Among all successful star sons, Bobby Deol is different. Though many others have come and gone, he survives and is doing quite all right for himself. He is self-effacing, egoless, and a bit shy like his elder brother Sunny.
He can do anything for his family. He is known as a good human being. He has every reason to be excited and hopeful about his future. Two of his major films, directed by stars among directors and box office magicians, and produced under major banners, are ready for release.
Shakalaka Boom Boom did not boom at the box office.
It was not a bust either. My work has been appreciated. It was an interesting character with negative shades I had portrayed in a film for the first time. The film did not put a question mark over my acting abilities.
Success and failure is all part of our lives. I don't mourn over it and carry on with my work with renewed vigour and enthusiasm. My forthcoming films will do well, I hope. I have a feeling that my audience will also like me in them.
The promos of Jhoom Barabar Jhoom are all over the TV channels.
Yashraj Films makes sure that its films are promoted creatively with grandeur. They plan each and everything meticulously, leaving nothing to chance. They never make compromises in any area. They are the most professional film production house today and they deserve all the success they have got.
This is your first film with Abhishek Bachchan. How do you feel about it?
It is a fantastic feeling. Yashraj Films created this window of opportunity for both of us. It was a very enjoyable experience for me, working for the first time with Abhishek and for Yashraj Banner.
Abhishek and me have been friends since childhood. We would keep meeting off and on.
People are comparing this event with the Dharmendra and Amitabh combination in Sholey. Do you think that two of you can recreate that magic?
That was one kind of magic. People are under its spell even today. Jhoom Barabar Jhoom is a different kind of magic, contemporary and in tune with the times. We have to see what kind of impact it leaves on our audiences. We are hoping for the best.
What is your character in JBJ?
Since I am a Punjabi, they cast me in Punjabi characters. I am playing the role of Stevie Singh in the film who is half-Punjabi, half-British.
When I was narrated the role, I knew it was written for me. It had a lot of similarities with my personal lifestyle and attitudes. I had to work hard to distance it a wee bit from my personal life. I enjoyed the process.
How important is Stevie Singh in the story?
He is a big-time London lawyer. He is a partner in Singh and Smith, a law firm. He is a millionaire, born to an Indian father and a British mother, who loves to wear bright and shiny clothes.
One day in a freak incident he saves the life of Alvira like a hero. He gets to know everything about Alvira, her religion, her pet name, etc.
A relationship builds up and the story moves forward with comical and romantic twists and turns.
Your look is also very different in the film.
Aki Nirula has worked on it. The look suits my character. Aki is very talented. He has given me a style that suits the character and my personality. I like my look in this film.
What prompted you to do this film?
The script, and my character. Aaditya was certain that I fitted the role. Yet I felt I should read the script before going ahead with the project. It is a multi-starrer, and I had to be sure of my place in it. I read the script. It was so funny and well written. I knew I had to do the film.
How was it working with Shaad Ali?
It is fun to work with him. He makes things easier for his actors. He is one of those easy going but hard working directors.
Your dream of working with Dharamji and Sunny Deol is also getting fulfiled with Apne. What do you do in this film?
It is the story of a father’s dream. Dharamji plays Baldeo Chaudhary and Sunny plays Angad, his elder son, and I play Karan, the younger one. Baldeo wants to avenge his humiliation in boxing through his son Angad.
Somehow, Angad fails and then Karan sacrifices his singing career to fulfil the dream of his father. He too becomes a victim of a conspiracy.
Finally, Angad returns and avenges the humiliation of the family. It is a film about a joint family and the values that sustain it. The whole family can enjoy the emotional drama of the film.
What is you view about the music of JBJ?
It is rocking the whole nation. Shankar, Ehsaan, and Loy are geniuses. They come up with great tracks all the time.Shaad has a great sense of music too. This film is a great musical and a top class romantic comedy.
Why are you doing so few films these days?
I am doing quality films. There are not too many of those that get made. I don’t just want to do anything and everything in a film. I want to do good and memorable roles.
What kinds of roles are memorable from your perspective?
Romantic, action, and even negative characters. Even the kind of role I have done in Apne, where a young man sacrifices his ambitions and career for the sake of his family.
Your father is into politics. Do you have any plans to join him?
No. I can help my father in his work like a good son. But that will be all. Politics too is not my cup of tea.