Yash Chopra’s Lamhe, starring Anil Kapoor, Sridevi, and veteran actors Waheeda Rekhman and Anupam Kher, continues to captivate audiences and maintain its status as cult classic. Despite its evergreen songs and positive word-of-mouth, the film became a box office flop in 1991, only garnering widespread appeal and cult recognition over time.
Lamhe also marked supermodel Deepak Malhotra’s Bollywood debut. Before turning to glamour world, Deepak was a national-level gymnast, later becoming India’s highest-paid model in late 80s. Naturally, his charming appearance and successful modelling career led him to film offers, with Yash Chopra signing him for Lamhe. While Sridevi portrayed the role of Pallavi Bhatnagar, Deepak Malhotra portrayed her husband Siddharth Kumar Bhatnagar in the film.
Unfortunately his screen-presence was limited and his performance failed to impress audiences. One particular 10-second scene, when Pallavi faints, and Siddharth attempts to revive her by repeatedly calling out ‘Pallo’- became the subject of punchline in early 90s. The audience found his gesture awkward, sparking heavy backlash and ridicule.
Criticism for that one scene destroyed his public image, turning into a major setback in his career. His decision to star in a side role in Lamhe instead of a lead in Chamatkar (1992), which later went to Shah Rukh Khan, cost him massively. His budding acting career derailed forever as film offers dried up.
To seek a fresh start, Deepak relocated to United States, adopted a new name- Dino Martelli. He re-started his career in modelling, and even pursued studies in engineering and design, starting the garment business.
Deepak is happily married to supermodel and choreographer Lubna Adam, and their two sons, Kian and Kyle, have also marked their careers in the fashion world.
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