When Dharmendra revealed why he never wanted Esha Deol to do movies: "It's good if my daughters don't attend filmy functions, our family is very..."

When Dharmendra revealed why he never wanted daughter Esha Deol to do movies: "It's good if my daughters don't attend filmi functions, our family is very..."

Bollywood legend Dharmendra spoke with India Today's Aaj Tak’s Seedhi Baat and opened up about his career, family, and politics in a way only he can. With more than five decades behind him, the veteran actor spoke with an ease that comes from experience and a warmth that has always defined his public persona. He looked back at his journey in films, his equations within the industry, his bond with his children, and the choices he made both on and off screen. The conversation offered a rare mix of nostalgia, honesty, and quiet humour.

When asked about his long innings in cinema, Dharmendra responded with his characteristic humour and boyish spirit. “I'm 18. My life has just begun. I did a very good role in Metro. Now my sons want to make a film for me,” he said, brushing off the idea of ageing in Bollywood.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by India Today Hindi (@indiatodayhindi)

On maintaining relationships in the industry, Dharmendra kept his views practical yet affectionate. “Relations are sweet if you know how to maintain them; you can't live without these relations. I give love to people and get love from them,” he said. When it comes to distinguishing between friends and rivals, his philosophy remains consistent. “I always try to turn enemies into friends with love,” he added.

Talking about his film Apne, in which he reunited with sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, the actor admitted the story struck an emotional chord. “I am working with Sunny and Bobby. The script is very good and the screenplay is very touching. It is an emotional film in which I aspire to be a heavyweight champion but due to doping charges, I fail,” he explained. On Sunny’s role, he added, “Sunny plays an introvert. The film is complete now and my dream has come true.”

He also addressed a long-standing perception that he places less importance on his daughters. Dharmendra dismissed the claim firmly. “This is not true. It's good if my daughters do not attend filmi functions. Our family is very conventional. I never wanted Esha to do films. But now I'm searching for a good story for her. She is my darling,” he said, making his affection clear.

Also Read: When Dharmendra revealed Sunny Deol would feel hurt whenever he drank alcohol, said, “He doesn’t smoke or drink, learned from my mistakes"

Looking back on his bond with Meena Kumari, he kept his words simple and respectful. “She was a great artist and I was her fan,” he recalled.

Dharmendra also touched on his political journey, a chapter many believe did not fully align with his temperament. When asked about colleagues distancing themselves, he replied, “They're all with me. Even Congress workers cooperate with me.” On whether he plans to contest elections again, he said, “Politics doesn't suit me. It all depends on destiny.”

Despite diversions into politics, Dharmendra made it clear where his true passion lies. “Films are my first love, my life and soul. I never wanted to go away from the film industry. But I couldn't face the camera due to a certain situation,” he said, hinting at personal struggles that briefly distanced him from acting.