Deepak Malhotra, once poised to become one of Bollywood’s next leading men, experienced a dramatic fall from cinematic grace after a high-profile debut in Yash Chopra’s Lamhe. Initially one of India’s top-earning male models, Malhotra’s acting career faltered under critical scrutiny and a memorable misstep on screen. Despite early industry backing and potential, his trajectory veered sharply, prompting an eventual departure from the film world. Years later, he found renewed purpose in fashion and entrepreneurship in New York, where he now leads a successful apparel brand and lives with his family. This is the story of fame, failure, and reinvention.
A Promising Start in Fashion and Film
Deepak Malhotra’s ascent in India’s modeling world during the 1980s was nothing short of meteoric. Born in Bangalore, he rapidly gained recognition for his distinct style and charisma on the runway and in print campaigns. By 1987, as the face of Vimal, Malhotra commanded a remarkable fee of Rs. 1.5 lakh per campaign—unprecedented at the time—and became one of the highest-paid male models in the country.
His rising popularity caught the attention of filmmakers, and he was soon offered a coveted opportunity by the legendary Yash Chopra. Cast opposite Sridevi in the romantic drama Lamhe, Malhotra seemed destined for Bollywood stardom. The project, which also starred Anil Kapoor, Waheeda Rehman, and Anupam Kher, was one of the most anticipated releases of the early 1990s.
A Debut That Derailed a Career
While Lamhe is now considered a cult classic for its bold narrative and Sridevi’s dual performance, it failed to resonate with audiences at the time of its release. The film’s lukewarm box office reception, however, was compounded by Malhotra’s performance, which drew sharp criticism. Reviewers labeled his acting as stiff and emotionally disconnected, with one particular scene—where he tries to revive a fainted Sridevi with the now-infamous cry of “Pallo!”—becoming the subject of ridicule and widespread satire.
The backlash had immediate consequences. Despite having been cast in Chopra’s next production, Darr, Malhotra was abruptly replaced by Sunny Deol. Subsequently, he lost several other promising roles—including parts in Bekhudi, Suryavanshi, and Junoon—to contemporaries who would go on to become household names. Within two years of his film debut, Malhotra found himself sidelined in an increasingly competitive industry.
The Abrupt Exit and Transatlantic Reinvention
By 1993, the film offers had dried up. Malhotra’s only other cinematic release, Tejasvini, directed by N. Chandra, also failed commercially. Faced with dwindling prospects, he made a life-altering decision to leave the Indian entertainment industry entirely.
In 1994, he relocated to New York City, adopted the name Dino Martelli, and returned to his modeling roots. But this time, he charted a more strategic course. While continuing to work in fashion, he also pursued formal education in industrial engineering and design, equipping himself for a second act beyond the spotlight.
Entrepreneurial Success and a Quiet Legacy
In 2018, Malhotra—now Martelli—launched his own apparel brand in New York, where he serves as principal designer and business head. Combining his eye for style with technical precision, his venture has gained a niche following in the city’s fashion circuit. He is married to Lubna Adam, a former model and choreographer, and the couple has two sons, Kian and Kyle, both of whom have modeled for designer Manish Malhotra in recent years.
Though he remains absent from public life in India, Deepak Malhotra’s story is not one of failure but of transformation. His journey underscores the volatility of fame and the resilience required to rebuild when the spotlight fades. From India’s runways to Bollywood’s silver screens, and eventually to New York’s design ateliers, his evolution into a fashion entrepreneur reveals a man who redefined success on his own terms.
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