Sunny and Esha Deol Share Emotional Birthday Tributes for Late Actor Dharmendra

Bollywood veteran Dharmendra, who passed away on November 24, 2025, at the age of 89, was fondly remembered by his family on what would have been his 90th birthday, December 8. The iconic actor, known as the "He-Man" of Hindi cinema for his rugged charm and over 300 films spanning seven decades, left an indelible mark with classics like Sholay, Deewaar, and Chupke Chupke. His death, following a brief hospitalisation for breathing difficulties at Breach Candy Hospital earlier that month, sent shockwaves through the industry, prompting tributes from peers like Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who called it the "end of an era". On this poignant day, son Sunny Deol and daughter Esha Deol shared emotional social media posts, celebrating his enduring legacy amid ongoing grief.

Sunny Deol, the Border star and Dharmendra's eldest son, posted a touching video on Instagram capturing a serene moment with his father enjoying nature's tranquillity. In the clip, a smiling Dharmendra responds to Sunny's query—"So Papa, enjoying?"—with, "I am really enjoying it, my son. It is lovely." Sunny captioned it, "Aaj mere papa ka janmadin hai. Papa hamesha mere saath hain, mere andar hain. Love you, Papa. Miss you." The post, viewed millions of times within hours, resonated deeply with fans, evoking memories of their on-screen father-son collaborations in films like Betaab and The Hero, where Sunny often channelled his father's intensity.

Esha Deol, Dharmendra's daughter from his second marriage to Hema Malini, penned a longer, heartfelt note on her social media, reflecting on their unbreakable bond. "To my darling Papa, our pact, the strongest bond, unites us through all our lifetimes, all the realms, and beyond. We are always together, Papa. Be it heaven or earth, we are one," she wrote, adding that she had "tenderly, carefully, and preciously tucked" him in her heart. Esha reminisced about his "warm protective hugs", "soft yet strong hands", endless shayaris, and life motto: "Always be humble, be happy, healthy & strong." The post, accompanied by childhood photos, highlighted Dharmendra's role as a guiding light, blending unconditional love with lessons in dignity and resilience.

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Dharmendra's life was a tapestry of triumphs and trials, from his 1950s debut in Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere to his 2004 stint as a BJP MP and later poetic expressions amid health struggles like a 2025 corneal transplant. Married first to Prakash Kaur—with sons Sunny and Bobby Deol—and then to Hema Malini, he fathered six children, including Esha and Ahana. His final film, the war drama Ikkis, released posthumously, featured his Punjabi poem Aj Bhi Ji Karda Hai Pind Apne Nu Jaanwa, underscoring his roots and reflections on solitude.

The family's tributes come two weeks after a sombre prayer meeting on November 27 at a Mumbai venue, attended by Bollywood's elite and fans who gathered outside his residence for "antim darshan". Dharmendra's cremation at Pawan Hans drew crowds, with his warmth—once described by Salman Khan as that of "the most beautiful looking man"—echoing in every eulogy. As Sunny and Esha honour his 90th, the posts serve as a balm, reminding admirers that the "Garhwali Garib" who rose from village fairs to stardom lives on in hearts and reels.

Dharmendra's absence leaves a void, but his family's words reaffirm his philosophy of humility and unity. From the paddy fields of Punjab to the silver screen's grandeur, his journey inspired generations, proving that true stardom lies in the love he sowed. On this birthday, Bollywood pauses to celebrate not just the icon, but the father whose spirit, as Sunny said, remains "always with me, within me."

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