Showing posts with label Bobby Deol interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bobby Deol interview. Show all posts
If you really look at Animal, my past is sadder than Ranbir Kapoor’s character-Bobby Deol
8:38 AM
Madhureeta Mukherjee (BOMBAY TIMES; October 27, 2025)
Bobby Deol is as raw, honest and real as it gets. His reinvention as Lord Bobby is what stories are made of, but he carries his renewed stardom with quiet grace. The actor who marks 30 years in the industry this year, has reignited the audience’s interest with bold, dark roles – totally redefining the heartthrob Bobby of Barsaat and Bichhoo days. In the latest episode of Philips LatteGo presents Bombay Times Lounge powered by instax FUJIFILM, Bobby bares his heart and talks about stardom, family bonds, lasting friendships and his remarkable resurgence. Watch the full episode that just dropped on the Bombay Times YouTube channel.
After many years of staying away from the spotlight, your comeback was interesting – it was marked by your evolution and reinvention as an actor. The audience lapped Bobby as the baddie. How did it feel transitioning to the dark side on screen?
The problem in the world is that people who are bad don’t think they’re bad, because if they knew that, they wouldn’t be bad. So, whenever I play negative characters, I don’t think I’m bad, because if you think that way, then your performance becomes unreal. You have to be the character. You have your own backstory about why you are reacting or feeling this way. If you really look at Animal, my past is sadder than Ranbir’s character. So, I thought about myself as a guy who wanted to protect his family, and for that, he would give his life or take others’ lives.
OTT played a huge role in changing the game for you. Shows like Aashram and Class of ’83 brought out facets of you as an actor we had never seen before. How do you view this turnaround in your career?
As an actor, OTT platforms gave me the opportunity to play characters I was seeking, which were outside my comfort zone and away from my image. I am very proud of Class Of '83, which many might not have seen because it released a week after Aashram. For me, the only thing that mattered was to be accepted as an actor, not a star.
You have seen the heights of stardom. People will always look at you as a star.
I don’t think of myself as a star. I never do. I’m just a normal person who’s trying to do his job, and luckily, it’s a creative job. To be an actor, to be on a set and create different characters - that is what I really enjoy doing.
Talking about OTT, the series The Ba***ds Of Bollywood helmed by Aryan Khan... how was it being directed by someone you have seen grow up?
I got a phone call from their team saying, ‘We’re producing this web series and Aryan Khan is directing it, would you be interested?’ I just said, ‘I’m doing it’. Because I’m a father myself, I have kids (Aryaman and Dharam) who want to be actors, and I know how difficult it is and how much pressure there is. Whatever people say about the industry, we are very close-knit in many ways. We have a great bond, and we care about each other. I sat with Aryan for seven hours for the narration, and the conviction with which he narrated the whole story to me – I was just taken in by it. He was like this child. I call him a child because he’s like a child to me.
Did it remind you of your early days? Being a superstar’s son, did you feel the pressure at the start? Could you relate to Aryan on that level?
The funniest thing is, I never thought about all these things when I was starting out. I really didn’t. In fact, not for a very long time in my career. Later on, when people would say, ‘You were always under the shadow of your dad and your brother,’ and I would think, was I? I never felt it. I never looked at my career like that.
You are looking fitter than ever before, and I believe you’ve given up alcohol?
Yes, I have, and it has really helped me. Everyone is genetically different, and no one realizes how any kind of intoxication can affect you. And some people have those genes where you get addicted to things. I just decided that God has given me a second chance, and I really, really want to do my best. You don’t get these kinds of chances in life. The voice has to come from within. I think I’m a better person after I stopped drinking, and I think my relationship has become a hundred times better with everyone I know.
‘Aryan is a perfectionist, feel so proud of him’
Talking about being directed by Aryan Khan for The Ba**ads Of Bollywood, he says, “Aryan is so mature in his thinking. He’s a real taskmaster and a perfectionist. It was like my own son telling me, ‘I want this, I want you to do it this way.’ If The Ba**ads Of Bollywood is what it is, it’s because of Aryan. He’s proved it to the world. With the pressure he was under… being a superstar like Shah Rukh Khan’s son, to have the guts to step out and have his own voice as a director – hats off to him. I feel so proud of him!”
‘Never give up on yourself’
"Life can never be easy, no matter how talented you are. There are so many cases of people being talented, but not getting work. And there have been cases of so many people who are not talented, but are getting work. But that shouldn’t make you want to make excuses or give up on yourself."
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I want to be here when I am 90 and doing this-Bobby Deol
9:42 AM
Madhureeta Mukherjee (BOMBAY TIMES; October 6, 2025)
Three decades in an ever-changing industry — and Bobby Deol’s journey feels as personal as it is cinematic. From the wide-eyed debutant of Barsaat to the fierce, magnetic Lord Bobby, who has captured a new generation of fans, his story is one of faith and reinvention. As he marks 30 years in films, Bobby joins us on Philips LatteGo presents Bombay Times Lounge powered by instax FUJIFILM for an emotional conversation — about his ultimate idol and biggest inspiration, the lessons that came with failure, and the joy of finding new ground in a new era of cinema. The full episode drops soon on the Bombay Times YouTube Channel. Here’s a glimpse of how Bobby won over the audience present at the show — with wit, wisdom, and that unmistakable Lord Bobby charm.
