Why was Bobby Deol missing?

Actor Bobby Deol has been conspicuous by his absence from nearly all the promotional activities of his upcoming film Players, despite being one of the senior-most stars among the cast that includes actors Abhishek Bachchan, Bipasha Basu, Sonam Kapoor and Neil Nitin Mukesh. 

Yes, the actor is scheduled to attend the Dubai premiere of the film, but that hasn’t stopped tongues from wagging as to why the actor was not included  in the film’s promotional activities as much as the other stars were. This comes as a surprise to many, as Bobby has always been considered as the filmmaker duo Abbas Mustan’s blue-eyed boy, ever since Soldier, his first film with them. But if insiders are to be believed, then it could well be a deliberate attempt to keep Bobby away.

Some sources close to the film insist that Bobby is not promoted or seen at promotional events much as they wish to keep him as a surprise element in the film.  “Bobby is the surprise factor in the film. His role is very interesting and also a new addition, than what is in the original film, The Italian Job. So, the team felt that to make sure that his character takes the audience by surprise, promoting Bobby in full swing may just kill their excitement,” says a source.

Another production source however, says, “These days even the smallest of the actors who have any credible hit in the kitty are promoted well during the release time to help better the prospects of the film. But it’s rather unexpected that someone like Bobby is kept out of promotions. Especially since he is not just credible and a well-known star, but also had the film Yamla Pagla Deewana which was one of the biggest hits of 2011. Also Bobby is very close to Abbas-Mustan and hence won’t go out and do his own publicity, as the Deols always prefer to keep a low profile.”

The source adds, “In fact, initially he was even told that he will be doing the North belt promotions, apart from Chandigarh, but he hasn’t really been seen doing any at all. Only Bipasha and Abhishek are seen at various places along with Sonam and Neil.

Also, if Bobby is the surprise package why is he in the posters?

Shouldn’t he be completely left out and kept under wraps? So his absence surely is unexpected, but frankly it’s not a very great promotional tactic.”