Before his triumphant return to the limelight, Bobby Deol endured a challenging phase in his career. It was during this low point that Salman Khan extended a helping hand, offering him a role in 'Race 3', which marked a turning point. Bobby recently reflected on the difficult times before his career trajectory shifted. Today, however, the actor is basking in the success of films like 'Animal' and 'The Ba***ds of Bollywood', cementing his status as one of Bollywood's most sought-after names.
Bobby Deol Recalls Salman Khan's Life-Changing Call
During an appearance on 'Shekhar Tonite', Bobby recounted the unexpected phone call from Salman that eventually led to his involvement in 'Race 3'. The film, released in 2018, featured Salman in the lead role of the 'Race' franchise, succeeding Saif Ali Khan. Reflecting on the moment, Bobby said, "Salman was so sweet... He called me and asked 'shirt utarega mamu?' I said main kuch bhi karunga. He said come and get the narration and then I got in Race 3. I knew that millions of people are going to watch this Salman Khan movie. The young generation had forgotten about Bobby Deol. So I thought if I appear in this movie, people will remember that Bobby Deol is still there."
Bobby Deol on What 'Race 3' Meant Beyond Box Office Numbers
Apart from Bobby, 'Race 3' featured an ensemble cast including Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandez, Daisy Shah, and Saqib Saleem. Although the film received mixed reviews from critics, it was a commercial success, grossing over Rs 300 crore worldwide. For Bobby, however, the film held deeper significance. He openly admitted that he viewed the project as a chance to reconnect with a younger audience that had gradually drifted away from his work over the years.
Bobby Deol on Being Forgotten by the Young Generation
Reflecting on the film's impact on his career, Bobby did not shy away from acknowledging the stakes. "Millions of people are going to go watch a Salman Khan film. Jo young generation thi woh Bobby Deol ko bhool gayi thi (The young generation had forgotten Bobby Deol). So I felt ki main iss film me aaunga toh log pehchanenge ki koi Bobby Deol bhi hai (If I do this film, people will realise I exist)," he said.
Bobby Deol's Remarkable Journey from 'Race 3' to 'Animal'
'Race 3' opened a new door for Bobby, and he seized the opportunity. In 2020, his web series 'Aashram', directed by Prakash Jha, helped him reach a fresh audience on OTT platforms, proving his enduring talent. However, the real turning point arrived with 'Animal'. While the film was anchored by Ranbir Kapoor, Bobby's portrayal of the antagonist surprised everyone. Despite limited screen time, he made a significant impact and garnered widespread praise. Subsequently, there was no looking back. He went on to star in 'The Ba***ds of Bollywood' and 'Hari Hara Veera Mallu', and is currently enjoying the most rewarding phase of his career.
Bobby Deol's Upcoming Projects: 'Bandar' and 'Jana Nayagan'
On the professional front, Bobby has Anurag Kashyap's 'Bandar' lined up, generating anticipation among fans eager to see their collaboration. He is also part of 'Jana Nayagan', a highly anticipated film rumored to be Vijay's final acting venture. However, the project has encountered a hurdle, remaining stuck with the CBFC for several months without a clear resolution in sight.
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