Bobby Deol has been basking in the glow of praise for his performance as Abrar Haque in Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal. The film has been a significant success, earning accolades and a strong fan following. However, in a candid interview with Humans of Bombay, Bobby Deol revealed some unexpected anxieties he faced while working on the film.
Deol, known for his diverse roles in Bollywood, confessed that he had moments of doubt during the shooting of Animal. He recounted how he initially feared he might be dropped from the project, especially after observing the extensive shooting schedule with Ranbir Kapoor. “I waited 1.5 years to shoot the film,” Deol shared. “The film is 3.5 hours long, so they were shooting with Ranbir for a long time… and during that period, I kept thinking, ‘Are they going to change their mind? Will they suddenly say they don’t require me?’ Those thoughts crossed my mind.”
Deol’s journey to joining the cast of Animal began in an unexpected manner. Sandeep Reddy Vanga, the film’s director, reached out to Deol with a proposal. “I got a message from him. He introduced himself and told me he wanted to meet me for a film. I thought, ‘Is it really him?’ I called and arranged the meeting. He showed me a photo of myself from when I participated in the Celebrity Cricket League and said, ‘I want to cast you because I love this expression of yours!’” Deol recalled.
The role of Abrar Haque was unique, as it required him to portray a mute character. This was a surprising development for Deol, who admitted that it took some adjustment. He even learned sign language for the role, which he described as both “fun and exciting.” Despite initial reservations, Deol’s performance resonated with audiences, and Animal emerged as a blockbuster hit.
The film’s narrative centers around Rannvijay Singh, played by Ranbir Kapoor, who seeks revenge following an assassination attempt on his father, portrayed by Anil Kapoor. Despite facing criticism for its portrayal of male toxicity, Animal has been lauded for its compelling storytelling and strong performances, solidifying its status as a cult hit.
Reflecting on his experience, Bobby Deol expressed his satisfaction with the film’s success. “I never imagined it would become a cult hit, but I had a gut feeling about it,” he said. Deol’s dedication to his craft and his willingness to embrace unconventional roles continue to earn him admiration and respect in the industry.
As Animal continues to make waves, Bobby Deol’s role as Abrar Haque stands out as a testament to his versatility and commitment as an actor.
