Sunny Deol 68th Birthday — A name that echoes power, patriotism, and passion in Indian cinema. Born into Bollywood royalty as the son of veteran actor Dharmendra, Sunny Deol carved his own identity not through family privilege but through sheer talent, hard work, and a fiery screen presence.
As he turns 68, fans across the world celebrate not only his iconic performances but also his eventful personal journey — full of big decisions, controversies, and career-defining choices. On Sunny Deol’s 68th birthday, let’s take a closer look at the man behind the legend.
A Quiet Beginning and a Secret Marriage
Few know that Sunny Deol’s personal life began with one of the most talked-about yet guarded love stories in Bollywood. At just 14, Sunny was engaged to Pooja Deol (then Pooja Singh). When Pooja’s father learned that Sunny intended to join films, he grew worried that fame might lead him away from his daughter.
Dharmendra, a superstar himself, tried to convince Pooja’s family to wait until Sunny’s debut film Betaab was released. But under pressure, he eventually agreed to solemnize their marriage earlier than planned.
Betaab released in 1983 and turned Sunny into an overnight sensation. One year later, in 1984, Sunny Deol and Pooja tied the knot officially — though some sources claim the wedding took place even before his debut.
For years, Sunny kept his marriage a secret, fearing it might damage his image as a romantic hero. During the early years, Pooja lived in London while Sunny balanced his rising stardom with occasional secret trips abroad to visit her.
It wasn’t until wedding photos surfaced in 1984 that the truth became public — confirming what the industry had only speculated.
The Big Film That Got Away: Why Sunny Rejected Yash Chopra’s Mashaal
After Betaab, offers poured in — including a career-changing one from legendary filmmaker Yash Chopra. The film was Mashaal, where Sunny would have shared the screen with the great Dilip Kumar. For any newcomer, it was a dream come true.
But Dharmendra advised against it. He believed Sunny should first establish himself as a solo hero rather than share space with an acting giant. Respecting his father’s wisdom, Sunny walked away from Mashaal.
The role later went to Anil Kapoor. Though the film was critically appreciated, it failed commercially — proving that sometimes, patience and faith in one’s path are the best teachers.
The Dimple Kapadia Chapter: A Relationship That Made Headlines
Sunny Deol and Dimple Kapadia worked together in multiple films like Manzil-Manzil, Arjun, Aag Ka Gola, Narsimha, and Gunaah. Their on-screen chemistry soon turned into an off-screen bond that Bollywood couldn’t stop talking about.
Reports claimed that after Dimple separated from Rajesh Khanna, she and Sunny became close. Sunny frequently visited Dimple’s home, and her daughters — Twinkle and Rinke Khanna — reportedly affectionately called him “Papa.”
The two were said to have been in a relationship for nearly 11 years, even living together for some time. But when news reached Pooja Deol, she gave Sunny an ultimatum: choose family or walk away.
Eventually, Sunny ended the relationship, but their bond never completely disappeared from public curiosity. In 2017, a candid photo of the two holding hands in Monaco reignited old rumors, reminding fans of a connection that time never fully erased.
The Rift with Shah Rukh Khan and Yash Raj Films
At the peak of his career, Sunny Deol signed Yash Chopra’s Darr, playing a heroic commando opposite a rising actor named Shah Rukh Khan. While Sunny was the film’s main hero, he soon realized that the antagonist — SRK’s obsessive lover — was being given greater screen weight.
Sunny felt that his character’s strength and logic were being compromised for drama. In one scene, SRK’s character stabs him — something Sunny argued made no sense for a trained officer. But Yash Chopra refused to alter it.
Furious, Sunny reportedly clenched his fists so tightly that he tore his pants pocket during the argument. After Darr’s release, the film became a blockbuster, but most of the credit went to Shah Rukh Khan. Feeling betrayed, Sunny cut off ties with both SRK and Yash Raj Films for nearly 16 years.
However, time heals old wounds. In 2023, at the success party of Gadar 2, fans were delighted to see Sunny and Shah Rukh Khan warmly hug each other — ending decades of silent tension.