Today, marks 30 years of you being in the movies. When you look back, what emotions does this journey bring up for you?
I never thought I would be sitting here and talking about completing 30 years as an actor. All I think about is…I want to be sitting here when I am 90 and doing this. I look up to my father (Dharmendra), and I hope I can work for as long as he has. He makes me stronger in many ways, and also, there is no scope for excuses – my father is turning 90 and he still wants to work, just seeing him ups my self-belief. I believe I’m here for 30 years as I have his blessings and so much love from the audiences because of him.
Your debut with Barsaat was unforgettable for many reasons. I believe that there was a grand premiere for the film. What do you remember most about that time?
Barsaat took many years to be made, we started with the shooting when I was about 22-23, and the mahurat was on my birthday, January 27. The directors changed: Shekhar Kapur was directing it, and he got an offer from Hollywood for Bandit Queen. My dad told him, ‘My son’s career is as important to me as your career is to you’, so that’s how Rajkumar Santoshi came in to direct it. The premiere at Metro Cinema was one of the most exciting nights of my life. I was really nervous. I had to sit in the car with Twinkle Khanna (her debut film, too) and arrive at the theatre. I told her…Tina just hold my hand, I am feeling very nervous. And she was like, “What nervous?” You know how outspoken she is. It had rained that day (true to the title of the film). Back then it wouldn’t rain in October. It was a huge event and everyone from the industry was invited.
Which co-actors and friends from your early days are you in touch with?
I am lucky that I have a huge family, I don’t need to talk to people besides my family and close friends. But if you ask me, I am friendly with Preity Zinta and Rani Mukerji. I have known them from the beginning. With Preity, I had an argument during the making of Soldier and then we got close. Even with Rani, we had an argument during Bichoo and then we became friends. Akshaye Khanna is also a sweetheart; he is a recluse but such an awesomely talented actor. I call him every year on his birthday.
From the Bobby of Barsaat to Lord Bobby – there’s been a complete turnaround in the audience’s perception of you. Decades back, no one would have believed that you would be able to pull off these grey, edgy, menacing characters so convincingly, right?
That was my biggest fear – what would my fans think? Because they mostly want to see the actors they love as the good guy. But now the audience’s mindset has changed, as they are exposed to so much content from around the world. So, when I got the opportunity to do Aashram, they accepted me in that character. I didn’t tell my dad or my brother (Sunny) that I’m doing the show, because I knew they’re from the old school of films, where they believe that if you have a certain image, you have to play those kinds of characters. From the word go, I always wanted to do different kinds of characters, but I didn’t get those chances earlier. I’m enjoying this phase of my career. I think it’s the best time for me as an actor.
There’s so much curiosity around your son Aryaman’s debut. Is he headed in that direction?
He wants to be an actor and he is working on himself right now. I’m just hoping that I get somebody to work with who would launch him.
Which is the one thing that the audience still doesn’t know or understand about you?
I think everybody knows me. I’m what I am. I say what I feel, and I think people see that and respect it. I don’t have a defence mechanism or portray something I am not. Sometimes I get carried away with things and I just have to control that. I guess that’s a very real trait, right?
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On the highs & lows of his career
I think failure teaches you a lot. But I don’t want to sit and cry about what happened to me. Nobody’s life can always be high up there. Life can never be easy, no matter how talented you are or not. There are so many cases of people being talented and not getting work. And there are cases of people who are not talented and are getting work. But that shouldn’t be an excuse for you to give up on yourself. I just want to tell people that never give up, because you never know what’s waiting for you round the corner.
It’s easy to make excuses when you can’t achieve things-Bobby Deol
9:36 AM
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 18, 2025)
After three decades in films — from stardom to obscurity — Bobby Deol has found his stride again as Bobby 2.0. Fresh off the world premiere of his film Bandar at the recently concluded Toronto International Film Festival, he is now gearing up for the release of The Ba***ds Of Bollywood.
The directorial debut of Shah Rukh Khan’s son Aryan, follows an ambitious outsider navigating Bollywood. Bobby, who plays a pivotal role in the series, is a real-life ‘insider’, the son of superstar Dharmendra, and the debate surrounding these labels is something he feels strongly about: “My dad was an outsider. I know exactly how it is to be an outsider and insider. Everyone has dreams, irrespective of where they are from. I just think people who… It’s easy to make excuses when you can’t achieve things.”
Bobby delivered plenty of hits after his debut, Barsaat (1995), experienced a career slump, and then made a comeback with Race 3 (2018) and Animal (2023). He insists the successes and setbacks aren’t about being an ‘insider’ but the work an actor puts into their craft.
He tells us, “People make things sound like ‘Oh, it’s because I am an outsider’ or ‘Oh, it’s because I am an insider.’ They have to work hard and be focused. Insider bhi excuse bana sakte hain ki humare upar itna pressure hai, isiliye hum kaamyaab nahin ho rahe. Outsider ka toh hai hi ki woh baahar se aa rahe hain. It makes a difference whether you are working hard or not, regardless of where you are from. Warna kuchh nahin hone wala aapka. Stop making excuses and just work hard.”
