PRODIGAL RETURNS

JITESH PILLAAI CONVERSES WITH BOBBY DEOL, WHO IS HAVING THE TIME OF HIS LIFE AGAIN AT SHOWBIZ

- JITESH PILLAAI

When Soldier got released, all the girls fell in love with him and all the guys wanted to look as cool as him. The back-to-back success of films like Gupt (1997), Soldier (1998), Badal (2000), Bichhoo (2000), Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya (1997), Ajnabee (2001) and Humraaz (2002) turned him into a household name. But then, the rising sun met with a roadblock. His films started failing, viewer interaction dwindled and his fans found new faces to worship. Directors who used to court him shied away. He continued doing films, and some, like Apne (2007) and Yamla Pagla Deewana were commercial successes. But he wasn't considered a serious player in the market. They say luck plays a huge part in bringing you success in this industry. Going against all expectations, Prakash Jha cast him as a rogue Godman in his hard-hitting series Aashram. The audience loved him in the negative avatar and he found himself sailing in favourable winds once more. The actor talks about the various ups and downs he's faced, as well as his resurrection, in a warm and candid conversation. Excerpts...

What was it about Aashram and the character Baba Nirala, a con man turned godman, that fascinated you?

I've seen everything in my career stardom and failure. I was trying to get into a position where people would notice me as an actor, and so wanted to play strong characters. It didn't matter if they were negative or positive, as long as they were well written and had substance. Working with Prakashji (Jha) had always been a dream. I had wanted to work with him for years. I remember meeting him when I was dubbing for Gupt: The Hidden Truth. I bumped into him, and he looked at me and said, "You are a very good-looking boy. We will work together one day." And that one day came after 25 years.

How did it happen and what was your first reaction?