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.

Meena Iyer (DNA; February 18, 2019)

Ajay Devgn and comedy have a deep connect. The Bollywood superstar, who has earned his stripes doing ‘intense’ roles, has been equally faithful to the comic genre. That’s why between the Hum Dil De Chuke Sanams, Gangajals and Singhams, the actor, whose eyes are his most eloquent feature, has continuously made room for films that tickle the funny bone.

You don’t need to search hard to notice that he has punctuated the serious stuff with light-hearted movies like Ishq (1997), Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha (1998), the Golmaal franchise and of course, Son of Sardaar (2012). The Golmaal Again star believes that if you don’t make a person laugh, you’re that much less effective. Perhaps it’s for this reason that Ajay continues to flirt with comedy. That thought brings him and us to Total Dhamaal, his Friday release.

A Q&A session with the two-time National Award winner, who thinks comedy is serious business.

You always maintain that comedy is one genre which you’ll never move away from.
Who doesn’t want to laugh? We all have our problems. But I truly believe that if you don’t laugh enough, you haven’t lived it up. Comedy films are an addiction. You can watch them anytime anywhere. Talking of my own movies, I normally don’t watch them more than once. They may be brilliant, but I just don’t have the inclination to see them again. However, if it’s one of my comedy films, I stand around the television and definitely watch the funny scenes for at least five to seven minutes. I repeat, all of us need to laugh out loud. But that’s not my reason for doing comedies. I’m doing it because I enjoy the genre. Of course, I’m against doing just buffoonery. In fact, the other day someone close to me observed that I even do comedy seriously.

Really?
Yes, the person said that it’s funny the way you do comedy so seriously.

Comedy and you go way back, right?
Ya, Ishq and Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha done in the ’90s were funny. The Golmaal franchise has continued for a decade and there have been innumerable other films including Son Of Sardaar. When I have a release coming up, the first thing my children (Nysa and Yug) turn around and ask is, if it’s a comedy? They are excited if it is. If it’s not, then they’re like, “God, is the ending sad?” They are like, “Will it make us cry?” The questions don’t stop.

So, you’ve got your own home-grown audience for comedy...
Exactly. And I think that’s the case in every house. The Kapil Sharma Show is a hit with families because everyone wants to sit down together and share a laugh. Likewise, the Golmaal and Dhamaal franchise have a faithful following.

Besides subscribing to the view that laughter is the best medicine, you have also turned over a new leaf. You’ve become quite a party-goer...you went to Bobby Deol’s birthday bash last month.
Bobby is my neighbour, he lives across my home. I just had to step out and step in.

A few nights before that you also went to Karan Johar’s party.
That was only the other night that I went out. So, it’s only two occasions that you’re talking about.

It’s nice that you have finally learnt to step out.
I try to make the effort. Earlier too, I did try and on many occasions, I was dressed to go out. But then all of a sudden, I changed my mind. I have no clue why I did that. I would run away from the thought of going out. However, I’m attempting to change and become more social. I like meeting friends, so I guess I will make the effort.

Talking of your funny bone, your answers on Koffee With Karan (KWK) were witty beyond words.  You even won an Audi for the best answer. We heard you beat Aamir Khan?
I have no idea about who I beat. I just went there and decided that I was going to let my guard down. The nature of the show is such that you need to lighten up. Extempore casual talk zyada funny hota hai. People think I’m a serious person, but I can be a lot of fun.

Total Dhamaal has you reuniting with Anil Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit-Nene. Anil says that both of you never treat each other like a junior and a senior.
We all get along very well. I respect him as an actor and a senior. I keep telling him that no one can work as hard as he does. He’s been working since the early ’80s, I think his enthusiasm and spirit are indefatigable. He can keep going on. He will do retakes till he is satisfied with a shot. Not all of us are like that. That is something we all need to learn from him, or make him unlearn (smiles).

But, apart from that, Anil is so much fun. He has no ego, like ‘I’m your senior’. I can tell him whatever I want to. I like him and respect him, I can pull his leg and he also responds the same way. I have seen him since I was quite young because my dad (action-director, Veeru Devgan) has done a number of films with Anil.

