Bobby Deol has opened up about one of the toughest phases of his career and how Salman Khan played a major role in helping him make a comeback. The actor, who was once considered one of Bollywood’s biggest rising stars in the 90s, admitted that there was a time when the younger generation had almost forgotten him.
Known for films like Barsaat and Soldier, Bobby enjoyed massive popularity early in his career. However, after a string of unsuccessful films, the actor slowly disappeared from mainstream conversations. In a recent interaction with Shekhar Suman, Bobby recalled how taking up Race 3 opposite Salman Khan became a turning point in his struggling career.
Bobby Deol Reveals Why He Said Yes To Race 3
Speaking on Shekhar Tonite, Bobby Deol shared how Salman Khan personally reached out to him for Race 3. Recalling the conversation, Bobby said, “Salman was so sweet. Kuch saalo baad usne mujhe phone kiya aur kaha, ‘Shirt utarega maamu’ (Will you take off your shirt). I said, ‘Main kuch bhi karunga’ (I will do anything). Then he said come on, listen to the story and that is how I got Race 3.”
Released in 2018, Race 3 featured Salman Khan in the lead role and marked a major cast change for the franchise after Saif Ali Khan’s exit. The film also starred Anil Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandez, Daisy Shah and Saqib Saleem.
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While the film received mixed reviews from critics, it performed strongly at the box office and earned more than Rs 300 crore worldwide.
‘Young Generation Bobby Deol Ko Bhool Gayi Thi’
During the conversation, Bobby honestly admitted that he felt people had stopped recognising him, especially younger audiences.
Talking about his decision to join Race 3, he said, “Millions of people are going to go watch a Salman Khan film. Jo young generation thi woh Bobby Deol ko bhool gayi thi. So I felt ki main iss film me aaunga toh log pehchanenge ki koi Bobby Deol bhi hai.”
Aashram And Animal Changed His Career
After Race 3, Bobby Deol received a major boost with Prakash Jha’s hit web series Aashram in 2020. His performance in the series introduced him to a younger digital audience and helped him rebuild his image as a strong performer.
However, the biggest turning point came with Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal. Despite having limited screen time, Bobby’s silent yet intense antagonist role became one of the most talked-about performances in the film.
Many viewers felt the actor managed to leave a lasting impact even alongside Ranbir Kapoor.
Bobby Deol: Upcoming Projects
Following the success of Animal, Bobby Deol has become one of the busiest actors once again. He was recently seen in the web series The Ba**ds of Bollywood* and the film Hari Hara Veera Mallu.
The actor will next be seen in Anurag Kashyap’s Bandar, which has already generated strong curiosity among fans.
Apart from that, Bobby is also part of Jana Nayagan, reportedly the final film of Thalapathy Vijay. However, the film has been stuck with the CBFC for several months.
