Sunny Deol | |
|---|---|
 Deol in 2024 | |
| Member of Parliament,Lok Sabha | |
| In office 18 June 2019 – 4 June 2024 | |
| Preceded by | Sunil Kumar Jakhar |
| Succeeded by | Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa |
| Constituency | Gurdaspur,Punjab |
| Personal details | |
| Residence | 3, 11th Road, Vile Parle, Mumbai |
| Born | Ajay Singh Deol (1957-10-19)19 October 1957 (age 68)[1] |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1983–present |
| Works | Full list |
| Political party | Bharatiya Janata Party |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 2 |
| Parent | Dharmendra (father) |
| Relatives | SeeDeol family |
| Awards | Full list |
| Signature | |
 | |
Ajay Singh Deol (born 19 October 1957), better known asSunny Deol, is an Indian actor, film director, film producer, and former politician.[1] One of the most successful film stars of India,[2] he has worked inmore than 100Hindi films in a career spanning over four decades and is particularly known for his angryaction hero persona.[3][4] Deol has wonseveral awards including twoNational Film Awards[5][6] and twoFilmfare Awards.[7] He was aMember of Parliament in theLok Sabha, representingGurdaspur in Punjab as a member of theBharatiya Janata Party from 2019 to 2024.[8]
The elder son of actorDharmendra, Deol made his acting debut opposite newcomerAmrita Singh in the romantic dramaBetaab (1983), a major commercial success.[9][10] He had further box-office hits in action films such asArjun (1985),Paap Ki Duniya (1988) andTridev (1989), and gained wider recognition for his portrayal of a boxer accused of murder inRajkumar Santoshi'sGhayal (1990), winning theFilmfare Award for Best Actor[7] and theNational Film Award – Special Jury Award (Feature Film).[11] His portrayal of a volatile lawyer in Santoshi's crime dramaDamini (1993) won him theNational Film Award for Best Supporting Actor[12] and theFilmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor.[7] He enjoyed further acclaim with action films such asDarr (1993),Jeet (1996),Ghatak (1996),Ziddi (1997),Arjun Pandit (1999),Indian (2001),Singh Saab the Great (2013) andJaat (2025).
Deol had his biggest commercial successes in the period action filmsBorder (1997) andGadar: Ek Prem Katha (2001).[13] The latter was the highest-grossing Hindi film to that point.[14][15][16] He subsequently starred with his father and younger brother,Bobby Deol, in the dramaApne (2007) and the comedyYamla Pagla Deewana (2011).[17][18] After more than a decade of decline, he made a career comeback by reprising his role inGadar 2 (2023), which became the highest-grossing film of his career and the fourth highest-grossing Hindi film at the time.[19][20]
Deol was born as Ajay Singh Deol[21] on 19 October 1957,[1] inSahnewal,Punjab,India,[22] to Bollywood actorDharmendra[23] and Prakash Kaur,[24] in aPunjabiJat family[25][26][27] affiliated with theArya Samaj, aHindumonotheist andreformist movement.[28] He has a younger brotherBobby Deol and two sisters Vijayta and Ajeeta who are settled inCalifornia, United States.Hema Malini is his step-mother.[29] ActressEsha Deol and Ahana Deol are his paternal younger half-sisters.[30] His cousinAbhay Deol is also an actor.[31]
Deol completed his schooling atSacred Heart Boys High School inMumbai, and pursued higher education atRamniranjan Anandilal Poddar College of Commerce and Economics inMumbai.[32] Deol has publicly admitted to havingdyslexia, which caused difficulties with reading and writing in school.[33] But he excelled in sports and co-curricular activities. In college, Deol was a quarrelsome student as he used to get into lots of fights and beat people. He used to carry metal rods and hockey sticks in his car for protection. He also engaged instreet races and made modifications to his car. He wanted to pursue car racing as a career but was denied by his family.[34]
After completing college, he went on to study theatre.[35] He attended the renownedOld Rep Theatre inBirmingham. There he performed stage shows and returned to India to make his film debut. He was admitted based on a personal recommendation fromShashi Kapoor.[36]
