Legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra is on ventilator, battling for his life at the age of 89. Scores of his fans are praying for him, for the actor has left an indelible impression on the hearts of many over the years. The actor is a parent to six children - Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Esha Deol, Vijeta Deol, Ahana Deol and Ajeita Deol. While his daughters Esha and Ahana are from his second wife Hema Malini, the rest four of them are from his former marriage to Prakash Kaur.
One thing is clear and that is Dharmendra has been a strict, but a very loved parent. Whenever one hears any of his children speak about him, one can see a lot of love in their eyes for their father. The kind that speaks volume about the bond they share.
In fact, Bobby, in one of his interviews, had mentioned how he struggled a bit in forming a close bond with his father. He had shared he has a mix of fear and respect for Dharmendra. He also said that Dharmendra was not particularly strict with him, but at the same time was not very pally either.
Both his daughters Esha and Ahana have always maintained how Dharmendra was a tad too protective of them. In one of his interviews, talking about which all actors inspire him, Sunny had mentioned , “For me, it has always been my dad. I never had to look elsewhere. What you see in my father, what you see in our family, take that as strength.”
In fact, when both brothers Sunny and Bobby had come on Koffee with Karan, Dharmendra had very sweetly recorded a message for both of them. In the short video, he said, “Sunny, Bobby, I’m proud of you, my sons. Aap nek bhi hain, achche bhi hain. Aur iss industry ke ups and downs bhi samajh gaye hain (You are kindhearted. You have understood the ups and downs of this industry). So, keep going. Yeh ups and downs to aate hain. Baap toh hai hi, bore kar deta hai, par yeh uska haq hai. Haq ke taur pe aap logon ke yeh keh raha hoon, all the best (Ups and downs are a part of life. I know you get bored of me for giving you such lectures, but that’s my job as your father).” How sweet, isn't it?
In today's day and age, most parents are afraid of being strict with their children, as they fear the latter may withdraw from them. It is only when one looks at parent-child bond from previous generations, one is reminded of how back in the day things were so different and respect was always given regardless.
However, when one looks at parents today, it is safe to say that they have to tiptoe around things when they are dealing with their children, simply because they are not sure of their reaction. Respect is no longer given, it in a way has to be earned.
Dharmendra's relationship with his children may not have been picture perfect, but what is awe inspiring is how the bond they share is so rock solid and unshakeable. The respect, the undying love and the camaraderie is may be subdued, but it is very much palpable.
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