In a revealing episode of ‘The Great Indian Kapil Show,’ Bobby Deol, acclaimed for his performance in the hit flick ‘Animal’, discussed his career and the challenges he faced during the production of his initial entry into Bollywood, ‘Barsaat.’ The actor, alongside his brother Sunny, delved into the past, revisiting the ripple effects of his family’s legacy on his debut project.
As the pair bantered with the show’s host, Kapil Sharma, a curious inquiry led to an unexpected revelation. Sharma, probing into the pressures of living up to the Deol family name, questioned whether the original director of ‘Barsaat,’ Shekhar Kapur, backed out of the project due to the daunting fame of Bobby’s father, Dharmendra, and his star brother, Sunny. Bobby’s response suggested that the shadow cast by his father and brother indeed played a role, jokingly stating, “Maybe that’s why Shekhar ran away. Shekhar Kapur. He was scared. But then Raj [Santoshi] directed the film. But I never thought I was under pressure.”
Despite the jovial surface, Bobby’s reflection points to the somber difficulties faced by newcomers in the industry, even those born into illustrious cinema lineage. The sudden departure of Kapur from ‘Barsaat’ was more than a minor hiccup; it represented the enormous expectations and behind-the-scenes struggles that actors often have to contend with.
Although Raj Santoshi took over the directorial reins, the shift necessitated significant changes and improvisations. Bobby recounted the emotionally taxing journey, as the film was besieged by delays and revisions. With a long gestation period, he had to adapt rapidly to an evolving script, going so far as to acquire new skills like drumming and perfecting his on-screen running, all to slip effortlessly into the skin of his character.
The anecdote unveils the realities of filmmaking that audiences seldom witness: the immense work and adaptability required of actors, the influence of industry reputations, and the shifting sands that creatives must navigate. Nevertheless, Bobby, mentored by the expectations of his lineage, emerged undaunted by the industry’s volatility.
Since then, Bobby Deol has carved out a distinguished niche within the Bollywood pantheon, mounting comebacks and reinventing himself with diverse roles that have received widespread adulation. His candid chat on ‘The Great Indian Kapil Show’ provides a glimpse into the heart and soul poured into every performance, even under the weight of an illustrious surname.
While the Deol brothers shared lighthearted moments on the show, their stories are a reminder of the trials, perseverance, and sometimes, serendipities of cinema. Bobby, through sheer resilience, showcased his commitment to the art form that is unswayed by the fear of judgments predicated on his familial ties.
Fans of the show and the Deols left with an enriched understanding of the work ethic and spirit of Bobby, as well as a tale of how the unpredictable dynamics in Bollywood ultimately shape the flickering images on the silver screen.
As the episode concluded, it became clear that despite the initial hurdles, Bobby Deol’s love for acting and his determination to honor his family’s cinematic legacy remained unshaken. From the trials of ‘Barsaat’ to the triumphs of ‘Animal,’ his journey encapsulates the undying enchantment and relentless challenge of acting in Indian cinema.
This story serves as a reminder of the teeter-totter of legacies, the unpredictable tides of the film industry, and the enduring lure of storytelling that keeps actors like Bobby Deol captivated and moving forward, despite the odds stacked against them or perhaps, because of them.