Deol made his debut with the 1983 romantic filmBetaab which earned him his first nomination for theFilmfare Award for Best Actor.[37] Produced by fatherDharmendra and directed byRahul Rawail, the film follows the story of two young lovers, played by Deol andAmrita Singh, navigating obstacles to their love amidst family conflicts and class divide. The plot of the film was loosely based onWilliam Shakespeare’s The Taming Of The Shrew.[38] The film emerged as a commercial success and went on to be one of the biggest hits of the year, emerging as the second highest-grossing Indian film of 1983.[39] Betaab turned Deol and co-star Singh into overnight sensations.[40] The music byR. D. Burman, also played a significant role as the song ‘Jab Hum Jawan Honge' was a chartbuster.[38] Hajan Valley located inKashmir, a major location in the film came to be known asBetaab Valley, which has since become a popular tourist destination in the region.[41]
The following year, Deol starred inSunny,Manzil Manzil, andSohni Mahiwal, with only the latter becoming successful at the box office.Sohni Mahiwal (1984), an Indian-Russian film portrays the classicPunjabi folklore tragic love story ofSohni, portrayed byPoonam Dhillon, a potter's daughter, andMahiwal (Deol), a wealthy merchant, amidst societal constraints. The film remains celebrated for its soundtrack and has attainedcult classic status inRussia.[42]
Deol broadened his range by appearing inRahul Rawail's action filmArjun (1985), in which he played the titular role of an unemployed radical youth who, along with his friends, fights against the corrupt and exploitative system. The critically acclaimed film became a major hit, and established Deol's status as anaction hero.[43]Arjun is considered one of Deol's best works to date.[44]
In 1986, he appeared alongside hisfather for the first time in the epic adventureSultanat. The film, however, did not perform well at the box office, despite high production values.[45] Deol starred in a series of commercially successful action films in the late 1980s. InDacait (1987), he portrayed a man driven to rebellion after his family is killed due to feudal oppression. His intense and emotionally resonant performance was praised, despite the film's grim tone.[46] InPaap Ki Duniya (1988), Deol portrayed a criminal raised by a crime lord. His character, caught between his upbringing and his conscience, added complexity to the action driven narrative.[47] That same year, he starred in the westernYateem (1988), directed byJ. P. Dutta, playing an orphan facing ostracism for his stepson status.[48]
InVardi (1989), he played a cop trying to dismantle a crime syndicate. He also headlinedRajiv Rai's action thrillerTridev (1989), playing the author backed role of a suspended police officer framed for a crime he didn't commit. The film, a major success and the third-highest-grossing of 1989,[49] received several awards and revitalised the multi-starrer genre in the industry. His performance, alongsideNaseeruddin Shah,Jackie Shroff andMadhuri Dixit, was well-received by audiences and critics alike.[50] Deol took on a lighter role inChaalBaaz (1989), a slapstick comedy film starringSridevi in adual role alongsideRajinikanth. The film was a commercial success and became the fifth highest-grossing film of the year.[51] This period firmly established Deol as a prominent action star in Hindi cinema, leading to a series of high-profile roles in the following decade.[52]
Deol starred as a boxer avenging his brother's death inGhayal (1990), directed by debutantRajkumar Santoshi; for which he received widespread critical acclaim. The film became theyear's second highest-grossing film worldwide and the highest-grossing film domestically. The film grossed₹20 crore and was declared ablockbuster byBox Office India.[53] The film won him theFilmfare Award for Best Actor and theNational Film Award – Special Jury Award (Feature Film).[54] The success of the film established Deol as a bonafide box office draw and the film recorded a large repeat audience.[55]Ghayal was rereleased many times throughout the 90s and grossed several times more than its original run, with many theatres showing it to packed houses.[56] It is the second most successful Indian film in repeat runs, behind onlySholay.[57]
Due to the overwhelming success ofGhayal, Deol enjoyed a very successful period throughout the 90s.[58] From 1991 to 2001, he delivered back-to-back successes. Starting withYodha in 1991 in which he co-starred alongsideSanjay Dutt. It received mostly average reviews and earned ₹12.95 crore against a budget of ₹2.85 crore.[59] The same year,Narsimha, where he played a strongman who rebels against a politician, was another success and emerged as the 8th highest grossing Indian film of 1991.
