Meet actor who debuted in Bollywood because of his love for chowmein, was called ‘patla sa’ during his struggle days, worked with R Madhavan and Vikrant Massey and now….

Meet actor who debuted in Bollywood because of his love for chowmein, was called ‘patla sa’ during his struggle days, worked with R Madhavan and Vikrant Massey and now….

As an ardent admirer of this remarkable journey, I find myself captivated by the tale of Deepak Dobriyal, a man who turned the odds into opportunities and rose to become one of Bollywood’s finest character actors. From humble beginnings in a small village in Uttarakhand, to sharing the silver screen with some of India’s biggest stars, his story is nothing short of inspiring.


Originally an unknown actor who started out in minor roles and was often overlooked, this individual lived communally with seven others in a confined area. By mere happenstance, he attended an audition due to the tempting offer of a bowl of chowmein. At first, he was labeled as ‘the greenhorn actor’, but later proved his detractors wrong with a groundbreaking performance that paved the way for further opportunities. Now, he is recognized as one of Bollywood’s prominent figures.

If you still haven’t guessed it, it’s Deepak Dobriyal. Celebrated for his remarkable range and comic timing, he has become a prominent character actor in Bollywood. His journey from a small village in Uttarakhand to sharing the screen with major stars is a story of persistence. 

As a young man, he relocated to Delhi with his family, where his passion for theatre was ignited. He refined his skills under the guidance of acclaimed director Arvind Gaur. His early performances in plays like Tughlaq and Andha Yug not only strengthened his acting abilities but also laid a solid foundation for his career.

Following his success in Delhi’s theater scene, Deepak transitioned to Mumbai where he encountered common struggles within the industry, sometimes sharing living quarters with as many as seven others in a tight space. A friend persuaded him to try out for his debut role, offering him the chance to enjoy a bowl of chowmein as an incentive.

His initial appearance was in Vishal Bhardwaj’s Maqbool (2003), but he didn’t get much attention for quite some time. For a long while, he was mostly given minor roles, usually as servants or peons, with filmmakers thinking he wasn’t suitable for leading roles. However, his determination eventually paid off in 2006, when Bhardwaj chose him to play Rajju Tiwary in Omkara. This role significantly altered the course of his career, earning him respect within the industry.

As a lifestyle expert, I can personally attest that the role of Omkara transformed my career. Previously, many individuals failed to acknowledge me with due respect. Directors, casting teams, and coordinators often addressed me as “this thin actor,” dismissing my talents. However, my portrayal in Omkara left them all speechless, and they started treating me with the dignity I deserved.

For the following ten years, Deepak gained substantial recognition in films such as Delhi-6, Gulaal, Shaurya, and particularly for his role as Pappi in Tanu Weds Manu, alongside R Madhavan, with both the original and subsequent installments receiving praise.

Through his performances in various films, he gained widespread popularity among audiences who adored his knack for comedy. His roles in Prem Ratan Dhan Payo alongside Salman Khan, Hindi Medium with Irrfan Khan, and Ajay Devgn’s Bholaa showcased his versatility.

Lara Bhalla, his wife who is a filmmaker, shares his enthusiasm for movies. It’s said that they first met on the set of Omkara, developed feelings for each other, and tied the knot in 2009. Now, as parents to Siddharth and Leela, they are still navigating their cinematic journey side by side.

Lately, he featured in Sector 36 alongside Vikrant Massey, a gripping crime drama inspired by the Nithari murders. Currently streaming on Netflix, this movie highlights his skill at portraying deep, intricate characters, further cementing him as an actor who’s transcended boundaries to establish himself among Bollywood’s elite.

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2024-10-25 13:37