From Stardom to Struggle and Back: Bobby Deol on Failure, Family, Alcohol and Finding Himself Again
This past week, Bobby Deol sat down with Raj Shamani and spoke as honestly as anyone has ever spoken in Bollywood. From growing up in a buzzing household to his fall from fame, battles with alcohol, facing internet trolls, and piecing together a huge comeback, Bobby’s journey is surprisingly relatable, even if you’re nothing like a movie star.
Key Takeaways
- Bobby’s childhood was surrounded by family, love, and strict rules.
- Even big stars face overwhelming pressure and loneliness.
- Alcohol became Bobby’s coping mechanism during his low phase.
- His family’s expectations weighed him down but eventually helped him rebound.
- Playing negative characters and roles outside his comfort zone revived his career.
- Genuine self-belief and discipline were game-changers for him.
Growing Up in a Family of Stars
Bobby describes his early years as something out of a Bollywood script itself. He wasn’t even allowed outside the house after a kidnapping scare involving a school friend, and spent his days surrounded by cousins and siblings. He jokes that he still doesn’t know how to play video games. His dad, Dharmendra, was not around much due to work but made up for lost time by becoming overprotective and bringing Bobby everywhere.
Bobby never really understood acting or filmmaking, but he loved the attention and affection his dad received. “Life cannot exist without love and affection,” he says. For him, acting was a way to feel that love.
He also admits his family’s sheltering delayed his independence: "It took me a long time to become emotionally strong. I found it hard to face the world.”
The Shadow and the Spotlight
Despite growing up in a famous family, Bobby shares how overwhelming the weight of expectations felt. “I was called the ‘golden child’, always supposed to be the best. When my career stalled, I felt I let everyone down.”
Here’s how star kids like Bobby feel the pressure:
| Challenge | Bobby’s Experience |
|---|---|
| Constant comparison | To his father and brother |
| Expectation to succeed | Felt like a burden |
| Living up to a legacy | Led to his own self-doubt |
| Public scrutiny and trolls | Became tough to ignore |
Bobby says he became an introvert, often standing in the corner at parties, thinking no one cared to talk to him. At these low points, alcohol became his go-to escape. He openly admits: “Alcohol was my only support system. I didn’t realise what it was doing to me.”
Hitting Rock Bottom
When his films stopped working, offers dried up. Other actors would walk into offices and convince producers to give them roles Bobby thought were his. “I lost everything. I just watched life pass by,” he says.
His turning point? His young son once said, “Mummy, you go to work every day. Papa’s just always at home.” That stung. Bobby decided then he wanted to be a better example for his boys. “They didn’t ask to be born—I owe them someone to look up to.”
The Comeback: Reinvention, OTT, and ‘Animal’
Bobby started working out, taking acting classes, and picking projects that challenged his reputation. Getting the role in ‘Aashram’ changed everything. “I was worried my family would be upset with me playing a negative role, but my wife encouraged me to go for it.” The audience loved him as the villain, and so did the industry.
He followed up with a part in Aryan Khan’s directorial debut, and then came ‘Animal’. Bobby’s silent, menacing screen presence became instantly viral. “I’m not even a great dancer,” he laughs about the famous dance sequence, “But people just wanted to see me move.”
He now tells his sons and young fans:
- Don’t stop dreaming—but discipline is everything.
- Failures teach you not to take anything for granted.
- Self-belief is key, but you’ll only win when you enjoy what you do.
On Family, Love, and Letting Go
Bobby holds his wife as his anchor. “She’s my backbone, my strength.” He gets emotional about his parents' age and wishes they could live forever. But he’s honest about still feeling guilt for past mistakes, holding on to regret more than most. “You’ll end up hurting someone, whether you mean to or not.”
Despite being in the business 30 years, Bobby insists: “I feel like I’m just starting. I hope I take my last breath while working.”
Stardom: Fleeting, Fragile, and Not the Point
According to Bobby, being a star isn’t worth chasing for its own sake. “Give me the respect of being an actor, not a superstar,” he insists. His comeback proves the power of showing up, staying humble, and focusing on the work—no matter if the world cares to look at you or not.
Final Thoughts
It’s easy to look at movie stars and think their lives are all red carpets and fanfare. Bobby Deol’s story is a reminder that insecurity, family drama, and the fight for redemption don’t stop just because the cameras are rolling. Maybe, in the end, the lesson is not to let your best days feel like they’re over—even if they sometimes are.
