The Maverick
Abhay Deol, 32, is the physical embodiment of New Bollywood. His genetic heritage — as a member of a large clan of Bollywood stars — is big, good-looking and smooth enough to draw the crowds. His acting chops are strong enough to work with a range of clever young directors. Independent filmmakers have wished aloud there was more than one Abhay Deol. From the beginning of his career, he has gone in search of directors who enjoy surprising their audiences. He has played a small-town noir writer, a super thief, a love-lorn and an appropriately stoned update of Devdas and the restless heir to a hair-oil business. He says, “I want the same thing from films as I want from life. The freedom to express myself without fear.” Currently, he is working inShanghai, political thriller by Dibakar Banerjee.
