He Deserved It Much Earlier
Esha Deol has broken her silence on the emotional moment when her mother Hema Malini accepted the late Dharmendra’s Padma honour. The actress candidly shared that the recognition was long overdue, saying her father deserved it much earlier. In a recent interview, Esha recalled the pride and gratitude that washed over her as she watched Hema Malini receive the award on behalf of the legendary actor.
She noted that some moments are simply too powerful to keep inside. ‘What I felt that day wasn’t just mine – it was something our family, his fans, and so many people who love him were feeling,’ she shared, adding that seeing her mother accept the honour was deeply emotional. The Deol family, along with the entire Bollywood fraternity, has been celebrating Dharmendra’s legacy after the posthumous recognition.
The Emotional Award Ceremony
The Padma honour for Dharmendra came as a long-awaited tribute to his iconic contributions to Indian cinema. Esha described the ceremony as a mix of pride, gratitude, and a wistful wish that her father could have been there himself. ‘I expressed my emotions because some moments deserve to be felt and shared,’ she said, reflecting on the bittersweet occasion.
Hema Malini’s graceful acceptance of the award on Dharmendra’s behalf added to the poignant atmosphere. Esha admitted that the entire family felt a range of emotions, but above all, there was immense thankfulness for the love fans continue to shower on the veteran star. The actress believes that the honour, though posthumous, was a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to cinema.
Esha Cherishes Memories of Her Father
Beyond the award ceremony, Esha cherishes the fond memories she has of growing up with Dharmendra. The actress often shares glimpses of their bond on social media, keeping his spirit alive for fans. She believes that the love and respect people have for her father are his greatest achievements – even bigger than any award.
Reflecting on his legacy, Esha said Dharmendra’s connection with his audience was unparalleled. ‘He deserved this much earlier,’ she reiterated, echoing the sentiments of millions who grew up watching his films. For Esha, the Padma honour is not just a medal but a symbol of the enduring adoration her father earned over decades. The Deol family continues to celebrate the ‘He-Man’ of Bollywood, whose work will never be forgotten.