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Last Updated: March 24, 2025, 21:25 IST
Abhay Deol Reflects on His Unique Upbringing Within the Deol Family
Abhay Deol, celebrated for his distinctive path in the Indian film industry, recently shared insights into his extraordinary upbringing as a member of the renowned Deol family. During an appearance on SCREEN’s The Suvir Saran Show, he candidly discussed the unconventional environment that shaped his formative years.
Describing his parents, Abhay, the son of Ajit Deol and nephew to accomplished actor Dharmendra, referred to them as “Bollywood hillbillies.” He illustrated their humble origins, stating, “My mom is a really simple person, and so was my dad. They came straight from a village to Bombay. I kind of compare them to the Beverly Hillbillies—they were the Bollywood hillbillies.”
While his father ventured into the film world as a producer and writer, later transitioning to shayari, Abhay acknowledged that their protective demeanor was a reflection of their past experiences. “They shielded us a lot. I think their way of dealing with their trauma was to protect us even more,” he explained.
When the topic of his mother’s adjustment to urban life arose, Abhay revealed, “I never really asked her back then. But now that I’m older, I talk to her more and try to help her process it. She won’t express much, so I try to piece things together for her. She’s visited my house in Goa—it took her a bit of time to adjust, but she did.”
The actor emphasized his parents’ grounded nature, highlighting their pride in their roots. “They’re very rooted and proud of where they come from. We grew up in the city, so there was a slight disconnect. I speak to my parents in Hindi, but with my siblings and cousins, it’s mostly English,” he noted.
Reflecting on his childhood, Abhay shared how the family’s celebrity status impacted their daily lives. “Our parents tried to give us as normal a childhood as possible, but we weren’t in a typical situation. I had to take permission to meet friends. We weren’t allowed out all the time—the celebrity status did create a bubble. There was a strong sense of being sheltered.”
On the professional front, Abhay Deol is preparing for a promising year ahead, with several upcoming projects, including Bun Tikki and Son Of Sardar 2, set to be released.
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