You were also seen in your father’s Dharam Veer (1977) as a child.
Yes, I did Dharam Veer also. But I was five years old then (smiles).

Talking about Soldier, one hears that producer Ramesh Taurani, who also co-produced Race 3, wants to make Soldier 2 with your son, Aryaman.
Ramesh ji keeps saying that. I told him to make Soldier Part 2 with me first and then make Part 3 with my son (laughs).

What do your dad and brother say to you now that you’re 50? 
Dad is so happy with the way I look now. He says, ‘Main toh thak gaya, lekin Salman ki baat tune maan li. Teri chaal hi badal gayi hai. Itna chauda ho gaya hai tu abhi! Achha lagta hai.’ He and my brother both are happy.  I guess, I’m still the baby of the house.

Bobby Deol admits his self-imposed exile from the screen was a mistake and expresses gratitude to ‘angel’ Salman Khan for getting him back into action
Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 11, 2018)

He was MIA for a few years but now Bobby Deol is back in the race, basking in the appreciation he’s getting for his new chiselled physique, the result of hours in the gym, kicking and punching with his martial arts trainer, along with a conscious focus on diet and discipline. “It’s awesome, all this love that’s been coming my way. I get angry for not taking better care of myself earlier and for not doing more films in the last few years. It’s too late for regrets but I will work every day now for the rest of my life,” says the actor.

Currently in London for Housefull 4 which kicked off on Monday and reunited him with buddies Akshay Kumar and Riteish Deshmukh, after many years, Bobby is looking forward to the laughs. “Sajid Nadiadwala (producer) makes sure his team is always happy. The script is really funny, very Sajid Khan-ish, a humorous take on reincarnation,” he shares. Does he believe in a second coming himself, you wonder, and he points out that as a member of the Arya Samaj he doesn’t. “But ‘punar janam’ is a part of the Indian culture and psyche. I would want to come back as my papa’s (Dharmendra) son in the next birth, mamma’s too,” he says.

A reel life reunion with papa and brother Sunny in Yamla Pagla Deewana Phir Se is coming up. “The first part of the franchise did well, the second didn’t, we’re hoping this one works, we’ve spent a lot of time trying to find the right script,” says Bobby. Dharmendra isn’t playing his father this time but a lawyer who’s his paying guest while Sunny is an ayurvedic doctor dealing in jadi-booti. “I’m a Punjabi going to Gujarat after his ladylove,” he adds.

Pictures of Bobby’s sons have been doing the rounds with the elder one, Aryaman, sparking speculations that he’ll be the next Deol to be launched after Sunny’s son Karan. “I’m blessed, he’s a beautiful child, not just from the outside. He has a beautiful soul too,” beams the proud father. “He’s just turned 17 and I don’t want him to grow up before his time. I have kept my kids out of the limelight and away from the media as I want them to enjoy their childhood like I did. They can then choose to do what they want. Right now, Aryaman’s interests are studies and cricket,” he says. Did he want to be anything other than an actor? “Never, I always wanted to be an actor and will be one,” he says.

Meanwhile, he’s found a mentor and guide in Salman Khan. “He came into my life like an angel and treats me like a younger brother, finding ways to selflessly do things for me. Recently, he called me from the US to wish me luck before I went on stage for a performance. He’s awesome!” Bobby exults. Point out that their last release, Race 3, has entered the Rs 100 crore club but not lived up to the sky-high expectations and Bobby reasons, “Every film has its own life and reactions differ from person to person. The social media today is really strong, pictures of my new look went viral instantly and people have also been raving about the action scenes. This hasn’t happened to me in a long time. It’s what Salman wanted for me. Race 3 has given me more than what I hoped for and with it has come the realisation that it was a mistake keeping myself away from all this love.”

Any plans to turn producer or director? “I was always a part of our production house, Vijeta Films, but don’t see myself as a director,” he says. “I’m an actor, I want to play good characters and I’m not looking at only lead roles or films. I wouldn’t mind doing a series with high production values and an exciting role.”