In 1992, he appeared in his only releaseVishwatma. The film received critical acclaim upon release from contemporary as well as moderncritics, with praise drawn towards its screenplay and action sequences.[60] It earned over₹9.5 crore in its total theatrical run worldwide and was thesixth highest-grossing Indian film of 1992.[61] It proved to be a major launchpad forChunky Pandey as well as for debutantéDivya Bharti.[62] The film is best remembered today for its decade-defining song "Saat Samundar Paar", which featured Deol and Bharti.[63]
1993 was a noteworthy year for Deol as he starred in four major films of the year:Lootere,Kshatriya,Damini andDarr.Lootere was an action film where Deol played a cop investing the murder of his colleague with the help of a bar dancer. It ranked among the biggest hits of that year.[64] InKshatriya, he appeared as a royal warrior caught in the rivalry between two Rajput clans. The film featured astar cast ofSanjay Dutt,Sunil Dutt,Dharmendra,Vinod Khanna,Rakhee Gulzar,Meenakshi Seshadri,Raveena Tandon andDivya Bharti. Released worldwide on 26 March 1993, it recorded a record-breaking opening at the box office. Although it was well received by both critics and audiences, the film was withdrawn from theatres shortly after release due to Sanjay Dutt's involvement in1993 Bombay bombings case.[65]
Also in 1993, Deol reunited withRajkumar Santoshi to play an alcoholic lawyer in the highly successful crime dramaDamini and was awarded theFilmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor and theNational Film Award for Best Supporting Actor.[66][67] The pathbreaking film was praised for breaking social taboos and handling the subject of rape with sensitivity; a rarity in Bollywood at the time.[68] It further strengthened Deol's He-Man image. His dialogues in the film "Tarikh Pe Tarikh" (date after date) and "Dhai Kilo Ka Haath" (Two-and-a-half kilogram hand) became iconic and a pop-culture reference.[69] The film was a milestone in the careers of Deol as well asAmrish Puri who went onto star in various films together in the future.[70] Besides being critically acclaimed, the film also became the sixthhighest-grossing film of the year and was declared a "hit" by Box Office India.[71] That same year, Deol portrayed the character of a lieutenant army officer inYash Chopra's musical psychological thrillerDarr. The film earned Deol his third nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor. It was declared a blockbuster and was the third-highest-grossing film of the year in India, and the highest-grossing Indian film of the year in the overseas markets. It received widespread acclaim from critics upon release. It was also noted for beingShah Rukh Khan's breakthrough film.
In 1994'sInsaniyat, he appeared alongsideAmitabh Bachchan. The production had finished in 1988 but it was delayed for several years and finally released on 11 March 1994. By the time it released, Bachchan had gone into semi-retirement post the release ofKhuda Gawah (1992) and it was citied as Bachchan's last film. Due to Deol and Bachchan's pairing, the film got an excellent opening but was panned critically due to poor editing and unfinished storyline. It still turned out to be the 10th highest-grossing film of the year.[72]
At the time, 1996 marked Deol's most successful year in terms of commercial success. The audiences saw four releases that year includingHimmat,Jeet,Ghatak, andAjay. Starring AlongsideSalman Khan andKarisma Kapoor,Jeet earned a worldwide collection of₹30.5 crore.[73] It became the3rd highest grossing Bollywood film of 1996.[74] InJeet, Deol played a hitman who falls in love with a woman, prompting a dramatic struggle between his criminal past and a yearning for a better future. His performance was appreciated, with praise drawn towards his ability to blend action with romance.[75] Deol also starred alongside Karisma Kapoor inAjay, which was also successful and found its place in the list of highest grossers of the year.[76][77]Ghatak, released the same year, received critical and commercial acclaim, and was declared a blockbuster byBox Office India.[78] It marked Santoshi's third collaboration with Deol, Seshadri, and Puri afterGhayal (1990) andDamini (1993). In this film, Deol played one of his most iconic characters Kashi Nath, who fights against a ruthless gangster to free his neighbourhood from tyranny and restore peace.[79] The film earned Deol his fourth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor. Deol's dialogues inGhatak such as "Ye Mazdoor Ka Haath Hai Katya" (This is a labourer's hand, Katya), "Utha Utha Ke Patkunga" (I will lift you and slam you repeatedly), and "Cheer Dunga Faad Dunga Saale" (I will tear you apart, you bastard) became popular among the audiences and influenced the pop culture of the time period.[80][81]
