Veteran Bollywood star Dharmendra, recently discharged from Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital, is now recuperating at his Juhu residence surrounded by family. This period of convalescence has brought his sons, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, closer to him, frequently visiting to ensure his well-being. However, this has also cast a spotlight on the emotional distance the actor has often felt from them, a sentiment he has publicly expressed in the past.
The Longing for Companionship
In a candid conversation featured on Asian Paints' YouTube channel, Dharmendra peeled back the layers of his family dynamics. He revealed a heartfelt desire for a more informal and friendly relationship with his famous sons. The actor confessed that he feels Sunny and Bobby are somewhat scared of him, a factor that prevents the casual camaraderie he craves.
"I want them to sit with me, talk to me," Dharmendra shared. "Today, I feel that if my father had been my friend, it would have been so nice. We really miss certain things; friendship is very important. I miss them. They don't sit with me at all. They come and say, 'Papa, I'm going for a shoot,' and leave." This simple admission highlights a common generational gap where respect can sometimes morph into a barrier to close friendship.
History Repeats Itself
Dharmendra's current feelings are deeply intertwined with his own past. He recounted poignant memories of his father, which now feel like a reflection of his present situation. He remembered seeing his father sitting pensively, often engaging in conversation with the watchman. When a concerned Dharmendra would ask if he needed anything, his father's reply was never about material possessions.
"He would say, 'No son, I have servants, a house, everything. What do I need? Just come home early from your shoots, sit with me for a while,'" Dharmendra recalled. This yearning for mere company from a busy son is a mirror image of what he now experiences. The veteran actor emotionally noted that he would hug his father and leave, only to later hear the same plea from his mother, reinforcing that his parents simply wanted his time and presence.
A Son's Perspective on Respect and Love
This complex dynamic has not gone unnoticed by the younger generation. In a separate interview with Humans of Bombay, Bobby Deol recently reflected on this very subject, providing a son's viewpoint on the father-son equation. He acknowledged the fine line between respect and perceived fear that often exists for children growing up with iconic parents.
"When you're growing up, you get confused between respect and being scared. But it wasn't being scared, it was respect," Bobby explained. He emphasized that the challenge was in communication, not a lack of love. He also pointed out how the circle of life inevitably changes these relationships.
"But the story has changed now. The whole thing is reversed," Bobby stated. "They've become older, so vulnerable. You have to look after them. Things change, that's the circle of life." This statement gains profound significance in light of Dharmendra's recent hospitalization, where both Sunny and Bobby were consistently by his side, demonstrating their care and commitment in a new, protective role.
The story of the Deol family is a touching narrative that transcends fame and success, touching upon universal themes of family, respect, and the eternal human desire for connection across generations.
