Deol purpose

Why is Abhay Deol, who carried indie cinema through the 2000s, so quiet on the streaming scene? It's not about the money. The game's changed, he says. So has the meaning of courage

- Urvee Modwel

There’s only one request that Abhay Deol’s fans have for him. Surprisingly, his DMs aren’t flooded with pleas to make Dev D 2. India just wants him to “Do more movies,” says Deol, laughing. Will he?

“I want to,” says Deol, 47. “You know, maybe in this current environment, it’s more possible for someone like me to work. Now more than ever.”

Someone like me. It refers to Deol’s unique position in the entertainment industry. The actor is the son of Ajit Singh Deol, nephew of actor Dharmendra, and the cousin of Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Esha Deol and Ahana Deol.

Although he made his debut with the romantic comedy Socha Na Tha (2005) and followed it up with romantic drama Ahista Ahista (2006), he's best known for being the poster boy for Indian indie cinema in the 2000s. It was Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd, Ek Chalis Ki Last Local and Manorama Six Feet Under (all of which released in 2007), Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! (2008) and Dev D (2009) cemented him as star who could walk the line between mainstream and offbeat cinema. It's a label he acknowledges, warily.