Deol kicked off 1997 withZiddi which had a lifetime collection of Rs. 324.3 million and was one of the highest grossing hits of 1997.[82] He played a larger than life role of Deva, a hot headed man who takes revenge on the corrupt politicians responsible for his family's suffering. The film flourished particularly in the domestic market. He followed it up withBorder, an epicwar film based on the real life events that happened during theBattle of Longewala in 1971, in which Deol played the leading role of decoratedIndian Army officerBrigadierKuldip Singh Chandpuri. The film featured an ensemble cast of Deol,Jackie Shroff,Sunil Shetty,Akshaye Khanna,Tabu,Raakhee,Pooja Bhatt, including others. It opened to strong box office results and was declared an all-time blockbuster byBox Office India. It also became the highest-grossing Hindi film of 1997 domestically,[83] and the second highest-grossing Indian film of the year worldwide.Border grossed a domestic nett of₹66.70 crore and it was the fourth biggest blockbuster film of the 90s decade.[84] It is often listed among the best Indian war films ever.[85][86] The film was awarded several accolades,[87] and earned Deol his fifth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor.[88]
In 1998, Deol collaborated withGuddu Dhanoa once again afterZiddi (1997), to star in the action filmSalaakhen. Featuring an identical cast toZiddi,Raveena Tandon,Anupam Kher andFarida Jalal played supporting roles. The film was noted for its action sequences, cast performances and a notable monologue delivered by Deol during a courtroom hearing scene.[89] Released on 24 April 1998, it recorded an excellent opening and was another hit for the actor.[90]
His 1999 filmArjun Pandit marked his first collaboration with directorRahul Rawail afterYodha. Due to the critical and commercial success of their previous collaborationsArjun (1985) andYodha (1991), the film was one of the most awaited films of the year. Although it was not well reviewed upon release, the film became a hit. UP gangsterVikas Dubey was reported to be an ardent fan of this movie and rumoured to have watched it over 100 times. Inspired by his love for this movie, he had earned the monickerPandit.[91] In 1999 he made his directorial debut withDillagi starring himself, hisbrother andUrmila Matondkar, but the film failed to gain success.[92]
His first blockbuster hit in the millennium was 2001 filmGadar: Ek Prem Katha, directed byAnil Sharma, in which Deol played the role of a patriotic Indian truck driver, Tara Singh who falls in love with a Muslim girl, Sakeena, in the backdrop of1947 partition violence, and makes a dramatic trip to Pakistan to get back his beloved.[93]Gadar became thehighest-grossing Hindi film up until then in mainstream cinema earning over₹1.3 billion (US$15 million) worldwide. It ranks among the top 3 Indian films in all-time highest footfalls since 1990s.[94]Gadar is also the thirdhighest-grossing film in India since the 1990s when adjusted for inflation.[95] The famous "Handpump scene" became a major cultural symbol and influenced the contemporaryparody culture inIndia in the following years.[96] Deol received high praise for his performance.
"To state that Gadar belongs to Deol would be an understatement. It's difficult to imagine any other actor essaying this role with precision. The actor takes to the character like a fish takes to water and emerges triumphant."
Deol was paid₹6 crore (US$710,000) for his role inGadar, the highest for any Indian actor at that time.[98] The film earned him his sixth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor.[99] In the same year, Deol also worked in another successful action thriller filmIndian (2001). It received a record breaking opening, grossing a domestic nett of₹18.0 million on its opening day.[100] It was the fourth highest-grossing Hindi film of the year in India with collection of ₹42.60 crore.[101][102][103] Critics felt that Deol's role ofDCP Rajshekhar Azad was "tailor-made" for him.[104]
In 2002, Deol starred in the war filmMaa Tujhhe Salaam which opened strongly and despite being among the highest-grossing films of the year, only emerged as a box office disappointment due to poor reviews.[105] He played the role of IndianrevolutionaryChandra Shekhar Azad in23rd March 1931: Shaheed, starring his brotherBobby Deol in the role ofBhagat Singh. The film's release coincided with another film based on Bhagat Singh, directed byRajkumar Santoshi and titledThe Legend of Bhagat Singh. Both films failed at the box office.[106][107]
Then, in 2003, Deol teamed up with directorAnil Sharma yet again forThe Hero: Love Story of a Spy, which also starredPreity Zinta and the debutantPriyanka Chopra.[108] Released on 11 April,The Hero was billed asBollywood's most expensive film at that time with an estimated budget of₹600 million (US$7.1 million).[109] The film became the third highest-grossing Bollywood film of that year.[110]Derek Elley fromVariety wrote about the film and called it "a wildly over-the-top, stridently nationalistic but undeniably entertaining slice of hokum."[111]
During this phase of his career, Deol avoided traditional action films due to back injuries and experimented with various genres, achieving lackluster success.[112]
In 2004, Deol starred inLakeer, which featured an ensemble cast includingSunil Shetty, and newcomersSohail Khan andJohn Abraham. The film was a flop.[113] In the same year, he starred in the low budgetsports comedy filmRok Sako To Rok Lo.[114]
Jo Bole So Nihaal, Deol's 2005 solo release, sparked a trend of comedic films featuring carefree and jovialSikh protagonists, exemplified by later releases likeSingh is Kinng (2008),Son of Sardaar (2012),Singh is Bliing (2015), and Deol's ownYamla Pagla Deewana franchise. However, the film also generated controversy, with its title, a Sikh spiritual phrase, and certain scenes angering Sikh groups. Bombings at two theatres led to its withdrawal from cinemas and its eventual box office failure.[115][116]
