When Esha Deol spoke about the family dynamics with step brothers Sunny and Bobby Deol: "The world has a different perception but..."

The growing relationship between her daughters, Esha and Ahana, and Dharmendra's sons, Sunny and Bobby, had also made Hema Malini happy.

Bollywood icon Dharmendra’s passing on November 24 has left the film fraternity and fans grieving the loss of one of Hindi cinema’s most cherished stars. The 89-year-old veteran breathed his last at his Mumbai residence, and his final rites were performed at Pawan Hans Crematorium, Vile Parle, where the industry came together to pay their respects to the legendary actor.

Amid the mourning, many beautiful memories of Dharmendra’s close-knit yet private family have resurfaced — especially moments that highlighted the warmth and togetherness between his children from both marriages.

One such moment dates back to 2023, when the blockbuster success of Sunny Deol’s Gadar 2 not only became a milestone for the Deol family but also strengthened the emotional bond among the siblings. At that time, Dharmendra’s daughter Esha Deol had organised a special screening of the film for her friends. That evening unknowingly turned into a heartfelt reunion, as Dharmendra grew visibly emotional watching his sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol warmly interacting with their stepsisters Esha and Ahana.

In an earlier interview with Zoom, Esha had opened up about their family dynamic, remembering that period with clarity and affection. Esha Deol said, “We have always been a very private family with certain dynamics and respect. We like it and keep it that way. Even now, it continues that way. Many people wanted to watch Gadar 2. My friends and family members were calling me, and I personally wanted to watch the film. So, I kept the screening for them.”

She further explained how naturally everything unfolded, “I called up Bhaiya and asked him if I can organise a screening. He said, 'Of course.' So, I organised. That picture and video are very organic. It happened very organically. The overall reaction from the public was very emotional. I was very touched by that. I share a wonderful relationship with Sunny Bhaiya, and I have a lot of respect for him,” Esha added.

In another interaction, Esha addressed the constant curiosity surrounding her family dynamics, especially the bond between her and her stepbrothers. Praising both Sunny and Bobby, she shared, "I don't need to tell the world anything about the relationship between me and my stepbrothers. I know the world has a different perception about our relationship. But the Deol family doesn't want to flaunt their relationship. Sunny Bhaiya is very innovative and a very good person at heart. I treat him like a father. Bobby Bhaiya's behavior is also very good, but he is a little reserved."

Also read: Mumtaz says she was not allowed to meet Dharmendra in the hospital as he was on a ventilator

The growing relationship between her daughters, Esha and Ahana, and Dharmendra's sons, Sunny and Bobby, had also made Hema Malini happy. In one of her interviews, she spoke warmly about how the families have a strong internal bond based on love, respect, and understanding even though they are rarely seen together in public.

One thing has become more evident as memories of Dharmendra's warmth keep coming in: the Deols are still emotionally strong, unified, and firmly rooted in their love for one another despite their guarded privacy and low-key public persona. The renowned actor's legacy endures not only through his well-known films but also through the relationships he treasured with his family.