People might call him Bobby 2.0, but the actor laughs, “Yeh sab toh aap log bolte hain. For my fans, I am still the same Bobby. They are happy that I am doing this kind of work today. They had belief in me when maybe, I had lost it. Hard work turns into luck; I am lucky.”
I identify with Bobby Deol; I’ve been written off often-Anurag Kashyap
9:19 AM
Amid ‘Bandar’ creating ripples at TIFF, Anurag Kashyap says Bobby Deol was the perfect lead as he sought an actor who battled failure and wasn’t social-media savvy
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; September 13, 2025)
We’ve learnt to expect the unexpected from Anurag Kashyap. Even then, the filmmaker surprised us by casting Bobby Deol, a star as mainstream as they come, in Bandar (Monkey in a Cage). When Kashyap sits down with us days after the movie’s première at Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), he says that Deol was the perfect choice to lead the story of an ageing television star, whose life changes overnight when he is accused of rape by his ex-girlfriend after he cuts off all ties with her.
“The story is of a has-been. The actor had to be my age as my generation has not transitioned well to the social media age. Bobby understands what failure means. He has seen his career fade away and then he found his way back,” says Kashyap.
Through Bandar, the director has explored the grey areas of #MeToo accusations, the fine line between right and wrong, and questioned the treatment of inmates in Indian prisons. When Kashyap narrated the film to Deol, he immediately wanted to play the complex role. What the actor told him about his struggle has remained with the filmmaker even today.
“Bobby said that if he’d pass by a house where a shoot was happening, he would cry or get angry wondering why nobody was asking him to act in that film. He told me, ‘At 40, somebody told me I needed to do an acting workshop. Then I played the most disgusting person I know in Aashram. That’s when I realized it’s liberating to play characters and not always the hero.’ Bobby was perfect for this role because he understood all that. I could identify with Bobby because I have been written off many times,” shares the director before praising his leading man for being “emotionally bare” in the film.
Owing to its theme, Bandar has created ripples at TIFF. Kashyap isn’t surprised, knowing well that his recent work is “polarizing and hard-hitting”.
He reasons, “It’s a conversation starter. That’s why it has been impactful. Bandar has been the most difficult movie to make emotionally because it’s a film about things in the past when there was no social media. We’re dealing with an emotional subject. We’re asking questions. I didn’t share the script with any actor because I was also in the process of finding my film.”
To Kashyap, Bandar is a film about making mistakes, and more importantly, “being called out for it”. The director elaborates, “We were given a second chance to redeem ourselves. Today, it is [the age of] cancel culture. The world doesn’t give anybody a chance to redeem themselves. Everything will go viral! We are in an age where we need to start having conversations.”
Kids recognize me because of the reels made on Jamal Kudu-Bobby Deol
3:09 PM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; December 7, 2024)
While Bobby Deol had won praise for his performance in his OTT shows, it was his turn as the ruthless Abrar in Animal that saw him making a dhamakedaar comeback on the big screen one year ago. Despite a short screen presence, his portrayal and the song Jamal Kudu became one the biggest talking points of the film directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. As the film clocks in a year, Bobby reflects on how this brief role of a lifetime impacted his career:
‘Animal gave me the year I always dreamed of’
Bobby says that even though it’s been a year, people continue to shower a lot of love on the film. “Animal has changed my life. It gave me the kind of year I always dreamed of. Wherever I go, I still feel the love and blessings from people. It’s overwhelming. I have been in the industry for 29 years and I have been given another opportunity, so I have to give it my best. Animal has given me confidence and made me realize that you can’t get carried away with success, you have to respect it.”
‘Kids recognize me because of the reels made on Jamal Kudu’
The film introduced Bobby to a whole new audience, thanks to the viral step of the song Jamal Kudu, in which he danced with a glass on his head. He says, “It was Sandeep’s idea. There was no choreography, so I just decided to put the glass on my head and do the step. I never expected it to go viral. Now, kids recognize me because of the reels made on that song. I always wanted to connect with the younger generation, and this film has helped me do that.”
‘I have no idea about Animal’s sequel’
There was buzz that Abrar would be resurrected in Animal Park, the sequel to Animal. Addressing the rumours, Bobby says, “I spoke to Sandeep Reddy Vanga the other day to celebrate the film’s anniversary, but I don’t know what’s happening with the sequel. I’m sure it will be made because the audience wants it.”
‘I am trying to break out of the mould’
The actor has been seen playing characters with grey shades in other projects as well, like the show Aashram and the Tamil film Kanguva. Ask him if he fears getting typecast, and he says, “What happens is that when you succeed in something, they (the industry) want to use you for those reasons. But I am trying to break out of that. I’ve already shot for a few films this year that are different. When you play the antagonist, you get to explore multiple facets of a character, which I enjoy. However, I’m also waiting for an interesting protagonist role with great depth.”
