Bollywood actress Esha Deol found herself in a delicate situation this Christmas, using her social media platform for a brand promotion while navigating personal grief. The daughter of legendary actor Dharmendra shared a festive-themed advertisement on her Instagram account, a move she had preemptively addressed with her followers.
A Festive Post With Disabled Comments
On Christmas, Esha Deol uploaded a video to her Instagram, dressed in a green jacket and comfortable red house pants, complete with a Santa cap. However, the post was clearly marked as a promotional collaboration with a brand. In a notable step, the actress chose to disable the comment section for this particular upload. This action appears to be a protective measure, as the post comes shortly after the passing of her father, Dharmendra, who died on November 24, 2025, at the age of 89 at his Mumbai residence.
The caption accompanying the video struck a seasonal tone, reading, "We all know that this season comes with its usual cravings… and honestly, that’s part of the joy. And I think what helps is choosing things that feel good while tasting good. Here’s to celebrating without the post-Christmas spiral. Merry Christmas." Despite the cheerful message, the context made it a sensitive publication.
A Plea for Understanding Preceded the Post
This branded Christmas post did not come as a surprise to her followers. A few days prior, Esha Deol had taken to her Instagram Story to share a heartfelt note explaining her circumstances. She revealed that she had postponed several professional commitments but now had to fulfill them.
In her note, she explicitly asked people not to judge her, writing, "Please understand me as a human & most importantly as a daughter who is still grieving the loss of her most loving, precious father. A loss I would never get over." She expressed a desire to take a break from social media but stated contractual obligations prevented her from doing so, concluding with, "So try & be kind and understanding."
Navigating Professional Duty and Personal Loss
The situation highlights the complex reality for public figures balancing signed contracts with profound personal loss. Esha Deol is the daughter of Dharmendra and his second wife, actress Hema Malini; her sister is Ahana Deol. The veteran actor also had four children from his first marriage to Prakash Kaur: actors Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, and two daughters, Ajieta and Vijeta.
By turning off comments on the promotional post, Esha Deol effectively controlled the narrative space, preventing potential negative or insensitive reactions during a vulnerable time. This move underscores the challenging intersection of celebrity endorsements, social media management, and personal mourning in the digital age.