In early 2006, Deol starred in thetechno-thrillerTeesri Aankh. It marked the second time he co-starred alongsideAmeesha Patel, after the all-time blockbusterGadar. The film was inspired by the 1994 movieMute Witness. It was panned by critics and turned out to be adisaster.[117] In September 2006, Deol took on a role in theaction-adventure filmNaksha, an endeavour by Bollywood to capture the essence of films seen in theIndiana Jones andThe Mummy series.[118] Despite being hailed as ahead of its time by certain critics,[119] the movie unfortunately met with box office failure.[120]
Deol kicked off 2007 withBig Brother, avigilante film. This was supposed to bePriyanka Chopra's first release in 2002 but was delayed by almost 5 years.[121][122] Continuing his year, he appeared in the heist comedyFool N Final, sharing the spotlight with emerging talentsShahid Kapoor andAyesha Takia. This film was also a box office disappointment. Deol appeared alongside his fatherDharmendra and brotherBobby Deol together for the first time inApne (2007), afamily sports-drama film.[17] The film garnered significant hype and achieved considerable success.[123]
In 2008, he appeared with his brother again in the ensemble filmHeroes. Deol's performance, although brief, was praised. 2009 saw Deol star in the thrillerFox (2009) oppositeArjun Rampal. It marked Deol's first film appearing as anantagonist. The film was inspired fromHollywood filmA Murder of Crows (1999).[124] It was another commercial failure for the actor.[125][126]
Deol's first release of 2010 was Neeraj Pathak's crime thrillerRight Yaaa Wrong which had him playing apolice inspector.[127]Yamla Pagla Deewana which also featured him alongside his father and brother was Deol's only release in 2011. Thesurreal comedy was declared a hit.[128]
For the first time in his career, Deol lent his voice in the Animated filmMahabharata for the role ofBheem.[129] It earned ₹16.9 million.[130]Yamla Pagla Deewana 2, a sequel to his 2011 hit was released in 2013 but the film was a critical and box office failure. In the end of 2013 Deol teamed up withAnil Sharma yet again forSingh Saab The Great which was received positively. It was Deol's comeback to traditional action genre and the film turned out be a moderate success.[131] His dialogue in the film, "Bali Hamesha Bakre Ki Di Jaati Hai, Sher Ki Nahi" (Sacrifice is always made of a goat, not a lion) became popular.[132]
In 2015, he worked inRadhika Rao andVinay Sapru'sI Love NY oppositeKangana Ranaut. Due to an unknown reason, the film was delayed from its original release date of 2011 and released several years later. It did not fare well at the box office.
In 2016,Ghayal Once Again was released which was a sequel to his 1990 filmGhayal. It marked Deol's second film directorial sinceDillagi (1999). It was one of the most anticipated movies of the year. The action sequences were praised but the story and pacing were criticised. The film earned well upon release, but was ultimately declared a failure by the end of its theatrical run.
In 2017, he and his brother appeared inShreyas Talpade's comedy filmPoster Boys, which flopped at the box office.[133] This was Bobby Deol's comeback film after a hiatus of three years but could not re-establish him.
In 2018, Deol appeared inYamla Pagla Deewana: Phir Se, the third film in the franchise. Also that year, two of his long delayed filmsBhaiyyaji Superhitt (where he plays a double role for the first time),[134] andMohalla Assi were released. All of them were box office failures.Mohalla Assi faced opposition before release by the court for hurting religious sentiments and was leaked online in 2015 by piracy.[135] In the film, Deol played an idealistic Hindupandit attempting to expose fraudulent spiritual leaders preying on foreign tourists inVaranasi. His use of blunt language and slurs, while controversial, was praised for demonstrating his range, despite the film's largely negative reception.[136]
Meanwhile, in 2019, Deol took the mantle of a director again, his third film as a director,Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas, which marked the debut of his sonKaran Deol, with another newcomer Sahher Bambba in lead roles. He declined the lead role in the 2019 hit filmKesari.[137]
In 2022, Deol starred in the crime thrillerChup: Revenge of the Artist directed byR. Balki. AlongsideDulquer Salmaan,Shreya Dhanwanthary andPooja Bhatt. The plot of the film centered around a serial killer who targets dishonest film critics. Released on 23 September 2022, where it received positive reviews from critics.[138][139] Deol won theLions Gold Awards for Male Action Star Of The Year 2022.[citation needed]
The sequel of the 2001 filmGadar,Gadar 2, was released on 11 August 2023.[140] The film's story was centered around the era of theIndo-Pakistani War of 1971, in which Deol as Tara Singh returns toPakistan to bring back his son. It was directed and produced by Anil Sharma, and the film starred Deol along withAmeesha Patel, andUtkarsh Sharma in lead roles.[141]Gadar 2 emerged as the highest-grossing film in Deol's career.[142] The film earned ₹691 crore worldwide,[143][144] and became the year's4th highest-grosser, as well as one of thehighest-grossing Indian films of all time.[145] Deol's performance inGadar 2 earned him several award nominations, including his seventh nomination for aFilmfare Award in the Best Actor category.[146] Deol won theZee Cine Award for Best Actor (Viewer's Choice) forGadar 2,[147] while he was also named theGQ India Leading Man of the Year 2023.[148] It reestablished Deol as a bankable actor and marked his return to mainstream cinema.[149]