Facing Nepotism and Building His Own Path
Despite his lineage, Sunny Deol wasn’t spared Bollywood’s harsh politics. During the late ’90s, his films stopped performing well, and he began facing what many now call “industry groupism.”
In an interview, Sunny revealed,
“I used to see people copying my style and success, yet being celebrated for it. I never believed in copying scenes or trends — I worked with honesty. But the industry runs on camps. When I saw that, I decided to create my own space.”
That decision gave birth to Vijayta Films Pvt. Ltd., the Deol family’s production house. Under this banner, they produced Betaab, Barsaat (which launched Bobby Deol), and Socha Na Tha (which introduced Abhay Deol).
Sunny later turned director and producer himself, but he admits the business side never suited him.
“It took me 13 years to realize I’m not a businessman. I’m an artist,” he once said.
The Amrita Singh Episode: A Love That Couldn’t Last
Sunny’s debut film Betaab also marked the beginning of a short-lived romantic link with his co-star Amrita Singh. On set, Amrita reportedly fell for Sunny, unaware of his secret marriage.
When she later discovered he was already married to Pooja, she broke off all contact. Heartbroken but strong-willed, Amrita eventually found love again and married Saif Ali Khan in 1991. Their relationship too ended years later, but their story remains part of Bollywood folklore.
Legal Trouble: Fraud Allegations Against Sunny Deol
Not all chapters of Sunny Deol’s life were cinematic triumphs. In 2016, producer Saurabh Gupta accused him of breach of contract and financial fraud. Gupta alleged that he paid Sunny ₹1 crore as an advance for a film, which never went into production. Instead, Sunny reportedly began shooting Poster Boys (2017).
Over time, Gupta claimed to have paid ₹2.55 crore in total. Later, during a contract review, he found that the fee mentioned had been altered from ₹4 crore to ₹8 crore. Veteran director Sunil Darshan supported Gupta’s statement, alleging that Sunny had failed to pay dues from earlier overseas distribution rights for Ajay (1996).
Sunny never publicly addressed the controversy in detail, but the episode showed that even established stars aren’t immune to the rough politics of the film business.
Also read: Mahabharat Fame Pankaj Dhir Dies of Cancer at 68: TV Industry Mourns the Iconic ‘Karna’
Gadar 2 and the Glorious Return
After years of mixed success, Sunny Deol’s 2023 release Gadar 2 proved to be the comeback of a lifetime — or as director Anil Sharma insists, “not a comeback at all.”
Sharma clarified:
“People call Gadar 2 a comeback. I don’t. Sunny Deol never failed — he was always loved. Gadar 2 just reminded everyone why.”
The film shattered records, collecting over ₹625 crore worldwide. It reignited nostalgia for the 2001 original Gadar: Ek Prem Katha and reaffirmed Sunny’s unmatched connection with the masses. His iconic roar of “Hindustan Zindabad!” once again echoed in theatres across the globe.
A Legacy Beyond Stardom
Sunny Deol’s journey — from the shy debutant of Betaab to the thunderous patriot of Border and Gadar — is a tale of grit, integrity, and self-belief. He has faced criticism, heartbreak, and betrayal, yet his fans’ loyalty has never wavered.
He continues to inspire younger generations — not just as an actor but also as a politician and a proud son of Punjab. Whether it’s his commanding dialogue delivery, his silent humility off-screen, or his fierce love for family, Sunny Deol remains a true original in a world of pretenders.
Also read: Gujarati Composer Achint Thakkar Wins R.D. Burman Award at 70th Filmfare Awards-Winners List
Sunny Deol 68th Birthday: A Timeless Icon
On his 68th birthday, the actor stands tall — not only as one of India’s most respected performers but also as a symbol of strength, passion, and resilience.
Sunny Deol’s life has been anything but ordinary:
- A teenage engagement turned lifelong marriage,
- A career defined by both rebellion and respect,
- Friendships lost and regained,
- And a legacy that refuses to fade.
Today, fans from India to the UK and the US celebrate Sunny Deol’s 68th birthday with gratitude — for the man who gave them Gadar, Border, Ghayal, and countless memories of courage and emotion.
As the lights dim and the applause continues, one thing is certain — Sunny Deol’s story will forever remain etched in the golden history of Indian cinema.
