Sunny Deol may be an anomaly in the stardom of today. He doesn't do endorsements, doesn't have six-pack abs, and does only one film a year. Despite this unconventional approach to Bollywood, he has managed to deliver blockbusters, including the iconic "Gadar: Ek Prem Katha." However, his brother Bobby Deol's journey in the film industry has been quite the opposite. While Sunny's career continued to shine, Bobby's stardom faced significant challenges. In this article, we delve into the factors that contributed to Bobby Deol's resurgence and the contrasting views expressed by Sunny Deol about other Bollywood stars on "Koffee with Karan."
The Sacrifice and Support of Sunny Deol
Sunny Deol, as an elder brother and established actor, commendably put his career at its peak on the backburner to launch Bobby's career in the 1990s. He produced Bobby's debut film "Barsaat" (1995), facing hurdles like a change in the director and an injury that Bobby suffered on set. After a successful start, Bobby continued to collaborate with Sunny's trusted filmmakers. Sunny even sacrificed his own dream project to cast Bobby as Bhagat Singh in "23rd March 1931: Shaheed" (2002). Despite these efforts, Bobby faced a series of disappointments, and his career began to wane.
The Resurrection of Bobby Deol
Bobby Deol openly discussed his struggles and how he gave up on his career in the late 2000s, including succumbing to alcohol abuse. However, his recent appearance on "Koffee with Karan Season 8" shed light on his determination to stand on his own two feet. Three crucial pillars contributed to Bobby's resurgence: brand building, body building, and optics. Interestingly, these three qualities are everything that Sunny Deol disapproves of in the modern stardom landscape.
Brand Building
Sunny Deol expressed his frustration with Shah Rukh Khan for turning actors into commodities. Sunny struggled to adapt to the corporate and multiplex culture of the early 2000s, which Shah Rukh Khan championed. However, Shah Rukh Khan successfully channeled his massive brand into building a studio that launched and relaunched talents, including Bobby Deol. Bobby mentioned that directors like Karan Johar didn't offer him work, but Shah Rukh's Red Chillies Entertainment supported him through streaming projects. This brand support was instrumental in Bobby's career resurgence.
Body Building
Sunny Deol mentioned that Salman Khan sends everyone to the gym, which he saw as a distraction for newcomers. However, Bobby Deol's transformation into a fitness icon has played a significant role in his career revival. From his shirtless appearance in "Race 3" (2018) alongside Salman Khan to his recent bare-chested shot in "Animal," Bobby has established himself as a fitness icon who appeals to a broad audience.
Optics
Sunny Deol expressed reservations about Akshay Kumar doing too many films. Nevertheless, this approach has worked in Bobby's favor. He has been actively working in various projects, from "Aashram" to venturing into the South film industry. Bobby's commitment to multiple projects has allowed him to diversify and remain relevant in the industry.
In conclusion, while Sunny Deol's brand of stardom is admirable, he has witnessed his brother, Bobby Deol, take a different route to success. Bobby's resurgence in the film industry has been a testament to his determination, brand building, physical transformation, and versatility. It's a reminder that success in Bollywood can be achieved through various paths, and the industry continues to evolve. Sunny's contrasting views about other Bollywood stars highlight the diversity in approaches to success in the ever-changing world of cinema.
