Sunny Deol turns a year older: from the Darr set row to his rift with Rajkumar Santoshi
On his birthday, a look back at episodes from actor Sunny Deol's life and career, from his Betaab debut to his differences with Rajkumar Santoshi.
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Many Bollywood actors entered films following in their parents' footsteps, but Sunny Deol is counted among those who made a distinct identity through hard work and powerful acting. Known for his forceful dialogue delivery and action roles, he is in the spotlight today. On his birthday, here is a look at some interesting episodes from his personal life and career.
Sunny Deol was born in Sahnewal, Punjab. Few people know that his real name is Ajay Singh Deol. At home he was called Sunny, and he kept the name when he entered films, becoming a household name.
Sunny made his Bollywood debut in 1983 with Betaab, directed by Rahul Rawail and produced by his father, Dharmendra. The romantic film dealt with young love, family ties and emotional conflict. Audiences responded well to it and Sunny Deol gained recognition as an actor.
Though he began his career with a romantic film, Sunny later carved out a separate identity as an action hero. He left his mark with films such as Arjun, Dacait, Paap Ki Duniya, Yateem, Vardi, Tridev and Chaalbaaz.
One of the most talked-about episodes of his life concerns Darr, released in 1993, in which Sunny Deol and Shah Rukh Khan worked together. It is said that Sunny was upset because Shah Rukh's character was being given more importance in the film.
The displeasure reportedly showed during the shoot as well. According to a well-known story, Sunny tore his jeans in anger. It was also said that the two actors remained distant for some time after the film, though their relationship is said to have improved later.
Differences with director Rajkumar Santoshi are also spoken of. The two delivered hits such as Ghayal, Damini and Ghatak, and audiences liked the pairing a great deal. But they are said to have fallen out over making a film on the life of Bhagat Singh and over giving Sunny's brother Bobby Deol a role in it.
In that backdrop, Santoshi made The Legend of Bhagat Singh with Ajay Devgn, while Sunny Deol worked with Bobby Deol in 23rd March 1931: Shaheed. Both films were released on the same day.
Later, Sunny Deol and Rajkumar Santoshi set aside their differences and worked together again. The ups and downs of their professional relationship are still discussed among film lovers.
Sunny Deol entered films as Dharmendra's son but built an independent identity through his acting. Whether in romantic roles or powerful action scenes, he has entertained audiences in every part he played. Many stories from his career continue to interest fans.
