Sunny Deol on 'Damini': 'I had no idea my character would become so popular'
Synopsis
Sunny Deol says he signed 'Damini' simply to support friends producing it — with no inkling the 'small character' would become a Hindi cinema landmark. Decades later, speaking at the 'Ikka' trailer launch, he admitted no comparable role has come his way since. It is a rare moment of unguarded candour from one of Bollywood's most enduring stars.
Key Takeaways
Sunny Deol revealed at the 'Ikka' trailer launch in Mumbai on 29 June that he had no idea his role in 'Damini' would become iconic.
He agreed to the part as a favour to friends producing the film, describing it as a 'small character' at the time. 'Damini' (1993) was directed by Rajkumar Santoshi and starred Meenakshi Seshadri , Rishi Kapoor , Amrish Puri , and Paresh Rawal .
Deol said no role of similar depth has come his way since 'Damini'. 'Ikka' , directed by Siddharth P.
Malhotra , is set to premiere on Netflix on 10 July .
Sunny Deol has revealed that he never anticipated his character in the 1993 classic 'Damini' would go on to capture the hearts of audiences across generations. The actor made the candid admission at the trailer launch of his upcoming film 'Ikka' in Mumbai on 29 June.
How the 'Damini' Role Came About
Deol recalled that his involvement in 'Damini' was driven purely by a desire to be associated with the project — not by any calculation about the character's potential. 'My friends were producing the film. At that time, I also wanted to be a part of the film. I had no role in it. It was a small character, according to them. They asked me, and I said yes,' he said.
The role, which the makers themselves considered minor, went on to become one of the most memorable performances in Hindi cinema. Deol added, 'I never imagined that the film would become such a huge hit and my character would become so popular, sitting in everyone's hearts. I had no idea about it.'
On the Joy of Doing Characters
Reflecting on his broader philosophy toward acting, Deol said the unpredictability of audience response is precisely what makes filmmaking rewarding. 'That's why I say that I enjoy doing films because I want to do the characters and I don't know how far I will reach or won't, but the journey is so beautiful that that is my high,' he said.
He also noted, with a hint of wistfulness, that 'Damini' made fans of its audience — but that a role of similar depth had not come his way since. 'After that, I didn't get a chance to play such a character,' he added.
About 'Damini'
Helmed and co-written by Rajkumar Santoshi, 'Damini' features Meenakshi Seshadri in the titular role, supported by Rishi Kapoor, Amrish Puri, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, and Paresh Rawal. The film follows a woman who fights for justice after witnessing her housemaid being assaulted by her brother-in-law and his associates — a storyline that resonated deeply with Indian audiences at the time and continues to do so.
What to Expect from 'Ikka'
Deol's forthcoming film 'Ikka', directed by Siddharth P. Malhotra and produced by Alchemy Films, features a cast that includes Akshaye Khanna, Tillotama Shome, Dia Mirza, Sanjeeda Shaikh, Shishir Sharma, and Akansha Ranjan Kapoor. The film is set to premiere on Netflix on 10 July.
Point of View
The question is whether the OTT format — which rewards ensemble depth — might finally give him that second moment.
NationPress
29 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Sunny Deol say about his role in 'Damini'?
Sunny Deol said he had no idea his character in 'Damini' would become so popular, revealing that the makers considered it a small role at the time. He agreed to do it simply because his friends were producing the film and he wanted to be associated with the project.
Who directed 'Damini' and who was in its cast?
'Damini' was helmed and co-written by Rajkumar Santoshi. The film starred Meenakshi Seshadri in the lead, with Rishi Kapoor, Amrish Puri, Sunny Deol, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, and Paresh Rawal in key roles.
What is Sunny Deol's upcoming film 'Ikka' about?
'Ikka' is a drama directed by Siddharth P. Malhotra and produced by Alchemy Films. It features Sunny Deol alongside Akshaye Khanna, Tillotama Shome, Dia Mirza, Sanjeeda Shaikh, and others, and is set to premiere on Netflix on 10 July.
Where did Sunny Deol make these revelations about 'Damini'?
Deol made the comments at the trailer launch event for his forthcoming film 'Ikka' in Mumbai on 29 June.
Has Sunny Deol played a similar role to 'Damini' since?
According to Deol himself, he has not had the opportunity to play a character of similar depth since 'Damini'. He described the film as having made fans of its entire audience, calling the experience a career high.
