‘I am so excited about life again’

Iwas lucky that Salman wanted me for the role in Race 3,” says Bobby Deol, when asked about his part in the latest instalment of the multi-starrer franchise. The actor has made sporadic appearances in films in the past few years, but of late, he has been more active on work front. Post a rough patch in his career, Bobby speaks about the challenges he faced and all that he went through in the interim. Excerpts:

Why did you pick Race 3?

It’s a successful franchise. For someone like me who needs to get going again, you need to be part of franchises like these, and, of course, be part of a Salman Khan film. He has inspired me. Since the time I was preparing myself for work to come my way, I was on the right track. I just needed the right film. Salman is the most caring person I’ve met from the industry, besides my dad (Dharmendra) and brother (Sunny Deol). He is considerate about everyone around him.

You did action films in the ’90s. How has action in movies changed since then?

In this industry, movies get offered to you according to your image. I’ve done action films and thrillers, and my fans have enjoyed watching me in that space. They have wanted to see me in an action film again. Since I signed Race 3, my fans have been excited. Film-making has changed, and so has the action. It’s safer when you do action films.

While it’s said starkids have it easy, you had a difficult time over the past few years. How difficult was it to survive?

It’s very difficult to sustain in this profession. One Friday can change your position in the industry. Every actor goes through that, but some people lose focus. As a star son, it was easy to get launched, but then it was purely my talent that helped me survive for so many years. In between, I was being ignorant, I slowed down and wasn’t seen around. I noticed that people have gone through struggles, too. I wasn’t the only one. So when I see Salman or my father, they have that fire that has motivated me. I began meeting people for work and started looking after myself. I am so excited about life again.

Do your sons also want to pursue acting?

They do want to get into movies, but I don’t want them to get distracted and concentrate on their studies. There is no business like show business, but I’d like them to explore their own dreams. It’s their right and I’ll let them decide for themselves.

As a star son, it was easy to get launched, but then it was purely my talent that helped me survive for so many years.

BOBBY DEOL, ACTOR