Actor Abhay Deol, known for his unconventional career choices, recently shared insights about his upbringing in a Bollywood household. In an interview with SCREEN, Abhay revealed why he humorously refers to his parents as “Bollywood hillbillies” and reflected on the unique challenges he faced as a child growing up in a celebrity family.
Why He Calls His Parents ‘Bollywood Hillbillies’
Abhay, the son of Ajit Deol and nephew of veteran actor Dharmendra, described his parents as simple people who moved from a village to the bustling city of Mumbai. Comparing their journey to the American sitcom The Beverly Hillbillies, he said, “My mom is a really simple person, even my dad. They came straight from a village to Bombay. I kind of compare them to the Beverly Hillbillies—they were the Bollywood hillbillies.”
Despite his father’s involvement in the film industry as a producer and writer, Abhay shared that his parents were deeply rooted in their origins. He added, “They are very proud of the community they come from. While we grew up in the city, there was a bit of a disconnect. I speak to my parents in Hindi, but to my sisters and brothers in English.”
A Protective Childhood
Abhay also opened up about the protective environment his parents created, shaped by their own life experiences. “My dad eventually shifted focus to writing poetry (shayari), and their response to trauma was to protect us. As normal as they tried to make our childhood, it was not a normal situation,” he explained.
He recalled having to seek permission to meet friends and noted how his family’s celebrity status added a layer of restriction to his everyday life. “We weren’t allowed to go out all the time. There was a greater sense of being protected and sheltered than the average kid,” he admitted.
His Relationship with His Mother Today
When asked if his mother ever shared the challenges she faced while adapting to city life, Abhay revealed that she rarely speaks about her struggles. “I never really asked her how difficult it was. Now that I’m older, I try to address the issues I see and talk to her about it. But she doesn’t express much, so I try to piece things together,” he shared.
