Bobby Deol Reveals: Shekhar Kapur Ran Away from His Debut Film. Almost 30 years ago, Bobby Deol made his grand debut in Bollywood with the romantic action film “Barsaat.” Directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, the movie marked the beginning of Bobby’s illustrious career. However, did you know that the film was initially supposed to be helmed by none other than the acclaimed director Shekhar Kapur?
Shekhar Kapur’s Exit
Before Rajkumar Santoshi took the reins, Shekhar Kapur was signed on to direct “Barsaat.” The film was a significant project for Bobby, given the immense popularity of his father, Dharmendra, and his elder brother, Sunny Deol. But Shekhar Kapur, known for his work in iconic films like “Mr. India” and “Bandit Queen,” decided to step away from the project.
The Nervousness Factor
On a recent episode of “The Great Indian Kapil Show,” Bobby Deol spilled the beans about Shekhar Kapur’s sudden exit. When host Kapil Sharma asked whether Bobby or the director was nervous about launching him, Bobby chuckled and replied, “Maybe that’s why Shekhar ran away. Shekhar Kapur. He was scared.” It seems that the legacy of Dharmendra and Sunny Deol’s stardom had Shekhar feeling the pressure.
Shekhar Kapur’s Brief Stint
Interestingly, Shekhar Kapur had even shot a scene with Bobby before leaving the project. However, fate had other plans. Shekhar went on to direct the critically acclaimed 1994 crime drama “Bandit Queen,” leaving “Barsaat” in Rajkumar Santoshi’s capable hands.
Bobby’s Debut Success
Despite the initial directorial switch, “Barsaat” turned out to be a hit. Bobby Deol shared the screen with Twinkle Khanna, and both of them won debut actor awards for their performances. Produced by Dharmendra’s Vijayta Films, the movie also featured Raj Babbar, Mukesh Khanna, and Danny Denzongpa. It raked in ₹29 crore at the box office, securing its place as the fifth highest-grossing film of the year.
Where Are They Now?
Bobby Deol Reveals: As for Bobby Deol, he’s currently basking in the success of Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s family crime drama “Animal,” where he played the negative role of Abrar. He’s also set to appear in his debut Tamil film, “Kanguva,” alongside Suriya, and his debut Telugu film, “Hari Hari Veera Mallu – Part 1: Sword vs Spirit,” opposite Pawan Kalyan. Additionally, he’s part of “NBK109,” another Telugu blockbuster starring Nandamuri Balakrishna.