A 10-Second Role As Sridevi's Husband Ended This Supermodel's Bollywood Dreams
Supermodel Deepak Malhotra's promising Bollywood debut with Yash Chopra turned sour due to harsh criticism for his role in 'Lamhe', leading him to leave films and start anew abroad
For any artist, their first screen appearance can make or break their career. While some rise from modest starts, others get a spectacular break that launches them into fame. Yet, even a grand debut doesn't guarantee success if luck isn't on one's side.
Who Is Deepak Malhotra?
Deepak Malhotra, a top supermodel in the 1980s, was known for his striking looks that rivalled leading actors. Born in Bangalore, Karnataka, in 1964, he was a national-level gymnast before turning to modelling, becoming India's highest-paid model by the late 80s.
His good fortune caught the eye of legendary filmmaker Yash Chopra, who cast him in the 1991 film Lamhe alongside Sridevi.
The 10-Second Scene That Halted A Promising Career
In the film, Sridevi portrayed the character of Pallavi Bhatnagar, while Deepak Malhotra played her husband, Siddharth Kumar Bhatnagar. In a brief 10-second scene, Pallavi faints, and Siddharth, attempting to revive her, caresses her cheek in a moment meant to convey affection. However, the audience found the gesture awkward and stiff, sparking heavy criticism and ridicule. The scene became infamous, even inspiring memes that continue to circulate today.
What was meant to be Deepak's big break turned into a major setback. The backlash from that single scene not only damaged his public image but also derailed his budding acting career.
Lost Chances And Career Decline
Deepak's decision to take a side role in Lamhe instead of a lead in Rajiv Mehra's Chamatkar (1992), which later starred Shah Rukh Khan, cost him dearly. Criticism from Lamhe led Yash Chopra to cast Sunny Deol in Darr (1993) instead of Deepak, causing him to miss several big projects.
What once seemed like a promising rivalry with stars like Shah Rukh and Aamir Khan ended abruptly as film offers dried up.
Where Is Deepak Malhotra Now?
Disheartened by the setbacks, Deepak relocated to the USA, changed his name to Dino Martelli, and returned to modelling. He also pursued studies in engineering and design, entering the garment business.
Now based in New York, USA, he is married to supermodel and choreographer Lubna Adam, and their two sons have followed in the fashion world.
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