‘Failure is part of an actor’s journey’
Bobby’s recent release, the Tamil film Kanguva, did not perform well at the box office. Reflecting on such setbacks, he said, “I give my best to every project, but the outcome isn’t in my hands. I’m not the director or producer. I’m just the actor doing my part. It’s disappointing when things don’t work out, but failure is a part of the actor’s journey. I’m proud of my role in Kanguva, and I could never have imagined playing a character like that. If I knew which films would be successful, I would only choose those.”
Life was more private back in the day-Bobby Deol
7:52 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; September 3, 2024)
After a lean phase that lasted for many years, Bobby Deol made a comeback with a bang. The actor made his way back to the spotlight with his work on OTT, like Class of ’83, Love Hostel and Aashram, for which he won a lot of appreciation. While he was thrilled about his new innings on OTT, the actor was always yearning to make a grand re-entry on the big screen. Of course, then Animal changed the course of his career.
“Every actor’s dream is to be seen on the silver screen. The magic of the silver screen is unmatched. I wonder what kind of impact a show like Aashram would have had if it was a theatrical film. Wherever I go, people still talk to me about the show and about my characters in Love Hostel and Animal. In fact, there was chatter about how the audience wanted to see spin-offs of my roles from these two projects. The audience’s desire to watch more of me is what I have always craved for as an actor,” Bobby says.
‘When an individual’s self-belief is strong, they attract the right people’
Ask Bobby whether he has decoded the secret behind his recent success and the exciting roles he is being offered, and he says, “There is no answer to that. I feel that when an individual’s self-belief is strong and when they are positive and focused, they create a kind of energy that attracts the right people. I believe that is happening to me. But I must also acknowledge that my fans have always been there for me. They have supported me right from the time I started my career. Today, I know how happy they are for me... it’s amazing.”
‘Life was more private back in the day’
While he’s kicked about the way the audience is accepting him in various roles in this phase of his career, he misses the kind of privacy and calm actors enjoyed back in the day. Bobby, who will soon be seen in Tamil film Kanguva, explains, “Earlier, actors could keep their lives private. Now you can’t do that (laughs). Every individual needs their personal space, but today, it is difficult for actors to have any privacy.”
All Deol men cry, we aren’t embarrassed about it-Bobby Deol
11:02 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; June 14, 2024)
The Deols are known to wear their emotions on their sleeve, and they have never shied away from expressing themselves in the presence of their fans and the media. Last year saw the Deols enjoying a fabulous run at the theatres – Sunny and Bobby’s films (Gadar 2 and Animal) broke box office records, and papa Dharam ji’s romantic turn in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani melted hearts. Post the success, and what was called the return of Bobby Deol, the brothers-in-arms were seen at several events and television shows getting teary-eyed while sharing stories about their family and individual journeys in cinema.
Talking about the high emo-quotient in their family, Bobby says, “It’s like when you see sportsmen playing in the stadium, when they win, they cry. I think when you achieve something big after so much hard work, what you see are tears of joy. It’s a normal phenomenon that happens to anyone.”
He adds, “I think my whole family is extremely emotional. All Deol men cry. We are not embarrassed about it. It is an emotion that is just there. I think everybody cries, it’s just that most don’t talk about it. The Deols are emotional people, and we are happy to be that way.”
‘My brother and my dad have been my inspiration when it comes to action’
In his last release, Animal, Bobby Deol as Abrar surprised everyone with his never-seen-before avatar. The actor was seen doing some gory action with Ranbir Kapoor in the Sandeep Reddy Vanga directorial and won praise for his hot-headed performance. He will soon be seen doing some more action in an upcoming pan-India film.
He says, “My brother and my dad have been my inspiration when it comes to action. I have always wanted to do films like my brother, but I wouldn’t get those films because bhaiyya was doing them (laughs).”
‘I don’t enjoy brainless action’
Bobby’s favourite action film is the Sunny Deol-starrer Ghayal. “I loved Ghayal. I think an action film always works when there is an emotion behind it. I haven’t really enjoyed brainless action. I mean, I did enjoy John Wick. It was brainless action, but there’s something about Keanu Reeves that you just enjoy watching on screen,” he shares.
My dad and brother were known for their physique. Things changed with Salman Khan-Bobby Deol
8:06 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; April 16, 2024)
Bobby is basking in all the attention he’s getting in this phase of his career. He evidently became the toast of the town as Abrar from Animal, unleashing his wild side on screen and showing off his chiselled body. His physical transformation in the last few years has been impressive, and the actor believes that being fit is not about being able to flaunt a great body but being in a good space mentally.
During a shoot with us in his home gym, the actor talks about his fitness routine, how he has been inspired by his family members and his diet.
‘We’ve always had a gym in our house’
When it comes to fitness, Bobby says that the inspiration is his family. He says, “I remember my father in Phool Aur Patthar (1966), where he removed his shirt for the first time (on-screen), and he became the symbol of masculinity. He had a very raw physique because he grew up doing a lot of physical activity. His growing-up days were all about cleaning the house, cycling for miles, pulling water out of the well and eating really good, natural food. My brother (Sunny), too, has this macho physique. We always had a gym in the house. Plus, I remember while growing up, we used to play a lot of badminton. My dad and brother were known for their physique, but they just kept it low-profile. Things changed when Salman Khan came into the industry with his physique, and it inspired a lot of youngsters.”
