'I have seen what it can do': Bobby Deol opens up on sobriety and grief. Actor shares how father Dharmendra’s loss healed family bonds

Actor Bobby Deol, once a heartthrob of the 1990s, has seen both the highs and lows of stardom. After a successful run with films like Gupt and Soldier, his career slowed, pushing him into a difficult phase. However, the actor has now staged a strong comeback with projects like Aashram and Animal. In a recent conversation, Bobby opened up about a deeply personal decision that transformed not just his career, but also his life and relationship with family members.

Bobby Deol opens up on sobriety

The actor revealed that there was a time when alcohol had quietly become a part of his everyday routine. Looking back on that phase, he admitted that it took a conscious decision to step away from it. Bobby shared that he has now been sober for over a year and a half.

He told Esquire India, "I don’t miss it. In fact, I keep thinking, wait, it was this easy? Two birthdays and two New Year’s have passed. And I haven’t felt the urge. That surprised me."



Talking about the change, Bobby emphasised that sobriety has had a huge impact on his overall well-being. Beyond physical health, it has also improved the environment at home. He said that giving up alcohol allowed him to be more present in everyday moments, whether it’s spending time with his children or simply being part of family conversations at the dinner table.

The decision, he revealed, was also influenced by his father, veteran actor Dharmendra. Bobby shared that watching his father deal with similar struggles left a lasting impression on him. He said, " “I’ve seen what it can do,"

The Kanguva actor realised that early on the consequences such habits could bring and made a conscious choice to avoid going down the same path. According to him, that awareness played a key role in helping him make a life-altering change.

He further noted that sobriety has strengthened his relationships, especially within the family. Bobby explained that being emotionally and mentally present has helped him reconnect with his loved ones in a deeper way. He described this shift as one of the most meaningful outcomes of his decision.

Bobby Deol on his relationship with sisters Esha and Ahana

On a more emotional note, Bobby opened up about the loss of his father and how it changed family dynamics. He shared that grief, while painful, brought him closer to his sisters, Esha Deol and Ahana Deol. He explained that everyone processes loss differently, and misunderstandings can happen during such times.


"I feel we’re all dealing with it in our own ways. Sometimes you misunderstand each other because you’re hurting... everyone feels their pain is more than the other’s. But you give it time. Let it heal... Loss has its own way of bringing a family closer," he added.

Bobby also recalled how he continues to feel his father’s presence in small ways. From watching old videos to wearing his father’s clothes on special occasions, these gestures have helped him stay connected to his memories.

Today, Bobby Deol stands at a renewed phase in his career and personal life. With a fresh perspective and a stronger sense of purpose, he is embracing both his work and relationships with clarity. The actor is now set to appear in Jana Nayagan alongside Vijay Thalapathy. The film has embroiled in controversy and the makers are yet to confirm the release date. Bobby Deol was last seen in Aryan Khan's directorial venture The Ba**ds of Bollywood, currently streaming on Netflix.