He announced an action film titledSDGM to be directed byGopichand Malineni in July 2024, which was later renamedJaat and released on 10 April 2025.[150][151][152] In a favourable review,Bollywood Hungama noted the film's action sequences, mass appeal, and acting performances, singling out Deol's screen presence and deeming him outstanding.[153] The film registered a decent opening and subsequently gained momentum, to emerge as a success after grossing over₹100 crore, his third film to do so afterGadar and its sequel.[154][155]Jaat launched successfully on Netflix, accumulating 10.3 million hours watched in its first week.[156] It topped the platform's top 10 films chart in India for four weeks and also appeared on the global top 10 films list.[157]
Deol has various upcoming projects lined up. Deol is reuniting withRajkumar Santoshi to headlineLahore 1947 which will be produced byAamir Khan.[158] Based on the playJis Lahore Nai Dekhya O Jamyai Nai byAsghar Wajahat, it will be set against the backdrop of1947 partition of India.[159] The film will also featurePreity Zinta.[160] He is set to play the lead role in the sequel to 1997'sBorder, titledBorder 2 (2026).[161] Deol will diversify his portfolio by portraying a middle aged man in the family dramaSafar. Initially planned as adirect-to-OTT release, the film will now have a theatrical release in late 2025.[162] He will collaborate withFarhan Akhtar'sExcel Entertainment and director Balaji, in his Hindi directorial debut, on a high-budget action thriller.[163] Deol will portrayHanuman inNitesh Tiwari directorialRamayana: Part 1 (2026) and its sequelRamayana: Part 2 (2027), based on theIndian epic.[164][165][166] He is scheduled to reunite with Anil Sharma to star inCoal King, a film based on coal mafia.[167] Scheduled for a late release, the Netflix original productionIkka will star the actor alongsideAkshaye Khanna.[168] He personally announced his upcoming film,Gabru, which will be written and directed byShashank Udapurkar.[169]
Deol joined theBharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on 23 April 2019.[170] Ahead of the elections, he made several promises, including pledging to open the border for trade with Pakistan and Central Asian nations. While his intentions were praised, his approach was criticised to be impractical and politically naive.[171] He won the2019 Lok Sabha Elections fromGurdaspur constituency in Punjab againstSunil Jakhar of theINC, by a margin of 82,459 votes.[172][173]
Deol's political career was deemed unsuccessful.Tribune India remarked, "History will not be kind to... Sunny Deol, when it judges him as an MP in the times to come."[171] By 11 December 2023, he had an attendance of 18% in the Parliament. The national average for the same is 79%.[174] Deol missed six parliamentary sessions and posed only four questions, with just one concerning Gurdaspur. He inquired about illegal sand mining in his constituency but did not engage in any debates. Deol stopped visiting Gurdaspur after September 2020 and failed to return even during the floods in August 2023. Deol utilised only ₹7 crore from his MP Local Area Development Fund over five years, despite being entitled to ₹5 crore annually. In the last two years of his term, he made no requests for funds and spent nothing in his constituency from the available resources.[175] When questioned for his minimal participation in the lower house, he addressed, “When I go [to Lok Sabha], I see people who run the country are sitting there, from every party. But how do they behave? And then we tell others not to behave that way."[176]
In anAap Ki Adaalat interview, Deol addressed concerns about his low attendance in Parliament, stating that his focus was on serving his constituency and that his presence in Parliament did not impact his work. He also citedCOVID-19 as a factor contributing to his absence. Deol emphasised that, while he has a record of his accomplishments, he is not one to publicly promote them.[177] He became secluded towards the end and did not invite a single person from his constituency to his son's wedding in June 2023.[171]
Deol announced his decision not to seek re-election in 2024, stating that he is not suited for politics and wishes to focus on creating quality cinema.[178]
Sunny Deol is married to Lynda Deol (a.k.a. Pooja Deol), who comes from anAnglo-Indian family. Her father, Krishan Dev Mahal, is an Indian while her mother, June Sarah Mahal, is British.[179][180] The couple has two sons, Karan and Rajveer.[citation needed]
Lynda has also written the story of one of Sunny’s hit films -Yamla Pagla Deewana 2, while their son, Karan, was an assistant director on the same film and has rapped in a song sung byDiljit Dosanjh in the film.[181] He made his Bollywood debut in 2019 with theHindi-language feature filmPal Pal Dil Ke Paas.[182] He then starred in the 2021crime comedy filmVelle, a remake of theTelugu film filmBrochevarevarura.[183] He is set to play a role in Sunny Deol's upcoming filmLahore 1947.[184]
In June 2023, Karan Deol married Drisha Acharya in the presence of the entire Deol family, including Dharmendra, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol.[185] The same year, Rajveer made his Bollywood debut with theHindi-language feature filmDono,[186] in which he starred alongside Paloma Dhillon, daughter of actressPoonam Dhillon.[187]
