Bobby Deol excited about playing conman in Aashram

Mona

A cop in one and a conman in another, Bobby Deol has covered quite a ground right in the beginning of his OTT journey. Enjoying this new phase of his career, Bobby feels fortunate to get diverse roles, have his fans stand by him and for all that the life has to offer.

Overwhelmed with the response for his Class of 83 in which he played a cop, he is equally excited about playing a conman in Aashram, which was released on MX Player on August 28. “I met Prakash ji (Prakash Jha) way back when I was dubbing for the film Gupt. I wanted to work with him some day. Aashram gave me that opportunity.” The initial hullaballoo about the series did not deter him. He had complete faith in his director.

Getting out of the professional lull and comfort zone hasn’t been easy of the Kareeb actor. He says there was a time when he gave up on himself and went into the phase of self-doubt, “Nothing could be worse than losing faith in oneself.”

But then, he felt that there was nothing more to lose and he picked himself up for a fresh start. “I had my family’s support, but this was one battle that I had to fight on my own. Appreciation of my fans filled me with the zeal to work harder and give my best.”

The lockdown has been a novel experience for him as for everyone else. Bobby is dying to get to the farmhouse where his father is at present. “We are in Mumbai as my children have to attend online classes and the WiFi signal is weak over there. But I want to be at our farm. I guess we all deserve a holiday when the situation improves.”

Initially, during the lockdown, he had a difficult time trying to ensure that his kids followed their study schedule. “But then we eased off a little. We chilled and spent time together. I got to know my kids better. It was a lesson for all of us—not to take anything for granted and appreciate all that we have.”

What does it mean to be a member of the Deol clan? Bobby says, “I thank the universe for giving me the great Dharmendra as my father. I am yet to meet someone as humble as him.” Punjab is an integral part of Bobby. He says it’s Punjabi meals that the Deol khandan indulges in. “We cook lots of ghiya, tori, tinde, rajmah... all that is typical Punjabi food. I love gur shakkar churi. Gajak is another favourite.”

About the on-going nepotism debate, he says, “My father was an outsider. A son of a teacher, he ran away from Punjab and came to Mumbai to become an actor. Like every father he also wanted me to do what he did, just like a doctor or a businessman. The showbiz is the biggest business of all. Yes, the connections gave me the first chance, but eventually it’s my work that has spoken for me. And I owe it to my fans who have been with me through it all!”

mona@tribunemail.com