Yes, he has said he has a long innings of working with your father.
I remember when I was growing up, he used to come home. So, I know him since then. It’s a fabulous rapport that we share. And it’s so nice on the set, to see everyone get along with each other, it’s like one nice picnic. The funny thing on the Total Dhamaal set was that no one wanted to go home after their scenes. Even if someone had packed up, we would sit on the set and chat. Where do you find this kind of camaraderie? It’s a bit rare.

Normally, it’s said that the director is the captain of the ship. But this time it’s said that you were the godpa on the set.
What rubbish. I think that’s a piece of misinformation. Why would you even say something like that?

Oh ok, sorry. But one heard that you kind of put together the whole project.
Never. It is Indra Kumar and Ashok Thakeria’s baby all the way. I love my association with Indu ji. He’s a really positive guy.

How did you step into this Dhamaal franchise?
Indu ji was struggling to put this sequel together. I heard the narration, I liked it, so I was in. When the shooting began, everyone in the industry was so happy for Indu ji. He has tremendous goodwill, he is a genuinely nice person and he suffers because of that. He can’t say no to people. So, we have to tell him that if you can’t say no to people, we will do it for you.

It was also nice to see Akshay Kumar tweeting for Mungda, your song with Sonakshi Sinha.
Akshay and I have always liked and respected each other. We both started out together, practically, just one year apart. We lead different lives and don’t exactly socialise with one another. However, whenever we meet, we’re chilled out. I know I can pick the phone on him and ask him something and vice versa. What’s also nice is that he is in his own world. He’s not keeping tabs on anyone. I’m also the same. We’re two of a kind.

Anil (Kapoor) was saying Salman (Khan) and you are confident guys. You have no insecurities with your co-stars...
Yeah, we don’t. After 25-27 years, what insecurity will we have? Agreed, just before our film’s release, we’re jittery. But I won’t call that insecurity. You work hard and if something hasn’t shaped up as you envisioned, you get upset. That is not insecurity. It’s anxiety. Sometimes, you blame yourself and promise to be more careful the next time while choosing the projects.

MUMBAI MIRROR (January 29, 2019)

Bobby Deol brought in his 50th birthday with a quiet celebration with family and close friends at his Juhu residence. The day started with a traditional havan, followed by a family lunch with papa Dharmendra, bhaiyya Sunny and other members of the family. Later in the evening, wife Tanya had organised a party and among the first guests were the men in white, Abbas and Mastan Burmawalla who had directed Bobby in Soldier, Ajnabee, Humraaz, Naqaab, and Players. The trio got into an animated discussion with Race producer Ramesh Taurani.

Bobby’s former neighbour and childhood buddy, Ajay Devgn, arrived around 11 pm and got into a huddle with both the Deols. Among the other guests were cricketer Zaheer Khan, filmmaker Nikhil Dwivedi with wife Gowri along with Bobby’s Race 3 co-stars Saqib Saleem and Daisy Shah. Arbaaz Khan turned up with girlfriend Georgia Andriani; Sohail Khan was joined by son Nirvaan.

Salman Khan arrived after most of the guests had left. Incidentally, Dharam was the first to retire, a little before midnight. Salman arrived around 2.30 am, straight from the Bharat shoot. He was accompanied by brother-in-law Atul Agnihotri and sister Alvira and stayed on till the early hours.

With Bhai’s entry, the DJ switched to his chartbusters and everyone hit the dance floor again. One of the high points was Bobby and Tanya grooving to Socha Na Tha’s “Na Sahi”, one of their all-time favourites.

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.

Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 25, 2019)

Bobby Deol who turns 50 on Sunday, January 27, is in a happy frame of mind since he believes he’s the youngest of the Deol brood. “I feel I’m five, who says I will soon be 50? Mentally, I am still a child and I don’t want to change that,” he laughs, asserting that there is more fire in him today than there was a decade ago. “I have the energy to go on for many more years and keep getting better at work,” promises the actor who returned to the mainstream after a five-year hibernation with Race 3 last year.

Talking about his birthday plans, the actor reveals that it will be a private celebration with family and close friends. “My mother will organise a havan, that’s customary on all our birthdays,” he informs, adding that a family reunion is on the cards. “My sisters, Ajeeta and Vijayta, are flying down from Delhi and the US respectively. That apart, the entire family will be home. It’s great to spend time with all those who have made difference in my life. The Deols are anyway very family oriented and love bringing in all occasions together,” he smiles.

