Actor Bobby Deol, who has recently witnessed a remarkable career resurgence with roles in films and web series, has once again addressed the ongoing conversation about nepotism in the Hindi film industry. While he has often been asked about being the son of veteran superstar Dharmendra, Bobby maintains that the narrative is not as straightforward as critics believe.
In a recent interaction, the actor explained that his father may be a celebrated legend today, but his journey into cinema was far from privileged. Dharmendra, he pointed out, was a man with no connections to the film world, who came to Mumbai with dreams in his eyes and struggled for years before making a place for himself.
“My Father Earned It the Hard Way”
Bobby recalled how his father grew up in Punjab with modest means and no godfathers in the industry to guide him. What Dharmendra achieved was the result of sheer perseverance, talent, and passion for acting. “People forget that he started with nothing. He wasn’t born into stardom — he fought for it and earned it,” Bobby emphasized.
This, according to Bobby, is why the “nepotism” tag feels oversimplified. While he acknowledges that being Dharmendra’s son gave him recognition and opportunities, he insists that the audience ultimately decides an actor’s destiny. “You might get a chance because of your background, but your career can only survive if people accept you,” he added.
Bobby’s Own Journey
Reflecting on his personal path in the industry, Bobby admitted that despite his lineage, he faced ups and downs. After a successful debut and several hit films in the 1990s and early 2000s, his career went through a long slump. He struggled to find work and had to wait years before making a strong comeback. “If nepotism alone worked, I would never have seen failure. But the truth is, the audience is the ultimate judge,” he said.
His recent work in films like Animal and series such as Aashram has reminded viewers of his versatility, proving that persistence and reinvention matter more than inherited privilege.
A Balanced Take on the Debate
By pointing to his father’s outsider beginnings, Bobby Deol tries to balance the heated debate around nepotism. He doesn’t deny that star kids may get an initial advantage but stresses that it doesn’t guarantee longevity or success. He credits his father’s journey as a constant source of inspiration, reminding him that even the most iconic names in cinema had to start at the bottom.
For Bobby, the legacy he carries is not just about belonging to a famous family but also about honoring the grit and hard work that built the Deol name in Bollywood.
