From his humble beginnings in Punjab to becoming a legendary star, Dharmendra’s life has been full of passion, family, and cinema. The veteran actor has been hospitalised and as per the latest update from his daughter Esha Deol, his health condition is stable and he is recovering.
Dharmendra is undergoing treatment at Breach Candy hospital in Mumbai.
As per latest update, his health condition is stable and he is recovering.
"Dharmendra has been discharged from hospital, family decides to take him home," news agency PTI has reported quoting doctors at Breach Candy Hospital.
Timeless Warren Buffett quotes every kid should learn early in lifeBorn in 1935, Dharmendra Deol made his acting debut in the late 1950s and quickly became one of the biggest stars of Indian cinema. With hits like Sholay, Satyakam, Chupke Chupke, and Yaadon Ki Baaraat, he became a household name. But beyond the screen, his real-life story, filled with family bonds, love, and legacy, is just as fascinating.
Dharmendra’s family life
Dharmendra has two marriages. His first wife, Prakash Kaur, has always stayed away from the limelight. Together, they have four children,
Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Vijeta, and Ajeeta. Later, Dharmendra married the “Dream Girl” of Bollywood,
Hema Malini, and they have two daughters, Esha Deol and Ahana Deol.
Now, let’s talk about his kids, because the Deol family truly defines Bollywood royalty.
Sunny Deol, the eldest, followed right in his father’s footsteps and became one of India’s most loved action heroes. Known for his powerful screen presence and iconic dialogues, Sunny carved his own path with superhits like Ghayal, Gadar: Ek Prem Katha, and Border. He’s also ventured into politics and remains one of the most respected stars in the industry.
Bobby Deol, Dharmendra’s younger son, charmed audiences with his chocolate-boy looks in the ’90s. Films like Barsaat, Gupt, and Soldier made him a youth icon. After a quiet phase, Bobby made a big comeback with Aashram and Animal, proving that talent truly runs in the Deol genes.
Dharmendra’s daughters from his first marriage, Vijeta and Ajeeta, have chosen to stay away from the limelight and live peaceful, private lives abroad with their families.
From his marriage to Hema Malini, Dharmendra has two beautiful daughters who’ve also made their mark. Esha Deol made her Bollywood debut in the early 2000s and starred in films like Dhoom and Yuva. She later stepped away from films to focus on her family and other creative ventures. Ahana Deol, on the other hand, prefers to stay behind the scenes and has a passion for dance, much like her mother.
Dharmendra’s parenting style: Up-close and personal
The dad with a heart
When you think of Dharmendra, you picture the tough, heroic “He-Man” of Bollywood, but behind that macho image is a dad who ruled his home with equal parts strength and softness. He wasn’t the kind of father to spoil his kids silly. Instead, he believed in balance, love with limits, warmth with wisdom. His parenting wasn’t movie-style glamour; it was old-school, real, and rooted deeply in his Punjabi values.
Discipline that came with respect
Sunny Deol once said his dad was a “fear factor” — not the scary kind, just the sort that made you straighten up when he walked into the room. There were rules, like no sleeping with parents till 14, and everyone respected them. But Dharmendra’s discipline never felt harsh — it came from care. He wanted his kids to grow up knowing that boundaries are what keep you grounded, even when the world outside is flashing cameras and fame.
Keeping his kids away from the fake glitz
Bobby Deol has often spoken about how his dad refused to let him attend birthday parties of other star kids. Dharmendra would say, “Yeh film industry bahut banawati hai”, this world can be too fake. He wanted his children to have a normal, down-to-earth childhood, away from all the glamour. No over-the-top parties, no star-circuit nonsense. The message was simple, real joy comes from family dinners, school friends, and staying true to who you are.
Traditional values, especially for his daughters
When it came to his daughters Esha and Ahana, Dharmendra’s parenting had a strong traditional streak. Hema Malini once mentioned that whenever Dharmendra visited, the girls would quickly switch from jeans to salwar-kameez, out of love and respect for their dad’s old-school values. He wasn’t too keen on them joining films either; he wanted them to have choices beyond Bollywood. To him, it wasn’t control, it was protection, making sure his daughters stayed close to their cultural roots while carving their own paths.
Love that shows in the little things
For all his tough-guy image, Dharmendra’s softer side always shines through in the small gestures. Esha once revealed how her dad respects her mom Hema’s vegetarian lifestyle so much that he either eats vegetarian or sneaks off to another room to have non-veg so the smell doesn’t bother her. Then there’s Bobby’s sweet memory, how he slept in his parents’ room until he was 14, with the lights on because his dad wanted him to feel safe. These aren’t grand gestures, but they show exactly what kind of father he is, protective, gentle, and always present.
Despite belonging to one of India’s most famous families, the Deols are known for their grounded nature. They value privacy, family time, and simplicity, traits that clearly come from Dharmendra himself. From father to sons, and now to the next generation, the Deol family continues to carry forward a legacy built on love, honesty, and a deep connection to cinema.
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