The Deol family, though influential and frequently discussed in the media, maintains a low profile by rarely attending social events and keeping their activities private.[188]
Deol is frequently recognised as a superstar of Indian cinema.[189][190][191] He established himself as anaction hero, with his roles inArjun (1985),Ghayal (1990),Ghatak (1996),Border (1997), andGadar: Ek Prem Katha (2001).[192][193][194][195] Deol's portrayals personifiedmasculinity andanti-authoritarianism in India.[196][197] At the peak of his career, Deol was known for his muscular physique.[198] He has been noted as one of the pioneers who kickstarted the trend of bodybuilding in Bollywood.[199] Deol was one of the prominent actors of Hindi cinema in the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s, appearing inBox Office India's list of top actors nine times from 1989 to 2002. Deol topped the list twice, in 1997 and 2001.[200] Deol was one of the highest paid actors of Hindi cinema during the 1990s.[201][202][203] Since 1990, Deol has the third most bumper openings at the box office with a total of 10, behind onlyShah Rukh Khan (18) andSalman Khan (14).[204] He has also given three record openers since 1990 includingKshatriya (1993),Border (1997), andIndian (2001).[100] Deol is the first and only Indian actor to deliver an all-time blockbuster as a lead hero after turning 60, he was 66 when he accomplished this landmark with his 2023 releaseGadar 2.[205] He has been compared toSylvester Stallone, earning him the moniker of "Indian Rambo".[206][207]
In 2016,Geeta Phogat, the Indianwrestler andOlympicgold medalist, expressed her admiration for Deol, citing him as her favourite actor and how she drew inspiration from his "angry man" portrayals.[208][209] Also in 2016, actorsVarun Dhawan andJohn Abraham referred to Deol as "the greatest action hero of Bollywood".[210] Deol's dialogues, including "Balwant Rai Ke Kutto", "Dhai Kilo ka Haath", "Tarikh Pe Tarikh" and "Yeh Mazdoor ka Haath hai Kaatiya" are considered iconic.[211] In 2019,Prime MinisterNarendra Modi celebrated India's spirit by tweeting one of Deol's dialogues: "Hindustan Zindabad Tha, Hai, Aur Rahega".[212] In 2022, he was placed inOutlook India's "75 Best Bollywood Actors" list.[213]News18 named him "The Blockbuster King Of The '90s".[193] In 2023, Deol was referenced in the lyrics ofHaryanvi singer Raju Punjabi's viral song "Choudhar Jaat Ki". The specific lines from the song were, "Hawa banai thadi re meri Sunny Deol si body re (I make you look good with my Sunny Deol-like body)".[214][215] Deol is renowned for his powerful voice, serving as an inspiration for many imitators and voice actors.[216]Kiku Sharda repeatedly mimics Deol onThe Kapil Sharma Show.[217] In the Hindi-dubbed version of the cartoon seriesOggy and the Cockroaches, the character Jack is voiced by Saurav Chakrabarti, who emulates Deol's distinctive vocal style.[218]
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Many of Deol's films share unique elements which have become characteristic of his body of work. Primarily, his films often center around protagonists hailing from modest backgrounds, who find themselves entangled in conflicts withcrime syndicates andsystemic corruption. Despite seeking help fromlegal channels, the characters invariably encounter hurdles within thejustice system, compelling them to take matters into their own hands and resort tovigilantism as a means of seeking retribution against the antagonists. This narrative framework serves as a vehicle for exploring broader societal issues, including the shortcomings oflaw enforcement,discrimination,exploitation of the marginalised, andpervasive corruption, which are portrayed through the protagonists' struggles and impassioned dialogues delivered by Deol.[219]
In contrast to the stereotype of thesilent action hero, Deol's characters are men of action and articulate numerous words. Initially conflict-avoidant, they pivot to unfiltered anger when met with opposition, progressing to threats of violence charged with indignation, and ultimately resorting to physical force. Notably, Deol's characters seldom instigate violence independently and only respond when provoked.[220]
Deol's filmography is also marked by instances ofgraphic violence, such as the arm-tearing scene inZiddi (1997). Moreover, he frequently assumes roles of leadership, either ofmilitary units, as inBorder (1997) andMaa Tujhhe Salaam (2002),[221] orradicalvigilante groups evident in films likeArjun (1985),Ghayal (1990),Ziddi (1997) andBig Brother (2007).[222]
In his portrayal of everyday interactions, Deol's characters embody the ideal citizen advocating for truth, honesty,integrity, andpatriotism, while exhibiting profound respect forfamilial andindividual values.[223] Physically, Deol embodies a rugged and muscular physique, distinguished by its lack of hyper-vascular aesthetics and the presence of natural body hair.[224] Even in romantic relationships, Deol is depicted as a caring and respectful partner characterised by consideration for his partner's feelings and autonomy. They avoid overly dramatic displays of love and do not chase their love interest upon rejection, a departure from conventional Bollywood portrayals of romance.[225]
