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Bobby Deol: 'Acting is not an easy thing'


His real name is Vijay Deol. When he made his debut on OTT, he was named Vijay Singh. Which was 'Class of 3' released on Netflix. Like his brother Sunny Deol whose real name is Ajay Deol, he also named him Bobby Deol. Which is called Ladku instead of his real name. The Deol-Boy's recently released project 'Ashram' is directed by Prakash Zai. Bobby Deol is currently reading different screenplays in Lockdown. Various projects and other matters are discussed here with Bobby Deol, which will be of interest to the readers.

* Have you played a role like 'Class of 3' released on OTT before?

* I really enjoyed playing such a character and through that I made my debut on the OTT platform. The film is based on a true story set in 190. The film is a cop-drama and I play the role of an honest cop who wants to work in the right direction, but the system wants to get him on his way. His relationship with his wife is sour and he is a cursed person and he also tries to make that relationship come true. Enjoyed working with Shahrukh Khan, Gauri Khan and Gaurav. SRK is committed to its work. Aneri enjoyed working with Red Chillies.

* How did you prepare for this role?

* A month-long workshop was held for this. Hey, I and some young people worked in it. Working with artists with new approaches felt challenging and exciting - which made me more nervous, but it also gave me the opportunity to give my best work. He enjoyed working with a young man named Atul. I didn't want people to say 'Bobby Deol is rolling', I wanted the character to be unforgettable instead. As an actor I have seen heights and setbacks in my life. I want people to see me in a different color. The best content has exploded on OTT platforms and artists also have the opportunity to showcase true acting at the right time.

* Provide information about movies and webseries watched during lockdown.

* I've watched a lot of content so I don't often remember how much you watched during the day, but I honestly remember 'Last Kingdom' and 'King Convenience'. The series is much loved, based on a Korean family in Canada with stories of a family owning a supermarket. Also recently I watched and enjoyed the movie 'Kamiyab'. Watching a series based on TV shows, I love races. I also like watching the Formula One series.

* How were your memories in Dubai and Abu Dhabi?

* Went to Dubai with my mother when I was a teenager. Went to Dubai to buy it when my sister was married. Long after this I went to Dubai and saw the renovation of the city. I really like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. My best friend Monty also lives in Abu Dhabi. We chat every day. Now I often go there and play badminton at Indian clubs. I'm sorry I didn't get to travel in the lockdown, but the whole world faces it. So let's change the topic. (Laughs).

* Did Lockdown give you a chance to spend time with your family?

* As you may know, we live together in a joint family in Mumbai. Dead lives on Lonavala's farm as he enjoys living with nature. There was a hurricane recently and many trees were uprooted, but nothing hit them. We are happy here and they are happy there. I stay at home with my family when I don't have a job until I feel like it. We live together more today than ever before. We miss going to the farm house as the children’s online school is on. So he has to stay in Mumbai. My eldest son Aryaman is studying in New York. I love chocolate, but I stopped buying it now.

* You always say that your children must stay here with you.

* As a child I always looked to my father. They made all the arrangements for us. I want the same for my children. My kids inspire me to fight again. That was a few years ago, but now we need to have faith in ourselves, I believe. My wife is a pillar of my strength. Has the best backing of my life. He is constantly standing by my side. That is all for me. The kids and I are the first for her. I always say, 'Otherwise it will catch your eye.' Thanks for all this. I like to work and I am happy with it.

* How are your memories of spending your life on film sets?

* I have not forgotten the memory of the film 'Dharamveer'. Everyone knows I like good food the most. I never went to school. I remember Sunny Bhaiyya giving the first shot for 'Betaab'. I went to school for a soccer match when 'Betaab' premiered. I remember then I ran home and changed clothes and reached the theater, but my family kept me away from the film's social life even though I was part of the film. Professionally everyone in my family is an artist, but we have stayed away from the film-crowd.

* Would your debut have been eventful?

* My first film 'Barsaat' was directed by Shekhar Kapoor, but it lasted a long time as its script was changed frequently. I learned to ride a horse, because that was my role. I learned everything. Dance from Purnaji who was an assistant to Sadgat Saroj Khan. Changing this digestible script I became a drummer and then learned to play the drums. Hey, as an Indian athlete, I also trained him for 3 days. After this, Sekhar Kapoor took the helm of 'Bandit Queen' and Rajkumar Santoshi became the director of 'Barsaat'. Thus it was really eventful, the beginning of my career. And on the last day of shooting my leg broke.

* 'Gupta' was your landmark film, wasn't it?

* Yes, I had an iron rod in my leg for seven to eight months and the shooting of a song of 'Gupta' was done only when my leg was broken. After this I started shooting for the film 'Duniya Hasino Ka Mela' at Mehboob Studios, in which I was to dance. Both of these films were technically very good.

* Was associated with Salman Khan for a long time?

* I met Salman when I was learning the bike stunt of my first film. His film 'Maine Pyaar Kiya' was released and after that he got busy shooting for another film. He has also done stunts with me. We also did horse riding on the beach together. I have known him from the very first day.

* Now do you consider yourself a more mature actor?

* As an actor we need to keep learning, which is good for us. I have been in this industry for the last 3 years and I think my craft has gotten better. 'Class of 3' was very exciting. My role was inspiring not only to the hero, but to others. The story was based on a true story.

* Do you like your father's and brother's films?

* Dad's career is a legend and he was a hero who gave three hit films a year. I really like his films 'Pratigya' and 'Sholay'. I have seen my brother's film 'Betaab'. They don’t like to dance. I like 'Wounded' and many other films more.

* Will you bring your children into this business?

* I tell my kids to keep their minds open for any business. Both kids are doing well right now. Acting is not an easy business. But I advise them to always do something new and not to back down. Your luck depends on how hard you work, 'I tell them.

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