For decades, Bollywood powerhouse Sunny Deol has captivated audiences with his intense acting, powerful action sequences, and compelling on-screen romance. However, one person closely associated with him has consistently remained a mystery to his fans: his wife, Pooja Deol. While Sunny's career blazed across the silver screen, Pooja chose a path far from the glare of film industry fame, sparking widespread curiosity about her reasons.
The Truth Behind Pooja Deol's Absence from Public Life
Addressing the long-standing speculation, Sunny Deol set the record straight in a candid 2013 interview with Deccan Chronicle. He firmly dismissed any notion that the women in his family were pressured to stay out of the public eye. When asked if it was a conscious decision for Pooja to avoid the limelight, Sunny was unequivocal.
"That's not true. Neither my mother nor my wife was forced to stay away from the limelight," the 'Border' actor stated. He emphasized Pooja's autonomy, adding, "My wife is her own person. She has always had the liberty to make her own decisions. Not making public appearances is her own call." Sunny clarified that neither he nor his father, veteran actor Dharmendra, imposed any rules on the family's women.
Sunny Deol: The Calm Patriarch Behind the Fiery Star
While fans adore him for his fiery and intense screen persona, Sunny Deol reveals a starkly different off-camera personality. He describes himself as a calm and responsible individual who shoulders the duties of being the family's eldest son.
"Over the years I've realised that you cannot control everything," Sunny explained, shedding light on his mature outlook. "My father is the head of the family but being his eldest son I have to manage the family." He spoke of his roles as a guiding figure to his brother Bobby Deol, cousin Abhay Deol, and as a responsible father to his sons.
He admitted that certain things do upset him and, like everyone else, he can lose his cool. However, he concluded, "I think I've mastered the art of calming down," highlighting a personal growth that contrasts his explosive on-screen characters.
A Strong Family Foundation Away from the Cameras
Sunny and Pooja Deol got married in 1984 and have built a strong family unit over the years. They are parents to two sons, Karan Deol and Rajveer Deol, who have both followed their father into the film industry.
Karan made his Bollywood debut in 2019 with the film 'Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas', which was directed by Sunny himself. His younger brother, Rajveer, began his acting career in 2023 with the movie 'Dono'. Despite both sons stepping into the cinematic world, Pooja Deol has maintained her consistent preference for a private life, supporting her family from behind the scenes.
Sunny Deol's clear explanation finally provides an answer to the fans' long-held question. It underscores a narrative of personal choice and respect within one of Bollywood's most prominent families, where the spotlight is a matter of individual preference, not a mandated rule.