‘I’ve been training regularly For five years now ’
Like many others, Bobby, too, drew inspiration from Salman. He shares, “I remember he called me and asked, ‘Tu shirt utarega (for Race 3). And I was like main kuch bhi karunga and got into building my physique. For five years now, I have been training with my fitness trainer regularly. However, I always believe that you can have a gym and a trainer, but if you don’t put your heart and soul into it, you will never reach your goal.”
‘When I am shooting, I do cardio twice a day’
Whether it’s for a role in a film or not, Bobby believes in sweating it out in his gym regularly. He says, “I do a 45-minute workout six days a week. I focus on different body parts each day. Some body parts take longer to work on. So, I start the week with chest, followed by back, then biceps and triceps, then one of the days is for the shoulders, and one day is for legs. Sometimes, we do a combination of two body parts and sometimes, we do high-intensity training. When I am shooting, I do cardio twice a day and weightlifting once a day, so that the muscle tone stays lean and ripped.”
‘Having a good physique builds your confidence’
As much as working out helped Bobby shape up, the whole process, he says, has made him strong mentally and given him a lot of confidence. He shares, “Having a good physique builds your confidence, as an actor you need it. You need that self-belief. It is not about taking off your shirt but feeling good about yourself. Dad always says, ‘Health is wealth’.”
Bobby’s diet
A balanced diet is essential for Bobby. While he starts his day with nariyal paani, the actor reserves his morning for a cup or two of espresso and eats 12-18 eggs a day. “I just love eggs, it’s my go-to food.” he says, adding, “If I don’t have time, I just have a protein shake.” Talking about his meals, he says, “I have grown up eating vegetarian food and eating lauki ki sabzi, dal and roti makes me happy. I try to have chicken and a lot of greens like broccoli and mushrooms.”
I cried because I waited for this (recognition) for so long-Bobby Deol
8:55 AM
Bobby Deol talks about the immense adoration he is getting for his film Animal, despite limited screen time
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 8, 2023)
A mid the whirlwind of emotions, actor Bobby Deol finds himself in a unique place — one that not many actors experience in their lifetimes. Having traversed the peaks and troughs of stardom, he reflects on the overwhelming response to his latest release, Animal, leaving him almost speechless and in tears. A video of him getting teary-eyed while exiting a theatre in Mumbai went viral recently. “I cannot understand how to process this. As an actor, you are always waiting for that moment when you get recognition; it is like a dream. God has been kind,” he tells us.
The 54-year-old further states, “Imagine you waited for an opportunity in your life to happen; it’s been long. And you have been working hard too. Anyone in my place would break down. The passion I have for my work, the love I have for my industry... I cried because I waited for this (recognition) for so long.”
Deol’s character, Abrar, is shown on screen for only 15 minutes in the movie, which spans almost three and a half hours, but right from his entry to the ending or the climax, the audience has shown immense admiration for Deol.
The actor, who goes on to credit director Sandeep Reddy Vanga for transforming his career trajectory, says, “I was at my home when I got a message from Sandeep. I wasn’t sure it was him, so I asked my manager to check. When I called him, he wanted to meet and then showed me a picture from my cricket league days, when I wasn’t working at all. I couldn’t believe that an out-of-job picture got me work. He is a genius. I knew I only had to shoot for 15 days, and I was mute on top of that!”
While Animal has seen considerable success at the box office, it has also sparked varied reactions among audiences. Addressing the polarizing opinions, especially regarding themes like toxic masculinity, Deol says, “I am not out there promoting anything. I am just an actor trying to entertain.”
I knew even if it was 15 minutes, my role in Animal would make an impact-Bobby Deol
8:49 AM
As Animal takes BO by storm, Bobby Deol on finding ‘role of a lifetime’ in the brief part and viewing his violent, blood-thirsty antagonist as a hero
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; December 4, 2023)
Bobby Deol believes that each step in the past few years, from Class of 83 (2020) to Aashram, as he slowly revived his career has led him to this point. To Animal. In the three days since its release, the Ranbir Kapoor-led film has polarised audiences and sparked debates. At the same time, it has enjoyed a huge opening, and won Deol praise for his performance as the revenge-obsessed mute gangster. “I feel like I am dreaming,” he begins.
For the acclaim coming his way, Deol has only one person to thank—director Sandeep Reddy Vanga. Had he expected that Animal would take the box office by storm? In a way, he did.
“From the time I met Sandeep and when I shot for it, I had a strong gut feeling that this film will be special. When the numbers came out, it felt [surreal]. Sandeep Reddy Vanga is a one-of-a-kind director. From designing that machine gun, to the chain I wear in the film, it’s all him.”
Some actors might think twice before playing such a blood-thirsty man. The role, with its gore and violence, may make one wonder, ‘Is it too much?’ But such thoughts didn’t bother Deol.
“I never had any apprehension about the character being violent or dark because I knew who this person was. My character in his childhood loses his grandfather, who sets himself on fire. He chooses a darker path because of what happened with his family, he wants to avenge his grandfather’s death. We see so many films where the hero takes revenge from the villain. So, I never thought he was a villain. I always thought he was the hero of his family.”