The actor has credited Salman Khan for bringing him back into the race. Quiz him on the subject and he says emotionally, “Salman is like an older brother, the most amazing human I have met in the industry who cares for everyone around him. He doesn’t need to do anything for anyone but still goes out of his way to help others, just like my brother (Sunny Deol) and father (Dharmendra).” Will Salman be a part of his birthday bash? “If he is free, he will definitely drop in,” Bobby nods.

On hitting the half century, is there anything that Bobby wishes more from life? “I want to do everything that I can for my family and since I have just started my career again, I want to sign some good films. I want to be like my father who is working in films even at the age of 84,” he says.

Bobby returns to the screen in Diwali with the fourth installment of Housefull franchise spearheaded by Akshay Kumar. “It’s a big franchise and people are expecting a lot from it. Akshay has always chosen the right subjects and Sajid Nadiadwala backs the right product so I hope everything falls in place. This is my only release this year, so it’s an important film for me. I want all my films to be blockbusters, but their fate depends on the audience’s reaction,” he acknowledges. Having worked in Apne and the Yamla Pagla Deewana franchise, Bobby states that he would also love to do many more films with his family.

When asked if he recalls celebrating his father or brother’s 50th birthday, he quips, “They are a little old fashioned and don’t like celebrating birthdays.” 

Meena Iyer (DNA; January 18, 2019)

Bobby Deol is glowing (literally!) after his evening session at the gymnasium. Looking all flushed post his exercise regimen, the actor is seated in his garden, sipping on an iced drink without sugar. While his pretty wife Tanya takes a few rounds in the bungalow compound, Bobby tells us how he finds it hard to believe that he will turn 50 on January 27. “I’m still the baby in the family,” he smiles. “Dad (Dharmendra) and bhaiyya (Sunny Deol) have pampered me so much that I feel like a child,” he jokes, admitting in the very next sentence that he loves watching his sons, Aryaman (17) and Dharam Jr (14), grow up to be fine boys.

“How time has flown,” he sighs. And looking around the walls of his Juhu bungalow with a certain amount of deep affection, the Bollywood superstar remarks, “I was born here and my childhood was spent in this home. I’m glad that my 50th birthday will also be brought in here.”

A CLOSE-KNIT AFFAIR
Quiz him jokingly whether there will be balloons and confetti and the actor laughs and replies, “No way. My mother is organising a havan (which is a ritual for all our birthdays). I have requested her to conduct the puja a little later in the day instead of the wee hours because I don’t like waking up too early. But in the end, I will do exactly as she says.”

Bobby’s entire khandaan, which includes his two sisters who stay in the US and Delhi respectively, will also fly in for this momentous occasion, which is going to be marked by a lot of Deolgiri. “It will be a close-knit affair with my entire family present, but it will also be boisterous and fun because all of us are going to be together,” says the Housefull 4 actor.

‘I FEEL MOTIVATED TO GET IN BETTER SHAPE’
If there is one thing he wants to do in the next week leading up to his birthday, it is to exercise twice every single day. “I’ve become such a gym-junkie; if I miss a workout session, I feel low,” he confesses. “All these years, my father and my brother urged me to take good care of myself and keep fit. And, I was a little lazy. However, I must thank Salman Khan for pushing me to hit the gym and getting myself fitter at 50 than I was at 40. All the ‘fabulous at 50’ compliments sit well with me. I feel motivated to get myself in better shape each day. Guess that is my own birthday present to myself.”

Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 30, 2017)

Bobby Deol has just turned 48 and he tells us about how he’s moving with the times
Upala KBR (DNA; January 28, 2017)

Bobby Deol has turned over a new leaf. He insists his reclusiveness is a thing of the past. The actor, who turned 48 yesterday, now sports a new lean and mean avatar. He spoke to us about turning producer with Poster Boys with his older brother Sunny.

