Abhay Deol relocated to New York prior to the release of his 2009 film, Dev D. At the pinnacle of his career, he chose to distance himself from Bollywood. Nevertheless, the actor returned to India shortly after Dev D premiered. In a recent interview, Abhay disclosed the reasons for his hiatus from acting, expressing his desire to avoid the fame and scrutiny that often accompany public figures.

Abhay Deol's struggles with fame and public attention

Abhay shared with Humans of Bombay that he moved to New York shortly before the release of Dev D. He expressed that memories from his childhood began to resurface, making it challenging for him to cope with the newfound attention and recognition. As a sensitive child, Abhay had an aversion to being in the spotlight. He was drawn to the realms of art and creativity. Despite his awareness that Dev D was poised for significant success, he was reluctant to embrace fame. Nonetheless, he still had a strong desire to pursue acting at that time.

The actor went on that he felt a struggle within himself. He concentrated much on the drawbacks. He rushed away as he hadn't fixed many problems and was terrified of being well-known and all that went along with it.

Growing up in a film family

Actor-director Ajit Deol and Usha Deol are the parents of Abhay Deol. He is also related to Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, and Esha Deol as their cousin, and he is the nephew of the renowned actor Dharmendra. Reflecting on his upbringing in the film industry, he noted that the advantage he experienced was witnessing fame at a young age, which prevented him from being enamored by it. Many individuals pursue their ambitions and, upon achieving success, often find themselves overwhelmed; however, he had already encountered that reality. Abhay recognized that this awareness could lead to feelings of depression, yet he was uncertain about how to navigate this complex environment, having no prior experience in doing so.

The actor expressed that there is no definitive right or wrong in this context; it is fundamentally a reaction to trauma, albeit an inescapable one. He holds no regrets regarding his experiences, emphasizing that acting held greater significance for him than the pursuit of fame.

Self-destructive phase in New York

His relocation to New York was fraught with challenges, as the actor entered a phase characterized by self-destructive behavior. Reflecting on that particular year, he acknowledged an awareness that such a state was not sustainable, recognizing that he was merely indulging in his impulses. The actor's behavior proved to be quite harmful, as some performers tend to carry their professional burdens into their personal lives. This approach serves as a means to avoid being swayed by external influences, yet he maintained a clear boundary, refusing to bring his work home. It is essential to adopt a lighter perspective and appreciate the privilege of being an actor. However, this mindset did not materialize by the end of that year. Instead, as time progressed, he found himself becoming increasingly self-destructive.

When Abhay surveyed the business, he was immediately reminded of the childhood horrors and the experiences endured by his Tayaji and cousins. Their narratives, their perspectives, and their way of thinking were all shaped by the context of their times. While there is nothing inherently glamorous about it, the industry is often perceived as glitzy. Every concern he harbored was palpable, and he yearned to escape.

Realisation and return to India

Abhay reflected on his decision to leave New York, stating that he was aware he would not remain there for long. His time in New York was primarily dedicated to his role in Dev D, during which he felt he was not being productive, mismanaging his finances, and ultimately wasting time. Initially, he viewed this period as unproductive; however, he has since come to appreciate the valuable lessons learned from the experience. The actor expressed a desire to return home to support his family and himself, recognizing the responsibilities that come with such obligations. He acknowledged that his stay in New York was merely a temporary escape rather than a lasting solution.

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