Many parts of the movie have been criticized—from its gore to its treatment of the female characters, who are shown mostly suffering at the hands of its alpha men. What’s his take? “People take things personally sometimes. We’ve been brought up in a beautiful culture, but there are people who treat women badly. The women, when they see that on screen, can identify with it. Films are a reflection of our society. It’s exaggerated in cinema. People feel they are being told a story in an entertaining way. Box-office [figures] show people have accepted this film,” he says.
Another complaint that many have is that Deol, whose presence was drummed up in the trailer, barely has a 15-minute role in the action fare. The actor says, “I’ve heard people say, ‘We wanted to watch more of you.’ I had 15 days with a great director. I knew this was a role of a lifetime. I knew even if it was 15 minutes, my role would make an impact, if I do it right. And it has!”
As the makers tease a sequel, Deol’s fans are hoping for a standalone film on him. He echoes their sentiment, saying, “I wish Sandeep makes a film based on my character.”
During Gupt, I never thought of things like ‘the heroine has a stronger role than me’-Bobby Deol
8:29 AM
Bobby Deol takes a walk down memory lane as Gupt clocks 25 years of release
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 4, 2022)
Released in 1997, Gupt surprised viewers with its twist, minted money, and went on to cement its lead cast’s popularity, including actor Bobby Deol’s. No surprise then that the film, which clocks 25 years today, remains special to him. His co-star, Kajol, was the film’s villain, a reveal nobody saw coming. Ask if he was apprehensive knowing she’d walk away with the most attention, and he says, “I never thought of things like ‘the heroine has a stronger role than me’.”
Recalling his fun experience with the film, he says, “I danced so much for the first time, the action was amazing. Those kinds of subjects had never been made.”
The movie’s songs, especially Duniya Haseenon Ka Mela and Gupt Gupt, were a rage. And the makers didn’t leave any stone unturned to capitalize on it. Deol reveals how director Rajiv Rai came up with a promotional strategy which he claims no one before, and after Gupt, has emulated. “He booked a music channel, and for 24 hours, it had no other film ads or commercials. Only our songs played,” shares Deol, 53.
A lot of sweat, literally, went into shooting for the songs, as he recalls, “There was no air conditioning in studios then. I had to rehearse so much to get the steps of Duniya Haseenon Ka Mela right, and I’d be drenched in sweat by the end of it, causing visible patches. I changed eight-nine pairs of jeans for that track.”
He also shares how his famous dance steps came about: “I broke my leg shooting for Barsaat (1995), and did Gupt immediately after that. So, choreographers Chinni and Rekha Prakash ji came up with the hand movements, which became popular as ‘Bobby Deol’s style’!”
Like my dad, I hope to be working when I am his age-Bobby Deol
8:15 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; March 29, 2022)
Actor Bobby Deol, who has reinvented himself in the digital space, and quickly adapted to the changing times in cinema, says that his inspiration continues to be his father Dharmendra, who loves facing the camera even at the age of 86.
The veteran actor will be seen sharing screen space with Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt in Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani, which also features Jaya Bachchan and Shabana Azmi. The Karan Johar directorial will see Dharmendra play a pivotal role.
Bobby says, “I am so happy for my dad. He told me that he never thought he would be working at this age and yet, he got cast in such a big film by a renowned banner. Like my dad, I hope to be working when I am his age.”
Talking about his father’s enthusiasm towards his job, Bobby adds, “He is like a child. Dad is so dedicated and has that fire to keep working. He would keep sending us (family members) pictures and videos and share his plans on how he was to portray his character in the film.”
Bobby says, “My father has achieved so much in life, yet he is so dedicated to his craft... and still dying to be out there and perform. This is what inspires me the most about him. I wish to work as an actor till the day I stop breathing.”
Reflecting on his journey in the digital space, the actor who has won many accolades for his performance in MX Player’s Aashram, says, “I always wanted to be known for my work, and I got the recognition through OTT platforms. I wanted to play characters that were different from the typical ones that came with commercial cinema. I love commercial cinema, but the fact that I was getting to do something that was never offered to me before, enticed me. I want to be challenged as an actor every day as I know that it can bring out the best in me. And that’s what the fight is about in this phase of my career.”
The actor also points out that there are opportunities for everyone now. “Cinema could not accommodate everyone, but OTT has opened avenues for fresh, young talent,” he says, adding, “Today, you can’t find a director, actor or a cinematographer. It’s not easy to find them available because everybody can get a job today. This medium is keeping even those who were complaining there’s no work or opportunities for them on their toes.”
Dharmendra and Hema Malini’s daughter, Esha Deol Takhtani, too, has opted for the digital route to make her comeback. She was recently seen in a web show opposite Ajay Devgn. Bobby says, “Esha is a hands-on mother of two (daughters Radhya and Miraya) and a dedicated working professional. Her getting back to acting proves that once an actor, always an actor! It is something that you can never let go of.”
