Bobby Deol, son of Bollywood legend Dharmendra, is celebrating 30 years in the Hindi film industry, a milestone he acknowledges with gratitude and a forward-looking perspective. "30 years of many emotions on and off screen… all made worthwhile by your love. That fire still burns and I'm just getting started!" Deol shared on Instagram, expressing his excitement for the future.
Deol's journey in Bollywood began with the 1995 film Barsaat, a romantic drama that not only marked his debut but also earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut. In Barsaat, he starred opposite Twinkle Khanna. He quickly became a familiar face, starring in films like Gupt: The Hidden Truth (1997), Soldier (1998), Badal (2000), Bichhoo (2000), Ajnabee (2001), and Humraaz (2002). These films solidified his position in the industry, showcasing his versatility in action, romance, and thriller roles.
Despite initial success, Deol faced a career downturn in the late 2000s. During this period, he found some success in multi-starrer films such as Apne (2007), Yamla Pagla Deewana (2011), Race 3 (2018), and Housefull 4 (2019).
The digital space proved to be a turning point for Deol, with acclaimed performances in projects like Class of '83 (2020) and the web series Aashram (2020-2022). His portrayal of Baba Nirala in Aashram was particularly praised, showcasing his ability to handle complex and challenging characters. More recently, his role as the antagonist Abrar Haque in the 2023 action drama Animal has been widely appreciated, earning him a nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Deol credits his wife, Tanya Ahuja, for her unwavering support during the difficult phases of his career. "She is my backbone. She's believed in me and I can't do anything without her. Whatever I am, is because of her in many ways," Deol stated in an interview. The couple, who married in 1996, will be celebrating their 30th anniversary next year.
Looking ahead, Deol has several projects in the pipeline, including Alpha, a spy thriller co-starring Alia Bhatt and Sharvari, set to release during the Christmas holiday weekend in 2025. He is also set to appear in Apne 2, Housefull 5, Daaku Maharaaj, and War 2. His film Bandar (Monkey In A Cage), directed by Anurag Kashyap, was recently screened at the Toronto International Film Festival. Deol is also expanding his horizons with roles in South Indian cinema, including the Tamil film Kanguva.
From a child artist in Dharam Veer (1977) to his recent roles, Bobby Deol's journey has been one of resilience and reinvention. As he celebrates this milestone, Deol's story serves as an inspiration, proving that with dedication and perseverance, one can overcome challenges and continue to evolve in the ever-changing world of cinema.