You turned 48 yesterday, but many thought it was your 50th birthday...
I turned 48, yes, not 50 (laughs). I have never hidden my age because it has never bothered me. Why make myself younger? My mother wanted to name me after astronaut Neil Armstrong who had just landed when I was born, but my aunt named me Vijay Singh Deol. I celebrated my birthday at our farmhouse in Lonavala. There was a huge family get-together with some of my closest friends and their families. When I was younger, I wanted to celebrate my birthday on January 26 (laughs), as it was a holiday in India. I cut two-three cakes which my friends got.

Aren’t you on a diet?
No. I can’t diet and starve myself. I have just been taking care of myself, working out, and eating the right kind of food. When I didn’t, I had fallen ill and didn’t look so great. But now I am changing my way of looking at things. Everything slowed down in my life for the last couple of years. I didn’t realise time was passing me by. I am a little old-fashioned, but times have changed now and I am just trying to move with it. I feel there is so much in me to give.

Why were you so elusive?
I am going to change all that now. In between, people started carrying false news about me and maligning me. On the Internet, I would read that I was lazy and people stopped approaching me for their films. I just could not understand any of this. I have never cancelled my shooting, and none of my films got delayed. I have always been professional. I just got disheartened after reading all that negative stuff. People started believing in it and that I was really like this. I want to change their outlook. I am now meeting people and telling them I want to do good characters. Nice and meaty roles in all genres.

You have turned producer, independent of your family banner. Comment.
Yes, Sohail (Maklai) and I are working towards something. It’s tentatively called Changez, but the script keeps changing. Sohail and I are working together after a long time. The film is a little dark for me to produce right now, but I would love to produce family entertainers and I am working on it.

Why aren’t you on social media?
People keep asking me where have I disappeared and I realise how much my fans love me. I am trying really hard to be there. I am a bit wary about social media, especially Twitter. There are many Bobbys on it and most write rubbish impersonating me. I want people to know that I am not one of those. Only if my name comes with the blue tick, it’s me. They use my name for wrong things. I think I will enjoy that as I am always taking photos. I need to be on social media as that’s the only way to be with the new generation. So, I have started with Instagram. But I can’t wish people or pass comments on issues. I can’t be fake. That’s just how I am.

Any birthday wish?
I hope this year I get very busy with work. That’s all I am looking forward to. I think I still have many years left in me. When you go through a low phase, you either get destructive or fight all that negativity with positivity. I spent time with my two sons — Aryaman who’s turned 15 and Dharam who is 12. It’s only with time that you realise how they have grown up. I used this time to work on myself and trying to figure out why work had slowed down. While I have not signed anything except Poster Boys, I won’t give up.

What’s with the new look?
It’s my look for my character in Poshter Boyz with Sunny bhaiyya. I play a small-town school teacher who is totally henpecked by his wife. In real life that’s not the case (laughs). It’s a cute, funny entertainer with a little message and emotions in it. It’s about three men whose lives turn upside down when their pics come on a poster by mistake. It has been great working with bhaiyya as we both know each other inside out. As my elder brother, he gives me suggestions and amazing advice. It was my director Shreyas’s (Talpade) birthday too, but he couldn’t join us in Lonavala as he was busy editing.

Upala KBR (DNA; January 19, 2017)

Bobby Deol turns 50 on January 27 and his elder brother Sunny is planning to throw him a grand bash. Co-incidentally their Poster Boys director Shreyas Talpade turns 40 on the same day and it will be a double celebration for the Deols.

Says a source, “Normally, the Deols like to keep a low profile for whatever celebration they have. They are not known to even have flashy success bashes. Even when their father Dharmendra celebrated his 81st birthday this year, it was a quiet one where close friends and family dropped in at their Juhu bungalow to wish him. Initially, the family had planned to celebrate Bobby’s birthday at their Khandala farmhouse, but this time Sunny wants to throw a grand party, as it’s Bobby’s 50th birthday. He wants to invite many Bollywood celebs. Sunny is planning to host the party at a top five-star hotel in the suburbs and everyone will be invited — from Amitabh Bachchan to Shah Rukh Khan and Bobby’s co-stars including Preity Zinta.”

The last time Bobby had thrown a huge bash was 11 years ago to celebrate the opening of his restaurant Someplace Else, which had some top celebrities dropping in.