Mumbai: On December 8 the film world and fans paused to remember one of Bollywood’s most beloved stars, Dharmendra. Esha Deol led the personal tributes with a long, tender note on Instagram that moved fans across the country. Her message spoke of love, memory, and promises to carry forward her father’s legacy. The Deol family also marked the day with a gathering at Dharmendra’s cherished Khandala farmhouse, opening its doors to admirers who wanted to pay their respects.
A daughter’s note full of love and longing
Esha began her tribute with a quiet, intimate message. She addressed him as “my darling Papa” and wrote about a bond she called their pact. In words that felt like a private letter shared with the world she said,
“Us through all our lifetimes, all realms and beyond… We are always together, Papa.” She added that she has “very tenderly, carefully and preciously tucked you in my heart… deep, deep inside,” carrying him with her for the rest of her life.
Her post is filled with small, vivid memories. She wrote of his embrace that was like a warm blanket, his strong hands that could soothe and extended conversation that was laced with laughter and shayaris that made them intimate. Esha too owed him the life lessons, love, guidance and strength and promised never to forget the values. She closed the note promising to spread his love to the millions who adored him, and signed off with, “I love you papa.”
A family remembrance and an open invitation to fans
The family chose to mark the day not only in private but also by inviting the public into a place that meant a lot to Dharmendra. Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol along with other family members planned to gather at the family’s farmhouse in Khandala. The farmhouse was opened to fans who wanted to visit and pay tribute, turning the private remembrance into a public celebration of Dharmendra’s life and work. The move allowed admirers to say thank you in person to a star who left a lasting place in many hearts.
Bollywood remembers
The actor’s passing on November 24, 2025 at age 89 left a deep gap in the film community and among fans. Many in Bollywood shared memories and messages in the days leading up to the anniversary. Television host and actor Salman Khan was visibly moved remembering Dharmendra during a recent broadcast and spoke about the loss and what the family must be feeling. These public reactions underlined how widely Dharmendra was loved and respected across the industry.
A legacy that lasts
Dharmendra’s career spanned decades and included many memorable roles. But beyond his work on screen, this day showed the softer side of a legend: a father, a friend, and a teacher in his family’s life. The words of the promise Esha gave to keep his lessons and share his love are low-key ways to remind that the real legacy of the stars is usually the values and the memories they leave behind to the people that were closest to them.
Final note
Esha Deol’s post reads like a love letter that also guides how a family chooses to remember. It was equal parts private memory and public comfort. As fans and friends continue to share stories, images and shayaris, the day served as a gentle, moving reminder that some bonds do not end with loss. They live on in words, in promises, and in the places that hold our best memories.
Also Read | Dharmendra 90th Birthday: Deol Family Opens Juhu Home for Fans to Celebrate Legendary Star