It’s not that people didn’t want to work with me, it’s just that they lost faith in me-Bobby Deol
8:16 AM
Bobby Deol believes it is good work, and not fickle popularity, that helps actors last in the industry
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 22, 2022)
Bobby Deol has no qualms about owning everything life has brought his way — the highs as well as the lulls in his career. “I have seen lows, been out of work for almost three years. It’s not that people didn’t want to work with me, it’s just that they lost faith in me. Somewhere, I think it was my fault,” he shares.
His digital projects gave him the chance to display characters with different shades, far removed from his loverboy image in the 1990s. And the 53-year-old adds that one’s focus should be on becoming an actor, and not stardom, as the latter is fickle.
“I want to put in my best and keep working harder to get good work. I also feel that if people start noticing you as an actor, then you have a longer inning. Stardom fades very easily. Very rarely do you come across stars who are loved by people for whatever they do. Not everybody becomes that star,” he shares.
Deol also tells us how finding quality projects isn’t a cakewalk: “It’s still a fight to find good work. I read so many scripts in the past few months. It’s frustrating. I think to myself, ‘Come on man, isn’t there anyone out there who can write good scripts?’”
And waiting for good work to come around must also bring along with it plenty of nervousness. Deol agrees and adds, “Every actor is not working every day. They wait, watch, and then choose... You have to be careful with what you pick. An actor’s life is always insecure. We have extremely unpredictable careers.”
Once an image is built, tough to break it; my dad and my brother were not able to do it-Bobby Deol
8:29 AM
Playing a mercenary in Love Hostel, Bobby Deol says he is eager to experiment with different roles in his second innings
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; February 24, 2022)
In his second innings at the movies, it’s evident that Bobby Deol is choosing roles with more abandon, eager to experiment the way he hadn’t done before. His upcoming film, Love Hostel, is a prime example. The ZEE5 film, which revolves around honour killing, sees him play a mercenary in pursuit of a young couple.
Deol says, “I have realised that once an actor’s image is built, it’s difficult to break it. My dad [Dharmendra] and brother [Sunny Deol] were not able to do it. But I have always wanted to do different roles. [Earlier] I never got the opportunity [to experiment]. But the way people accepted my negative role in Aashram, proved that they want to see actors in varied roles.”
After Aashram, Deol will be seen in a negative role again in the Sanya Malhotra and Vikrant Massey film. Does he not worry about being typecast? “It’s true that if you do a role well, you get the same kind of offers. But negative characters can be played in several different ways,” he argues.
Though his early years in the industry were hard, the actor’s passion for cinema remains unbridled. He credits it to actor-father Dharmendra, whom he considers his inspiration. “You learn from your mistakes. You can have people around [who inspire you] — like my father who has so much fire in him — but you have to [teach] yourself to create that fire. Recently, he told me, ‘I had thought I would work till 80. Today, I am 86 and still working. I am grateful for that.’ It inspires me to see him working even at this age.”
My son Aryaman will be flying back to the US, I am worried-Bobby Deol
8:22 AM
Bobby Deol is apprehensive of Aryaman travelling amid a pandemic, but asserts we must be ready to face challenges
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 28, 2022)
He has wrapped up shooting for Ashram season 3, and the rest of 2022 looks busy as well, with Animal alongside actor Ranbir Kapoor, Love Hostel and more. But, actor Bobby Deol is worried — his eldest son, Aryaman, 20, who flew down to India for his dad’s birthday, will return to USA soon. The actor, who turned 53 yesterday, tells us, “As a parent, you are obviously worried. No words can express how I felt when he was away from us.”
He goes on to say, “Now, things have changed. My son will be flying back to the US, I am worried. You do worry about your children’s future, but want them to be stronger to face the world. It has become ruthless, you really have to watch your back.”
As for his birthday, the actor shares that it was a low-key affair this time, due to the Coronavirus scenario. Though he couldn’t hang out with friends, Deol says the day is always special. “I look forward to my birthday. We have a big family, so even if I don’t invite guests, there are enough people,” he signs off
When Ajnabee released, it was actually ahead of its time-Bobby Deol
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Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 21, 2021)
Apart from the thrill, Bobby Deol’s Ajnabee (2001) grabbed attention for its storyline, fused with the plot of wife swapping. As the film completes 20 years of release, the actor agrees that it was way ahead of its time, but that has changed with the entry of OTT platforms.
“It doesn’t feel like 20 years; it feels like we shot the film yesterday,” recalls Deol about the Abbas-Mustan directorial, which also starred Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Bipasha Basu. He adds, “When I was working with Abbas-Mustan on Soldier (1998), they thought of giving me the character that Akshay essayed. Eventually, they thought I was better suited for the character that I ended up playing.”
The reason the film did so well, he feels, is its storyline. “When the film released, it was actually ahead of its time. But now, things have changed. We see a lot of different subjects being explored on screen. Ajnabee was not just a movie, it changed a lot of things,” says the 52-year-old, adding how the web space has brought more such bold subjects to the fore.
“I think a lot of subjects now are bold, interesting, and show the reality of how people actually live their lives,” says Deol, who is reuniting up with Abbas-Mustan for their next, Penthouse.
