Bobby Deol has opened up about the transformation in his relationship with his father Dharmendra and elder brother Sunny Deol over the years. The actor, who made his debut in the 90s and enjoyed a successful return to the silver screen after a hiatus, recently shared insights into his evolving family dynamics during an interview on the Humans of Bombay YouTube channel.
Reflecting on his upbringing, Bobby recounted the unique challenges of growing up as the son of the legendary actor Dharmendra. Their home was often buzzing with activity, teeming with strangers, and, not surprisingly, he found himself feeling overwhelmed by his father’s towering presence. Bobby recollected that there was a significant gap in their interaction during his childhood. “My dad was always busy with his work. I would only see him for a few hours late at night or early in the morning,” he noted.
Despite these early years of limited interaction, Bobby emphasizes that his relationship with his father has changed dramatically with time. The distance that characterized their early relationship has been replaced by a newfound closeness—a significant shift that Bobby treasures immensely.
One of the pivotal aspects of Bobby’s upbringing was the relationship with his elder brother, Sunny Deol. Bobby described Sunny with a combination of reverence and affection, noting the big age difference between them. “Sunny has always treated me like his son,” Bobby explained. “He’s protective, always correcting me, ensuring I get the best. It took years for us to become friends. I essentially had two father figures at home.”
When probed further about Dharmendra’s parenting style, Bobby shed light on the generational and cultural influences that shaped it. “It was normal for that time. My dad came from a small town where society, culture, and the way people lived were different. His dad was strict with him, which naturally transferred to his own parenting style,” he elaborated. This strictness was not about creating fear but about instilling respect, a nuance Bobby only understood as he grew older.
.
The dynamics within the family have noticeably reversed as years have gone by. Bobby observed that as parents age, they become more vulnerable, necessitating greater care from their children. “When you’re young, you confuse respect with fear. Now I realize, it was respect all along. Today, we’re the ones looking after them. Things change, that’s the circle of life,” Bobby reflected.
Taking a walk down memory lane, Bobby also discussed how his father’s second marriage impacted his family. Veteran superstar Dharmendra married Prakash Kaur in 1953, years before he became a Bollywood fixture. Together, they had four children—sons Sunny and Bobby, and daughters Vijeta and Ajeita. However, during his prolific years in the film industry, Dharmendra’s bond with actress Hema Malini flourished, leading to their marriage in 1980.
Despite these complexities, Bobby emphasized a sense of unity and mutual respect within the family. “Our family dynamics might appear complicated from the outside, but there’s a deep, underlying bond that holds us together,” he said, highlighting how these relationships have been crucial in supporting each other through various highs and lows.
The conversation with the Humans of Bombay YouTube channel not only allowed a rare glimpse into the personal life of a celebrity but also showcased universal themes of familial love, respect, and evolving relationships. Contrary to the perception of film stars leading glamorous, perfect lives, Bobby’s candid revelations brought forward the real, often challenging, human elements of his life.
In wrapping up, Bobby acknowledged the invaluable role both his brother and his father have played and continue to play in his life. He appreciates the growth of these relationships and the chance to understand his family members better as they all grow older. “I’m grateful for where we are now. We’ve all evolved, and so have our relationships,” he concluded with a warm smile.
Indeed, Bobby Deol’s reflections resonate with anyone who has experienced the gradually changing dynamics within a family, proving that the ties that bind us often become more substantial, more affectionate, and more understanding with time.
