Bobby Deol on Dharmendra's 'Lord Bobby' reaction after Animal
Synopsis
Bobby Deol's villain turn in 'Animal' not only made him an internet sensation — it moved his father Dharmendra to call him 'Lord Bobby'. With no dialogues and limited screen time, Bobby pulled off one of Bollywood's most talked-about comebacks, and is now returning as a lead hero after 17 years with 'Bandar'.
Key Takeaways
Bobby Deol recalled Dharmendra's proud reaction to his role in 'Animal' , where the veteran star told him, 'Tu ab Lord Bobby ban gaya hai.' Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga reportedly cast Bobby after being captivated by a single photograph of the actor.
Bobby played antagonist Abrar in 'Animal' with no dialogues , yet his performance and viral dance on 'Jamal Kudu' sparked the 'Lord Bobby' internet phenomenon.
Host Shekhar Suman became emotional on air, saying he did not know anyone quite like Dharmendra.
Bobby is set to star in 'Alpha' and 'Bandar' , with the latter marking his return as a lead hero after 17 years .
Bollywood actor Bobby Deol has opened up about a deeply personal moment with his father, veteran star Dharmendra, following the extraordinary audience response to his portrayal of the menacing antagonist Abrar in the blockbuster film 'Animal'. The actor shared the anecdote during an appearance on the relaunched edition of Shekhar Suman's talk show 'Shekhar Tonite'.
Dharmendra's Proud Reaction
Bobby recalled that Dharmendra was initially taken aback by his son's choice to play a villain. 'When my father saw 'Animal', he asked me, 'You're a villain?' I said, 'Yes, Papa, but it's a good role,' Bobby said with a smile. He added that Dharmendra subsequently told him with evident pride, 'Tu ab Lord Bobby ban gaya hai?!! (You have become Lord Bobby now).'
Host Shekhar Suman grew visibly emotional during the exchange, saying, 'I don't know a person like Mr Dharam anymore.'
How Sandeep Reddy Vanga Cast Bobby
Bobby also revealed the unusual circumstances behind his casting in 'Animal'. Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga reportedly approached him after being struck by a single photograph. Recalling Vanga's words, Bobby shared, 'Your expression in this photograph… I want you because I like this expression.' Bobby described his own reaction as one of disbelief and delight.
The 'Lord Bobby' Phenomenon
Despite having no dialogues in the film, Bobby's intense screen presence, his terrifying portrayal of Abrar, and his viral performance on the song 'Jamal Kudu' set social media alight. The internet swiftly coined the phrase 'Lord Bobby' to celebrate what many called one of the most striking villain turns in recent Hindi cinema — a remarkable achievement given his limited screen time relative to the film's ensemble.
'Animal', directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, starred Ranbir Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, Anil Kapoor, Triptii Dimri, and Bobby Deol in pivotal roles, and emerged as one of the biggest box-office events of its year.
What's Next for Bobby Deol
The renewed spotlight has opened significant doors for Bobby. He is set to appear in the upcoming films 'Alpha' and 'Bandar'. Notably, 'Bandar' marks his return as a lead hero after a gap of 17 years — a full-circle moment that his 'Animal' resurgence has made possible. With audience appetite clearly re-established, the question now is whether he can sustain the momentum in leading-man roles.
Point of View
Minimal screen time — yet it outperformed nearly every speaking role in the film in cultural impact. Dharmendra calling his son 'Lord Bobby' is a neat emotional headline, but the harder question is structural: can Bobby translate a villain's viral moment into sustained leading-man box office? 'Bandar' will be the real test. Bollywood has a long history of actors who peaked in a supporting resurgence and could not convert it into franchise-level stardom.
NationPress
5 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Dharmendra say about Bobby Deol's role in Animal?
Dharmendra initially asked Bobby why he had played a villain, and later told him proudly, 'Tu ab Lord Bobby ban gaya hai' — meaning 'You have become Lord Bobby now.' Bobby shared this anecdote on Shekhar Suman's talk show 'Shekhar Tonite'.
How was Bobby Deol cast in Animal?
Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga reportedly cast Bobby Deol after being struck by a single photograph of the actor. According to Bobby, Vanga told him, 'Your expression in this photograph… I want you because I like this expression.'
Why did Bobby Deol's role in Animal go viral despite having no dialogues?
Bobby played the antagonist Abrar without a single line of dialogue, yet his intense screen presence and his performance on the song 'Jamal Kudu' captivated audiences. The internet coined the term 'Lord Bobby' to celebrate what many considered one of the most memorable villain portrayals in recent Hindi cinema.
What are Bobby Deol's upcoming films after Animal?
Bobby Deol is set to star in 'Alpha' and 'Bandar'. 'Bandar' is particularly significant as it marks his return as a lead hero after a gap of 17 years.
Who else starred in Animal alongside Bobby Deol?
'Animal', directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, featured Ranbir Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, Anil Kapoor, and Triptii Dimri alongside Bobby Deol in pivotal roles.
