Actor · Director · Politician

Sunny Deol

Indian actor

Born October 19, 1957 · Ludhiana, Punjab, India

69 years old5′ 8½″ (1.74 m)Active 1983–presentIndian

Biography

Sunny Deol, born Ajay Singh Deol on 19 October 1957, is an Indian actor, filmmaker, and former politician known for his powerful performances in Hindi cinema. The son of veteran actor Dharmendra and Prakash Kaur, he grew up in a family closely connected to the film industry. He made his acting debut with Betaab (1983), a romantic drama that brought him early recognition and established him as a leading actor.
Deol became widely known for his intense action roles, forceful dialogue delivery, and portrayals of determined characters. His performance in Ghayal (1990) earned him major recognition, while his role in Damini (1993) won praise for its emotional depth. He continued his successful career with films such as Darr (1993), Ghatak (1996), Border (1997), and Ziddi (1997). In 2001, he starred as Tara Singh in Gadar: Ek Prem Katha, which became one of the most memorable films of his career. He later reprised the role in Gadar 2 (2023), which achieved major commercial success.
Alongside acting, Deol has worked as a director and producer. His directorial projects include Dillagi (1999), Ghayal Once Again (2016) and Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas (2019). He has also appeared in films such as Apne (2007), Yamla Pagla Deewana (2011), Chup (2022) and Jaat (2025). Outside cinema, he served as a Member of Parliament from Gurdaspur, Punjab, from 2019 to 2024. Through his long career, Sunny Deol has become one of Hindi cinema’s most recognisable action stars.

Notable works

Betaab1983Arjun1985Ghayal1990Damini1993Darr1993Ghatak1996Border1997Ziddi1997Dillagi1999Gadar: Ek Prem Katha2001The Hero: Love Story of a Spy2003Apne2007Yamla Pagla Deewana2011Ghayal Once Again2016Gadar 22023Jaat2025

Awards & honours

15 wins and 28 nominations
Filmfare Award for Best ActorGhayal (1991)
Filmfare Award for Best Supporting ActorDamini (1994)
National Film Award – Special Jury Award for Best PerformanceGhayal (1991)
National Film Award – Best Supporting ActorDamini (1993)
Screen Award for Best ActorGadar: Ek Prem Katha (2002)
Zee Cine Popular Award for Outstanding PerformanceGadar: Ek Prem Katha (2002)
Sansui Viewer's Choice Award for Best ActorGadar: Ek Prem Katha (2002)
Lions Gold Award for Favourite Charming ActorYamla Pagla Deewana (2012)
Lions Gold Award for Male Action Star of the YearChup (2022)
NDTV Indian of the Year Award for Entertainer of the YearGadar 2 (2023)
GQ India Men of the Year Award for Leading Man2023
Star Eminence Award for Best ActorGadar 2 (2023)
Zee Cine Viewers' Choice Award for Best ActorGadar 2 (2024)
International Film Festival of Australia Award for Best Actor in a Feature FilmGadar 2 (2024)
IFFA Award for Best Actor in a Feature FilmGadar 2 (2024)
Filmfare Award for Best ActorBetaab (1984)
Filmfare Award for Best ActorDarr (1994)
Filmfare Award for Best ActorGhatak (1997)
Filmfare Award for Best ActorBorder (1998)
Filmfare Award for Best ActorGadar: Ek Prem Katha (2002)
Filmfare Award for Best ActorGadar 2 (2024)
IIFA Award for Best Actor in a Leading RoleGadar: Ek Prem Katha (2002)
IIFA Award for Best Actor in a Leading RoleGadar 2 (2024)
Zee Cine Award, Jury's Choice for Best ActorGadar 2 (2024)
Zee Cine Popular Award for Best ActorGadar: Ek Prem Katha (2002)
Zee Cine Award for Best ActorBorder (1998)
Bollywood Movie Award for Best ActorGadar: Ek Prem Katha (2002)
Sansui Viewer's Choice Award for Best ActorBorder (1998)
Stardust Award, Reader's Choice for Best Actor in a Comedy or RomanceYamla Pagla Deewana (2012)
CNN-IBN Indian of the Year, Entertainment Category2023
Dainik Bhaskar Bollywood Award for Superstar of the Year (Male)Yamla Pagla Deewana (2011)
Dainik Bhaskar Bollywood Award for Jodi of the YearYamla Pagla Deewana (2011)
Screen Award for Jodi No. 1Gadar: Ek Prem Katha (2002)
News18 REEL Movie Award for Best ActorGadar 2 (2024)
Bollywood Life Hindi Film Award for Best ActorGadar 2 (2024)
Pinkvilla Screen Movie Award for Best ActorGadar 2 (2024)
International Iconic Award for Most Popular ActorJaat (2025)
International Iconic Award for Best ActorGadar 2 (2024)
Star Eminence Award for Best ActorJaat (2025)
Star Eminence Award for Best ActorGadar 2 (2023)
Star Eminence Award for Best Ensemble CastGadar 2 (2023)
Star Eminence Award for Best ActorChup (2022)

Family

PDPooja DeolSpouse · Married on 1984

DharmendraParent · Father

PKPrakash KaurParent · Prakash Kaur

KDKaran DeolChild · born in 1990

RDRajveer DeolChild · born in 1994

BDBobby DeolSibling · Brother

EDEsha DeolSibling · Sister

ADAhana DeolSibling · Sister

Abhay DeolRelative · Cousin

FFilmmather EditorialUpdated Oct 22, 2026

Sunny DeolIndian actor

Born: October 19, 1957 (age 69 years)
Ludhiana, Punjab, India
Full name: Ajay Singh Deol
Also known as: Sunny Paaji, Bollywood's John Rambo
Height: 5′ 8½″ (1.74 m)
Nationality: Indian
Occupation: Actor, Director, Politician, Producer
Years active: 1983–present
Spouse: Pooja Deol (Married on 1984)
Children: Karan Deol (born in 1990)
Rajveer Deol (born in 1994)
Parents: Dharmendra (Father)
Prakash Kaur (Prakash Kaur)
Siblings: Bobby Deol (Brother)
Esha Deol (Sister)
Ahana Deol (Sister)
Relatives: Abhay Deol (Cousin)
Education: School (Sacred Heart Boys High School, Santacruz, Mumbai)
Ramniranjan Anandilal Podar College of Commerce and Economics, Matunga, Mumbai (Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com))
Net worth: Around $15–$20 million USD
Residence: Ludhiana, Punjab, India