Bobby Deol on battling Alcohol addiction: Everyone was worried, I was torturing myself

Bobby Deol, the Bollywood actor, recently opened up about his battle with alcoholism in a candid conversation. Best known for his performances in various films, including his powerful portrayal in Animal. Deol has had a roller-coaster ride, both in his personal and professional life. While his acting career saw highs and lows, his struggles with alcohol addiction became a significant challenge, which took a toll not only on him but also on his family and loved ones.

In an interview with Humans of Bombay, Deol shared that the path to recovery was filled with self-reflection and acceptance. He explained that it's essential not to dwell on past mistakes, but rather to learn from them and grow. For Deol, the decision to change came from within. “You can sit back and regret everything you have done wrong. But how do you learn from your mistakes? It’s just that you had to go through all those things, and you had to come out of it. You can do it. No one can hold your hand,” he remarked.

Also Read: Aishwarya Rai's daughter Aaradhya Bachchan stuns in traditional look as she visits GSB Ganesh Pandal with mom, netizens shower love

Bobby Deol's account emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility in overcoming such challenges. He candidly spoke about how, during his tough times, he felt weak and incapable of moving forward. “Everybody feels weak, everybody feels they can’t… it is so difficult... that you can’t come out. It’s like you are drowning, and people let themselves drown".

Throughout his journey, Deol received constant support from his family, though he expressed how even their encouragement could not shield him from the internal suffering he was experiencing. “For me, it was everybody around me in my house who were so worried about me. They would keep encouraging me. But they were so sad in their eyes looking at me while I was torturing myself. They could not help me beyond comforting me with their words.”

The transition from a dark period to one of hope isn’t instantaneous, and Deol mentioned how small changes over time helped him realize that he could, in fact, overcome the addiction. “I think there are small things here and there… suddenly there will be a switch turned out and you are like, ‘I can do it!’”

Also Read: Deepika Padukone's pic holding her ‘newborn babygirl’ in hospital goes viral, here's the real story

Bobby Deol’s professional life has also seen a resurgence in recent times. His role as Abrar Haque in Animal marked a significant comeback in his career. Despite having limited screen time in the film, his performance as a menacing antagonist was praised by both fans and critics alike. His ability to convey intensity with minimal dialogue made it a standout moment, further cementing his place in the industry. It was a significant turn in a career that, like his personal life, had seen ups and downs.

Deol shared how the opportunity for Animal came about. He received a message from director Sandeep Reddy Vanga, who expressed his interest in casting him for a film. Bobby was initially surprised, thinking, "Is it really him?" He later met Vanga, who showed him a photo of Bobby from his participation in the Celebrity Cricket League. Vanga was impressed by his expression in the picture and wanted to cast him based on that moment.

Deol’s journey of overcoming addiction and reviving his acting career serves as a source of inspiration for many. He acknowledges that the decision to heal and change comes from within and that support from loved ones, though crucial, cannot replace the internal resolve one must find. His story reminds us that while the struggle with addiction can feel insurmountable, recovery is possible with perseverance, belief, and self-awareness.