Introduced during a short matchmaking scene set in New York, the cute DJ with his signature bandana and headphones left a surprisingly funny and memorable impression on viewers. That actor was Dheepesh Bhatt, who played Frankie Ramdayal in Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003). In the early 2000s, a minor side character appeared briefly in a popular Bollywood film.
However, Shah Rukh Khan ‘s Kal Ho Naa Ho remains Dheepesh Bhatt’s only feature-film appearance. Directed by Nikkhil Advani, the film revolved around Aman (Shah Rukh), a man with a terminal illness who tries to set his neighbour Naina (Preity) up with her best friend Rohit (Saif), despite having feelings for her. Released in 2003, Kal Ho Naa Ho starred Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta and Saif Ali Khan in the lead roles.
The lean and youthful Frankie Ramdayal from 2003 now looks almost unrecognisable. Produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, Kal Ho Naa Ho was both a critical and commercial success and won eight Filmfare Awards. Rather than capitalising on the immediate fame and pursuing a long-term acting career, he stepped away from the film industry to follow a completely different passion. He may have left the screen, but he did not go too far from the film industry. Over the years, Dheepesh leaned into fitness and developed a heavily muscular physique covered in intricate tattoos, many of which reflect his spiritual devotion to Lord Shiva. Dheepesh has become a celebrity fitness trainer operating under the name Shivohaam. he never truly left Bollywood stars behind While he left the big screen. He has trained Ranbir Kapoor for Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar and Animal, and Aamir Khan for Talaash and Laal Singh Chaddha. Amitabh Bachchan, Jacqueline Fernandez and Ram Charan are also among his celebrity clients.
