Bollywood actor Bobby Deol has shared new insights into how he landed his intense villain role in the blockbuster film Animal, along with a heartfelt reaction from his father, veteran actor Dharmendra.
The actor reflected on his casting journey, initial hesitation, and the emotional response his performance received after the film’s release.
Speaking in a recent interview, Bobby Deol revealed that director Sandeep Reddy Vanga personally reached out to him for the role after spotting a photograph that caught his attention.
According to Bobby, the director felt the expression in the image perfectly matched the character he had envisioned.
“When I got a call from Sandeep Reddy Vanga, he said, ‘Your expression in this photograph — I want you because I like this expression,’” Bobby recalled.
He added that the picture was taken during the Celebrity Cricket League, and it ultimately became the reason he was chosen for the role.
Initial doubts about a silent character
Bobby Deol also shared that he was initially unsure about accepting the role because the character had no dialogues.
“When Sandeep told me that my character would be mute, I thought, ‘But my voice is my strength.’ Yet I still decided to go for it,” he said.
To prepare for the role, the actor learned sign language and spent significant time developing the character’s physical expression.
He also revealed that he had to wait nearly one and a half years before filming his scenes for Animal began.
After the film’s release, Bobby said his father reacted with surprise and humor when he saw him in the villainous role.
“When Animal came out, Dad asked me, ‘Are you the villain?’ I replied, ‘Yes. Dad, it’s a good role,’” Bobby shared.
He also revealed that his father affectionately began calling him “Lord Bobby” following the attention he received after the film.
According to Bobby, the veteran actor often expressed pride and warmth about his son’s success in the film.
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