I wish I could have done more movies with my dad-Bobby Deol
8:07 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; April 8, 2021)
After a lull in his career, Bobby made a comeback in Bollywood with Race 3, and he won immense appreciation for his role in MX Player’s much-acclaimed, popular show, Aashram recently. Besides his father, Apne 2 will also feature his brother Sunny and nephew Karan.
Talking about working with the Deol clan, Bobby says, “I think it is always special to work with your family members. This time, we also have Karan in the film. I remember, the first time I faced the camera with my father, it was for Apne. I was staring at him as he stood in front of me. I looked at him as my father. I was getting a little confused about how to react on camera. Seeing that I was nervous, he took me aside and asked me to relax. He also told me to think of us as two mere characters and that changed it all.”
He further adds, “I would have liked to do an action film with my dad since he has this He-Man image associated with him. An emotional drama with action in it will be a good option, too.”
I didn’t expect to get such a positive response for my most negative portrayal-Bobby Deol
8:32 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; March 14, 2021)
In 2018, Bobby Deol was seen in the multistarrer Race 3, a film that was touted to be his comeback to the movies in a grand manner. Not that the actor, known for films like Gupt, Ajnabee, Humraaz and Apne, had even planned to take a hiatus, but by his own admission, wasn’t offered any plum projects for many years. Interestingly, in 2020, Bobby ventured into the digital space with MX Player’s much-acclaimed web series Aashram and things turned around for him like never before. His portrayal of godman, Kashipur Waale Baba Nirala, not only fetched him immense love from the audience, but also the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Award as Best Actor-Web Series.
Talking about this new turn in his career, Bobby says, “I have spent 25 years in the industry and never saw such a response before for my work. It is just phenomenal. It feels like I have just begun my career.”
The actor further talks about the widely-watched web show that presented him in a different light. He shares, “I had never imagined playing something like this on screen. Whatever experiences I went through all my life helped me create a character that you saw me play in Aashram. I am so grateful to Prakash ji (Prakash Jha, director) for believing in me. When he offered me this part, I was taking a risk by stepping out of my comfort zone.
Bobby says, “The best part is that I didn’t expect to get such a positive response for my most negative portrayal on the screen (laughs!). A project like Aashram kept me on my toes throughout the shoot. Not just me, my father, my mother and even Sunny (Deol) has been receiving a lot of calls where people have only said great things about my work on the show. My mom was in tears when her friend called her and told her, ‘Your son played a villain, yet we loved him so much.’”
The actor further tells us how he had been keenly waiting for meaty projects and the OTT platforms gave him a chance to explore the actor in him. “I always dreamt of waking up every day and leaving for work. And that is exactly what’s happening now. I am happy that with OTT projects, I could explore the actor in me, and with movies, I could reach out to the younger generation,” he says, adding, “For many years, I had not worked so much, and the younger generation had not noticed me. I knew that Race 3, which starred the country’s superstar Salman Khan, would reach the masses. Whether or not the film did well didn’t matter to me, because I only wanted to get noticed, and thankfully that happened. Also, the film reached a large section of the audience. Likewise, post Housefull 4 (2019), my friends’ sons and daughters who were not familiar with my work as an actor sent me messages. I got noticed again with these projects, but I was still on the lookout for meatier roles, and eventually, came in the digital projects. Now, I am happy that people can see that I am capable of portraying varied characters.”
Moving on, bring up the subject of the government’s recent efforts to form guidelines to regulate content on the OTT space, and the actor replies, “I believe that people should be responsible and avoid including elements that might not be necessary in the script and are being added just for the sake of gaining viewership. There should be some kind of regulation, but you cannot introduce something so strong that it takes away creativity from honest filmmakers. There are so many honest filmmakers, who want to do good work, and they should not be regulated to such a level that they won’t be able to showcase what they want to express.”
I wish I had not taken the support of the wrong things to numb myself-Bobby Deol
8:22 AM
Nishad Neelambaran (HINDUSTAN TIMES; October 2, 2020)
After spending 25 years of his life in Bollywood, actor Bobby Deol admits that it has “not been a perfect journey”. “Nothing in life is perfect, but at the same time, it has been wonderful. I’ve seen ups and downs and that is why it is tough being an actor. It is not about the work you do, your work has to be appreciated,” he says. Looking back at the dark days of his life, Deol says “I was pitying myself. I wish I had not taken the support of the wrong things to numb myself. I’d never want to pity myself again. When you pity yourself, things go wrong.”
Clearing the air about the whole phase of “DJing”, Deol states that it was blown out of proportion. “I had gone to an event and they told me to say that I was going to play the music that night, and I said that I don’t know how to DJ. But they said, ‘no one cares, you just say you are playing the music tonight’. No one spoke about that incident for a month but after that, it was blown out of proportion,” says the 51-year-old actor.
Speaking about the insider-outsider debate, Deol says that the biggest example of an outsider is his father veteran actor Dharmendra. “I wont say it is easy for an outsider to make it but the number of outsiders who have made it big in the industry is a lot. It is difficult to be an actor. It is a ruthless industry. If you are an actor’s child, you might be given the first film, but that’s it,” he says.
I believe in myself more than I ever did. Even if I fail today, I can bounce back-Bobby Deol
8:56 AM
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.
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