As the world welcomed 2026, Bollywood actress Esha Deol chose a moment of quiet reflection amidst the celebrations, paying a moving tribute to her late father, the legendary actor Dharmendra. Currently in Dubai, Esha shared her New Year's greetings with a deeply personal message for her father, setting her apart from the typical festive posts.
A Moonlit Salute to a Legendary Father
While many celebrities shared dazzling fireworks displays, Esha Deol presented a different, more serene spectacle. She posted photographs posing against the stunning backdrop of a clear night sky, with the moon taking center stage. Dressed in a party-ready outfit and accessories, her caption carried a universal wish: "Stay blessed, happy, healthy & strong. Love you all." However, the most poignant image was one where she pointed towards the moon, accompanied by a handwritten note that simply read, "Love you Papa." This heartfelt gesture offered fans a glimpse into her personal grief and enduring love.
Family Bonds and Shared Grief
The emotional post quickly garnered an outpouring of support from fans and industry friends. Notably, it prompted a loving response from her brother, actor Bobby Deol, who filled the comments section with a string of red heart emoticons. This show of sibling solidarity comes in the wake of the Deol family's recent mourning rituals. Following Dharmendra's passing, the family held two separate prayer services on the same day. Bobby and his brother Sunny Deol organized one meeting at a city hotel, while Dharmendra's wife, Hema Malini, hosted another at her residence. Later, Hema Malini and her daughters conducted another prayer meet in Delhi.
Dharmendra's Final Bow in 'Ikkis'
The tribute coincides with a significant moment for Dharmendra's legacy—the theatrical release of his final film, 'Ikkis'. The war biopic, based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, also stars Agastya Nanda, grandson of Amitabh Bachchan. The release has kept the veteran actor in the news throughout the week.
Reflecting on his friend's last performance, megastar Amitabh Bachchan shared a touching note. He wrote, "Ikkis is the last precious memory for us, left for millions of fans. An artist wants to practice art till his last breath. And this is what my friend, my family, my idol, Dharmendra Deol Ji did." He added, "Dharamji was not just a person; he was a feeling. And a feeling never lets anyone go. He is always with us as a memory, as a blessing."
Director Sriram Raghavan also expressed his fortune in working with the legend on his final project, stating, "I am very blessed. His last film is something where I think he is extraordinary." As Esha Deol looks at the moon in remembrance and 'Ikkis' plays on the big screen, the Indian film industry and its audience continue to celebrate the indelible feeling that was Dharmendra.
