Mumbai, Oct 20 (NationPress) Actor Bobby Deol shared insights into his upbringing in a joint family, reflecting on the love and unity that characterized those formative years.

In a candid interview with IANS, the Animal star expressed a strong bond with his parents, disclosing that he slept alongside them until the age of 14 — a tradition he considers typical in many Indian homes. As he looked back, Bobby noted that his experience in a large joint family meant shared spaces with siblings and relatives. Due to this close-knit environment and his affection for his parents, he continued to sleep with them until he was 14, which he considers a normal aspect of life in Indian families.

Bobby also mentioned his father, Dharmendra, who preferred to sleep with the lights on. Over time, Bobby adopted this habit as well. Even today, he finds it uncomfortable to sleep in total darkness, opting for a night light — a small but significant practice that keeps him connected to his childhood and his father’s comforting presence.

“I can't stand it when it's dark,” Bobby stated. “Interestingly, many people believe that turning off the lights is a sign of maturity, but I can't agree. My wife and I often debate this; we’ve even placed a night light on the floor because I prefer some illumination.”

“I became accustomed to this habit, as I slept with my parents until I turned 14. My father always had the lights on, which likely influenced me. I feel fortunate to have shared that bond with my parents until I was 14. My mother often urged me to sleep in the other rooms since we lived in a joint family. We had a big bungalow, but the rooms were limited,” he explained.

Bobby elaborated, “There was a room for my sisters, and one for my brother. My mother would suggest I share a room with my brother, but I would cry and protest, preferring to stay with my parents. When I was finally told to sleep alone, I enjoyed my independence. However, whenever my mother visited, my father would still sleep with her. This pattern continued for years.”