The recent passing of veteran actor Dharmendra has sparked renewed interest in one of Indian cinema's most extraordinary family traditions. For over four decades, Dharmendra worked alongside his sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, creating a unique legacy that transcended typical father-son relationships in Bollywood.
The Beginning: Sultanat Marks Historic Collaboration
The Deol family's on-screen journey officially began with 'Sultanat' in 1986, marking the first full-length film featuring Dharmendra and Sunny Deol together. This major commercial project of its era featured an ensemble cast and revolved around themes of power, conflict, and royal politics.
While the film received mixed critical reception, it holds significant historical value as the project that first united the established superstar Dharmendra with his rising star son Sunny. For the industry and fans alike, Sultanat represented a symbolic passing of the torch, demonstrating that the Deol legacy would continue into the next generation of Hindi cinema.
Apne: The Emotional Family Triumph
More than two decades later, the Deol family achieved another milestone with 'Apne' in 2007. This emotional drama marked the first time all three Deols - Dharmendra, Sunny, and Bobby - appeared together in leading roles.
The film's storyline about a former boxing champion seeking to restore family honor through his sons resonated deeply with audiences. Critics particularly praised Dharmendra's performance, noting that the father-son dynamics carried genuine emotional weight, likely drawn from their real-life relationships.
Apne became a major commercial success and played a crucial role in reintroducing Dharmendra to a new generation of Bollywood audiences, proving the enduring appeal of the Deol family combination.
The Yamla Pagla Deewana Comedy Era
Following the emotional depth of Apne, the Deol family successfully transitioned into comedy with the Yamla Pagla Deewana franchise (2011-2018).
The first installment in 2011 featured Dharmendra as a charming conman alongside Bobby Deol, with Sunny playing the straight-laced older brother. The film's lighthearted approach and family chemistry made it a commercial hit and introduced the Deols to younger viewers.
Yamla Pagla Deewana 2 continued the comedic formula in 2013, while Yamla Pagla Deewana: Phir Se in 2018 reunited the trio once more. Throughout the franchise, Dharmendra's natural charm and comic timing remained central to the films' appeal, allowing fans to see the veteran actor in a new, relaxed avatar alongside his sons.
Beyond the Major Collaborations
The Deol family's joint appearances extended beyond their main film projects. In Poster Boys (2017), Sunny and Bobby took lead roles while Dharmendra made a brief appearance. The family also frequently appeared together during promotional events, television shows, and film campaigns.
These smaller collaborations consistently reinforced the public image of the Deols as a close-knit film family, further endearing them to audiences across generations.
Throughout his career, Dharmendra frequently expressed how working with his sons felt like a rare blessing in the film industry. For audiences, watching the three Deols share screen space wasn't just entertainment - it was witnessing cinematic history and the continuation of a remarkable family legacy that spanned from the 1980s through the late 2010s.
