‘I felt weak, hollow, and restless’
Bobby Deol has opened up about the profound emotional impact of losing his father, legendary actor Dharmendra, in a candid conversation with podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia. The actor admitted that the loss changed him forever, leaving him feeling empty and adrift for months.
“Losing someone that special changes you forever. Initially, I felt weak, hollow, and restless. For months, there was an emptiness inside me,” Bobby revealed. He explained that the initial period was marked by pain and confusion, but gradually, the memories of his father became a source of comfort and motivation. “The more I thought about him, the stronger I became. All the beautiful memories started encouraging me and giving me strength,” he shared.
The actor described how he would replay a particular moment from weeks before Dharmendra fell ill. “I was leaving for work and my father was sitting on the sofa. He called out, ‘Bob.’ I responded, and he simply smiled. He was 89 years old. That moment keeps replaying in my head,” Bobby recalled, adding that he could still sense his father’s presence. “I could sense him. I could feel him. He’s telling me be strong, be brave.”
‘He left me with that moment intentionally’
Bobby revealed that he continues to feel a strong connection with his father even after his passing. The memory of Dharmendra asking if he was going to work keeps replaying in his mind every day. “I feel like he left me with that moment intentionally. He was 89 years old and still wanted to work. Maybe he wanted me to remember that and keep pushing myself,” the actor said.
The love Bobby has received from fans and well-wishers over the past few months has also helped him navigate the loss. “Everywhere I’ve travelled over the past few months, people have shown me so much love. At first, I felt the absence of my father. Then I began to feel that this love was coming through him, through all the hearts he had touched over the years,” he shared, adding that the realization brought him immense comfort. “I just felt okay, my dad is there.”
‘I feel fearless now’
The experience has transformed Bobby’s outlook on life and work. “Definitely. I feel fearless now. I’ve already experienced loss, so I don’t feel like I can lose anything else. I can only gain from here,” he said with conviction.
The actor added that he is approaching his career with renewed purpose and enthusiasm. “As an actor, I have no inhibitions anymore. I want to give everything I have to my work. I’m full of energy and positivity these days,” Bobby revealed, hinting at a new chapter in his professional journey.