Dharmendra's 90th birth anniversary: From Sunny Deol to Esha Deol, family shares poignant tributes
The Deol family, including Sunny, Esha, Abhay, and Karan, paid emotional tributes to Dharmendra on his 90th birth anniversary (Dec 8, 2025). They shared memories of his love, guidance, and warmth.
Last Updated: 12.22 PM, Dec 08, 2025
December 8, 2025, marks the 90th birth anniversary of legendary actor Dharmendra. Following his passing on November 24, 2025, his children, Sunny Deol and Esha Deol, and nephew Abhay Deol, along with his grandson Karan Deol, shared poignant and nostalgic tributes on their respective social media pages. Their emotional notes remember the veteran star and the enduring bond they shared with their beloved "Papa" and "Bade Papa."
Esha Deol's touching tribute and unbreakable bond
Daughter Esha Deol shared a touching photograph of herself with her father, accompanying it with an extended, emotional note that spoke of their unbreakable connection. She referred to their relationship as "Our pact, the strongest bond. 'Us' through all our lifetimes, all the realms and beyond..."
Esha detailed how she has "tenderly, carefully & preciously tucked" him in her heart to "carry on with me for the rest of this lifetime". She expressed the profound void left by his absence, specifically mentioning how much she misses his "warm protective hugs that felt like the cosiest blanket". She added that holding his "soft yet strong hands" had unspoken messages, and his voice was followed by "endless conversations, laughter, and shayaris."
The actor also wrote, "The magical precious memories… life lessons, the teachings, the guidance, the warmth, the unconditional love, the dignity and the strength you have given me as your daughter cannot be replaced or matched by any other."
Concluding her tribute, Esha pledged to "continue your legacy with pride and respect."
Sunny Deol's moving video tribute
Actor Sunny Deol, Dharmendra’s eldest son, posted a moving video that captured a peaceful moment with his father amidst a stunning, forested landscape. In the video, Dharmendra is seen smiling and speaking while wearing a hat and jacket, clearly enjoying the natural beauty of the hills around him. When asked if he was enjoying himself, the late actor cheerfully responded, "I'm really enjoying it, my son. It's lovely."
The caption for the video, written in Hindi, was brief but deeply personal: “आज मेरे पापा का जन्मदिन है। पापा हमेशा मेरे साथ हैं, मेरे अंदर हैं। लव यू, पापा। मिस यू।” (Today is my Papa’s birthday. Papa is always with me, in my heart. Love you, Papa. Miss you.).
Abhay Deol recalls tender childhood memory
Nephew Abhay Deol recalled a specific, tender childhood memory, sharing a vintage, sepia-toned photograph of himself as a young boy sitting close to his uncle. The photo, which he dates back to "1985 or ‘86", captures a moment of gentle guidance.
Abhay wrote that he was upset after being scolded, but Dharmendra called him over, sat him down, and told him, “Look at the light,” before having the picture taken. This simple instruction left a lasting impression on Abhay, who expressed a yearning to hear those words again.
"I look forward to the moment I hear him say those words to me again, when my time comes. Today was his birthday."
Karan Deol honours "Bade Papa" and life lessons
Dharmendra's grandson, Karan Deol, shared a photo of himself and his wife with the veteran actor in a snowy setting. Addressing him as "Bade Papa" (Grandfather), Karan reflected on the lessons he had learnt from watching him.
He cited Dharmendra as the source of his personal growth, noting that everything he tries to be today—"a calmer mind, a kinder heart, a stronger person"—comes from his grandfather.
Karan recalled growing up watching "how you carried yourself, how you treated people, how you stayed grounded no matter what life threw at you." He described his grandfather's hugs as giving him "warmth, that quiet reassurance". He added that Dharmendra "made everything feel okay without even saying a word".
Karan concluded by expressing how much he misses him, stating, "There will never be anyone like you, Bade Papa... I carry you with me every day."
Dharmendra: Enduring patriarch
The tributes from the Deol family paint a picture of Dharmendra not just as a cinematic icon, but as a loving, protective, and deeply influential patriarch whose lessons of love, humility, and strength continue to resonate with his family and millions of fans.
Dharmendra FAQs:
Q: When was Dharmendra's 90th birth anniversary?
A: Dharmendra's 90th birth anniversary was on December 8, 2025. The date followed his passing on November 24, 2025, which made the tributes from his family particularly poignant.
Q: Who from the Deol family shared tributes to Dharmendra on his 90th birthday?
A: Heartfelt tributes were shared on social media by his children, Sunny Deol and Esha Deol, his nephew, Abhay Deol, and his grandson, Karan Deol.
Q: How did Sunny Deol remember his father Dharmendra on his birthday?
A: Sunny Deol posted a moving video of his father enjoying a peaceful moment in a forested landscape. The accompanying caption, written in Hindi, stated, "Papa is always with me, in my heart. Love you, Papa. Miss you."