Bobby Deol on Breaking Stereotypes: "Trying to Reinvent Myself Again"

Mumbai, March 1 – Bollywood actor Bobby Deol, known for successfully shedding his hero image with negative roles in Aashram and Animal, is now striving to avoid being typecast once again. Despite receiving numerous offers for villainous characters, the actor expresses a strong desire to explore a diverse range of roles.

Breaking the Hero Image​

Deol credits filmmaker Prakash Jha for changing the industry's perception of him with the role of Baba Nirala in Aashram. The crime drama series, which recently premiered its third season's second part, showcased him in a new light.

"It changed my life. People saw me differently and realized I could play an antagonist. At that time, no one but Prakashji believed in me," he said.

However, Deol now finds himself facing a new challenge—breaking away from his current image as an antagonist.

"Now again, I'm getting typecast a lot. I'm trying to break away from this image too. It’s not about playing the main lead, but I want variety in my roles."

Pushing Beyond Comfort Zones​

Celebrating 30 years in the film industry since his 1995 debut with Barsaat, Deol acknowledges that stepping out of his comfort zone has been both daunting and rewarding.

"Initially, I felt shy stepping into these roles because it required pushing myself. There’s always a hesitation about how people will react. But when the response is positive, it feels great. Deep down, everyone wants to be appreciated for their work."

His performances in Race 3, Love Hostel, and Kanguva have further cemented his place as a versatile actor.

The ‘Lord Bobby’ Phenomenon​

Deol also addressed the Lord Bobby meme culture, where fans humorously celebrate his contribution to Indian cinema. While it began as an internet joke, it has evolved into a symbol of admiration and respect.

"It started as trolling, but then it turned positive. I’ve seen ups and downs in my career, and there was a time I was mocked. But now, people genuinely appreciate my hard work and wish me well," he shared.

OTT’s Role in Reviving Careers​

The actor also praised digital platforms for creating opportunities for actors beyond traditional lead roles.

"I've reached a stage where I’m not concerned about being the lead. It's about the character I play. OTT platforms have been a blessing for many actors," he said.

His latest release, Aashram 3: Part 2, premiered recently on MX Player. The series also features Aaditi Pohankar, Darshan Kumar, Chandan Roy Sanyal, Tushar Pandey, and Anupriya Goenka.

With his continued efforts to break stereotypes, Bobby Deol remains one of Bollywood’s most intriguing performers today.