Bobby Deol says he had a tough time breaking the image; Says, ‘I wanted to do something out of my comfort zone, I still decided to go for it’ – Times of India

‘Animal’ represents a significant comeback for Bobby Deol, who has faced challenges in reshaping his public persona. Although his role as the antagonist Abrar Haque was limited and mute, it made a profound impact on audiences, leading to the affectionate nickname “Lord Bobby” among fans. The film’s success has been a turning point for Deol, who expressed that breaking away from his established hero image was a tough journey.
The actor was speaking on the green carpet of an event on Saturday and told PTI in a group media interaction, Deol reflected on this transition: “When you do a role, you get similar kinds of roles (being offered), but this is something that has been happening for years.It’s not that it is happening now.”
Bobby’s portrayal in ‘Animal’ has garnered widespread acclaim, marking a resurgence in his career after a period of dull phase during the late 2000s and early 2010s. His participation in multi-starrers like ‘Race 3’ and ‘Housefull 4,’ along with critically acclaimed projects such as ‘Class of 83’ and ‘Aashram,’ paved the way for this revival. The success of ‘Animal,’ which grossed around ₹900 crores at the box office, has been particularly noteworthy.
His character, although present for only about 15 minutes on screen, left an indelible mark on viewers. Deol shared his emotional response to the film’s success: “Imagine you waited for an opportunity in your life to happen… anybody in my place would break down.”
Bobby Deol’s willingness to embrace challenging roles reflects his growth as an actor. Initially apprehensive about playing a mute character, he ultimately found strength in stepping outside his comfort zone. He stated, “I wanted to do something out of my comfort zone… I still decided to go for it.” This decision not only showcased his versatility but also resonated with audiences who appreciated the depth of his character.

Despite concerns about being typecast due to his recent villainous roles, Deol remains optimistic about future opportunities. “I don’t like to look and think, ‘Oh my god! I went through that period’. It’s a journey every person goes through in life. If you work hard, a day comes when you get some (kind of) acknowledgement,” he added.
At the same event, Bobby Deol was seen getting visibly emotional as he received appreciation for his role in ‘Animal.’ Seated beside his wife Tanya, he hugged her warmly and kissed her before making his way to the stage.
As Bobby Deol prepares for upcoming projects like ‘Kanguva’ alongside Tamil star Suriya and potentially starring as an antagonist in Alia Bhatt’s ‘Alpha,’ he remains hopeful about continuing to evolve as an actor.