Actor Abhay Deol has shared insights into a challenging period in his life when he felt overwhelmed by the fame and attention that followed the release of the film Dev D. This cult classic significantly elevated his career, yet Abhay admitted that he struggled to cope with the ensuing changes, prompting him to leave Mumbai for New York.

In a conversation with Humans of Bombay, Abhay expressed his awareness that Anurag Kashyap's Dev D would have a profound impact on his life and career. The film, released in 2009, achieved notable success.

"I found it difficult to manage the newfound attention and fame, as it triggered memories from my childhood. I was a sensitive child who preferred to avoid the spotlight. My passion lay in art, creativity, and the medium itself. While I anticipated that Dev D would be a significant success, I was not eager for fame. This created an internal conflict. I concentrated on the negatives and, feeling unresolved issues, I chose to escape out of fear of the fame and its accompanying pressures," Abhay recounted, noting that he spent some time in New York during this period.

Nevertheless, he acknowledged that this was not a permanent decision. He ultimately returned to acting after recognizing that he was spiraling downward.

"I understood that my stay in New York was not meant to last. I was merely living out the character I portrayed in Dev D, indulging in excess, neglecting my work, and mismanaging my finances. In hindsight, I wouldn’t label it a waste, as I gained valuable lessons, but it was indeed destructive. I felt the need to return home to support myself and my family. Responsibilities beckon, and one must come back. This is a world of make-believe, and I was aware that my escape was only temporary," Abhay reflected.

About Dev D

Dev D, written and directed by Anurag Kashyap, is a modern-day adaptation of Sarat Chandra's novel Devdas. The film also starred Mahie Gill and Kalki Koechlin in lead roles. A small-budget independent film, Dev D earned ₹20 crore at the box office and won several major awards, including a National Film Award and six Filmfare Awards.

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