Long before his much-talked-about comeback and powerful OTT roles, Bobby Deol ruled the big screen as one of Bollywood’s most popular young stars. In the 1990s
and early 2000s, his films reflected an era of romantic thrillers, intense drama, and unforgettable music.
As Bobby Deol celebrates his birthday, it’s the perfect time to revisit his early films, not just for nostalgia, but to appreciate how they quietly laid the foundation for the actor we admire today.
If you’re building a watchlist, here are Bobby Deol’s early films you should absolutely watch now.
Barsaat (1995): A Dream Debut
Every Bollywood journey begins with a first impression, and Barsaat gave Bobby Deol a memorable one. Playing a passionate young man navigating love and heartbreak, Bobby instantly connected with audiences.
The film wasn’t just a commercial success, it introduced him as a romantic hero with emotional depth. His natural screen presence and sincerity made him an overnight star, proving he could carry a film on his shoulders from day one.
Gupt (1997): A Thriller That Changed Everything
If Barsaat established Bobby Deol, Gupt transformed him. This iconic suspense thriller broke conventions, and Bobby’s performance played a crucial role in keeping audiences guessing. The film’s twist became legendary, and his portrayal showcased his ability to handle intensity, mystery, and psychological tension, a skill he would later master in his second innings.
Even today, Gupt remains one of Bollywood’s most rewatchable thrillers.
Soldier (1998): Mass Appeal Done Right
With Soldier, Bobby Deol stepped into full-fledged mainstream stardom. Packed with action, romance, and chart-topping music, the film became a massive hit.
What stood out was Bobby’s balance, he looked convincing in action sequences while maintaining the emotional softness audiences loved. Soldier cemented his image as a commercially bankable star, especially among younger viewers of the late ’90s.
Kareeb (1998): A Different Kind of Love Story
Often overlooked, Kareeb deserves a fresh watch today. This film explored a more mature, realistic romance, and Bobby Deol delivered a performance that was restrained and heartfelt. Unlike larger-than-life love stories of the time, Kareeb focused on emotional compatibility and personal growth.
It’s a reminder that Bobby was willing to experiment early in his career, even when expectations leaned towards formula films.
Humraaz (2002): Darker Shades, Stronger Impact
By the early 2000s, Bobby Deol began exploring morally complex characters, and Humraaz stands out as a key example.
The film combined romance, suspense, and betrayal, allowing Bobby to play with grey shades long before it became fashionable. His performance hinted at the actor he would eventually become comfortable with flawed, layered roles.
Watching Humraaz now feels like a preview of his later OTT success.
Bichhoo (2000): Raw and Underrated
Inspired by international cinema, Bichhoo showcased Bobby Deol in a gritty avatar rarely seen at the time. The film demanded emotional restraint and physical intensity, both of which he delivered convincingly.
Though not celebrated enough back then, Bichhoo has aged well and deserves renewed appreciation for its serious tone and strong performances.
Why These Films Still Matter Today
Revisiting Bobby Deol’s early films reveals something important: his career was never one-dimensional.
Even in his first phase, he:
- Experimented across genres
- Balanced romance with thrillers
- Took risks beneath commercial packaging
These films show an actor learning, adapting, and quietly building range, traits that would later fuel his remarkable comeback.
A Birthday Worth Rewinding For
Today, Bobby Deol is celebrated for his powerful reinvention. But his early films remind us where it all began—with sincerity, curiosity, and star power.
This birthday, revisiting his early work isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s about recognising a journey that came full circle—with patience and purpose.
Before Bobby Deol became the actor audiences rediscovered, he was the star they first fell for. And these early films prove that his story was always worth watching, then and now.
