Sunny Deol, born as Ajay Singh Deol, is an Indian actor, director, and producer who has made a significant impact in Bollywood. Known for his intense and powerful performances, he has been one of the leading stars in the industry for over three decades. With his trademark dhai kilo ka haath (two and a half kilo hand) and iconic dialogue delivery, Sunny Deol has carved a niche for himself in the Hindi film industry. In this blog post, we will take a detailed look into his life, career, and legacy in Bollywood.
Early Life of Sunny Deol
Sunny Deol was born on 19th October 1956 in Sahnewal, Punjab to veteran actor Dharmendra and Prakash Kaur. He comes from a family with a rich legacy in the film industry, with his father being a legendary actor and his stepmother Hema Malini being a top actress in her time. Sunny Deol has a younger brother Bobby Deol, who is also an actor in Bollywood.
Despite coming from a film family, Sunny Deol faced many struggles in his childhood due to his stammering problem. He was often bullied by his classmates and was hesitant to speak in public. However, this did not deter him from pursuing his dream of becoming an actor. He took speech therapy classes and worked hard to overcome his stammering.
Sunny Deol completed his schooling from Sacred Heart Boys High School in Maharashtra and then went on to study acting at the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune. He graduated in 1983 and made his debut in the film “Betaab” the same year.
Early Struggles in the Industry
Sunny Deol’s journey in the film industry was not a smooth ride. Despite being the son of a famous actor, he faced his own set of challenges. His first few films did not do well at the box office, and he was often criticized for his unconventional looks and voice. But Sunny Deol did not let these setbacks discourage him. He continued to work hard and improve his craft, which eventually paid off.
Acting Career of Sunny Deol
Sunny Deol’s acting career spans over three decades, and he has appeared in more than 100 films. He is known for his intense and aggressive roles and has become synonymous with action movies in Bollywood. Let us take a closer look at some of his most iconic performances throughout the years.
Action-packed Roles
Sunny Deol made his debut in the film “Betaab” in 1983, where he played the lead role opposite actress Amrita Singh. The film was a commercial success, and Sunny Deol’s performance was highly praised by critics and audiences alike. He then went on to star in several action movies like “Arjun”, “Tridev”, “Ghayal”, “Damini”, and “Ghatak”. He gained a massive fan following due to his intense and powerful portrayal of characters who fought against injustice and corruption.
Versatility in Acting
Despite being known for his action roles, Sunny Deol has also showcased his versatility as an actor. He has delivered notable performances in films like “Darr”, “Border”, “Ziddi”, and “Gadar: Ek Prem Katha”. These roles required him to showcase a different side of his acting abilities, and he received critical acclaim for his performances.
Collaboration with Other Actors
Sunny Deol has worked with some of the biggest names in Bollywood, and his collaborations with other actors have resulted in some blockbuster films. He has shared the screen with actors like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, and Akshay Kumar. His chemistry with these actors has been loved by audiences and has resulted in some memorable films.
Sunny Deol’s Iconic Roles
Sunny Deol has given many memorable performances throughout his career, but there are a few roles that have cemented his position as an action hero and made him a household name. Let us take a look at some of his iconic roles that have left a lasting impact on Bollywood.
Ajay Mehra in Ghayal
Released in 1990, “Ghayal” was a turning point in Sunny Deol’s career. He played the role of Ajay Mehra, a boxer who seeks to avenge his brother’s death. The film was a huge hit, and Sunny Deol’s portrayal of a man consumed by rage and thirst for justice earned him his first National Film Award for Best Actor.
Tara Singh in Gadar: Ek Prem Katha
“Gadar: Ek Prem Katha” is one of the highest-grossing films in Indian cinema and propelled Sunny Deol to superstardom. He played the role of Tara Singh, a Sikh truck driver who falls in love with a Muslim girl during the partition of India. Sunny Deol’s performance as an intense and patriotic lover was highly appreciated, and he received his second National Film Award for this film.
Major Kuldeep Singh in Border
“Border” is based on the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 and is considered one of the finest war films in Bollywood. Sunny Deol played the role of Major Kuldeep Singh, who leads his troops in the Battle of Longewala. He delivered a powerful performance as a fearless and brave soldier, and the film went on to win multiple awards.
Directorial Ventures of Sunny Deol
Apart from his successful acting career, Sunny Deol has also ventured into direction. He made his directorial debut with the film “Dillagi” in 1999, where he also starred alongside his brother Bobby Deol and actress Urmila Matondkar. The film received mixed reviews but was praised for its direction.
Sunny Deol then went on to direct and produce his dream project, “Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas”, which marked the acting debut of his son Karan Deol. The film released in 2019 and received a positive response from critics and audiences. Sunny Deol’s direction was appreciated, and he showed promise as a filmmaker.
Sunny Deol’s Political Involvement
In 2004, Sunny Deol joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and actively campaigned for them during the Lok Sabha Elections. He even contested in the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections from Gurdaspur constituency in Punjab and won by a significant margin. He continues to be an active member of the party and has been involved in various political initiatives.
Personal Life and Family of Sunny Deol
Sunny Deol is a very private person and prefers to keep his personal life away from the limelight. He is married to Pooja Deol and has two sons, Karan and Rajvir. His elder son Karan has followed in his footsteps and made his Bollywood debut in 2019. Sunny Deol is also a doting grandfather to Karan’s son, Dharam Deol.
Despite coming from a family of actors, Sunny Deol maintains a close relationship with his parents and siblings. He is often seen spending quality time with them and has also worked with his father and brother in some films.
Awards and Recognition for Sunny Deol
Sunny Deol has received several awards and honors throughout his career, including two National Film Awards for Best Actor, three Filmfare Awards, and two Zee Cine Awards. He has also been awarded the Padma Shri, one of the highest civilian awards in India, for his contribution to the entertainment industry.
Controversies Surrounding Sunny Deol
Like most celebrities, Sunny Deol has had his share of controversies. In 1997, he was accused of pulling a gun on filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi during the making of their film “Ghatak”. He was also involved in a legal battle with actress Dimple Kapadia over the release of their film “Angrakshak” in 1995.
In recent years, Sunny Deol has faced criticism for his political affiliations and comments made by him during public speeches. However, he continues to focus on his work and has not let these controversies affect him.
Upcoming Projects of Sunny Deol
Sunny Deol is currently working on multiple projects, both as an actor and director. He will be seen in the much-awaited sequel of his hit film “Apne” alongside his father Dharmendra, brother Bobby Deol, and son Karan Deol. He will also be directing and producing another film titled “Singh Saab The Great 2”.
Legacy of Sunny Deol in Bollywood
Sunny Deol’s contribution to Bollywood has been immense. He has given us some iconic characters and blockbuster films that have entertained generations. He has managed to stay relevant and maintain his star status even after three decades in the industry. His intense and powerful performances have inspired many actors and will continue to do so in the future.
Conclusion
Sunny Deol is more than just an action hero; he is a powerhouse performer who has left a lasting impact on Bollywood. His journey from being a struggling actor to becoming one of the biggest stars in the industry is truly inspiring. He has shown versatility in his acting, ventured into direction, and even entered the political arena, proving that he is much more than just a “dhai kilo ka haath”. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for this talented and versatile actor.