Deol has consistently faced criticism for his dancing skills throughout his career. In defence, the actor argues that his characters portray relatable individuals who are not expected to be expert dancers. However, this explanation has not shielded him from public scrutiny, as his choreography has often been the subject of parody and memes. Early in his career, Deol largely refrained from dancing, but as his career progressed, his dance routines became a distinctive part of his screen persona. Songs likeYaara O Yaara gained popularity not only for their music but also for Deol's unconventional dance moves. Deol has acknowledged the criticism openly and maintains a lighthearted attitude towards it.[226][227][228][229]
The 1990s in India were marked by significantsocio-economic changes, the emergence ofsocial justice politics, and the implementation of variousreforms. Deol's characters embodied the frustrations and aspirations of the common man during thistransformative period. His films became cultural touchstones of the time, resonating with the audience and making him an aspirational role model and heroic figure of the era.[230][231]
Deol is commonly addressed as "Sunny Paaji", signifying the term 'elder brother'.[232] Deol is known for being a humble, shy, and gentle person, who values his privacy and does not socialize much.[233][234] He is also seen as a passionate, loyal, and dedicated actor, who works hard and does not compromise on his beliefs.[235] Hisfather characterised him as "painfully introverted" and lamented that he remains very distant despite his capacity for love.[236] Deol is often absent from industry parties and events. In an interview withNDTV, he explained that, early in his career, he was labelled as "snooty and snobbish". However, as people got to know him, they realised that his aloofness was simply due to shyness. Over time, invitations dwindled because people understood that he was unlikely to attend.[237] He is also particularly known for his extreme shyness around his female co-stars.[238]
Deol is regarded for his punctuality and discipline on set.[239] He has worked with several debutant directors throughout his career, includingRahul Rawail inBetaab (1983),[240]Rajkumar Santoshi inGhayal (1990),[241] andN. Maharajan inIndian (2001).[242] In 2005, he played a pivotal role in launchingImtiaz Ali's directorial career withSocha Na Tha. Following a meeting with Deol, who agreed to review Ali's script and produce the film, the project was greenlit. Reflecting on this significant moment, Ali stated, "He didn't ask me where I was from or about my experience. He holds a significant place in my life because he gave me my first film."[243]
Indian actorGaurav Chopra praised Deol, "He is everything that you've known him to be over so many years. He is not very talkative on the set, but it takes you 5 minutes to understand that he likes to keep it simple. He likes to keep his life and his presence grounded. Not just him, his entire staff, his entire aura, his entire presence on the set is grounded."[244] ActressPriyanka Chopra made her Bollywooddebut alongside Deol and recalled being incredibly nervous and "shaking" when she first met him.[245] Despite rumours about her acting skills and talks of replacing her, Deol saw her potential and insisted on giving her a chance.[246]
In recent years, he has been vocal about the bias and negativity he faced from the industry after the success of his filmGadar. He said that he was not offered any good scripts and that many of his contemporaries were jealous of his success.[247][248]
Deol starred in theYash Chopra-directedDarr (1993), where he played theprotagonist oppositeShah Rukh Khan.Darr was one of the most anticipated films of 1993 due to it being the first collaboration between Deol and Chopra, and recorded a bumper opening at the box office largely credited to Deol's role.[249] Despite the film's commercial success, Deol felt betrayed and cheated by the director, who he accused of glorifying the villain and sidelining the hero. He claimed that the final version differed significantly from what was initially conveyed to him, with edited scenes that he was not informed about.[250] He had a heated argument with Chopra over the climax of the film, during which he ripped his pants in anger. Although over the years, this act has been praised as a feat of strength, since Deol had his hands stuffed in his pockets and ripped his jeans all the way down in a fit of anger.[251] After the release of the film, he vowed to never work with Chopra again. Subsequently, he did not speak to Khan for 16 years, but he admitted that it was not deliberate.[252][253] Since then, Deol and Khan have reconciled.[254][255]
Deol faced a boycott by thefarmers of Punjab, who were protesting against the farm laws passed by the central government in 2020. Deol, as aBJPMP fromGurdaspur constituency ofPunjab, was seen as a supporter of the government and a betrayer of the farmers. He was also accused of being silent and inactive on the issue, and of not raising the voice of his constituents in theparliament. He later backed the new farm laws which led to the farmers also burning his effigies and posters, and refusing to watch his films.[253][256][257]
I am a Jat, so it came naturally.
Sunny: He likes sushi which I don't. But at home we are all vegetarians. That's because we are Arya Samajis and my grandmother was a vegetarian.
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