Bobby Deol recently attended an event where he accepted a Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of his father, Dharmendra. The veteran actor passed away on November 24, 2025, at the age of 89. He had a long and successful career in Indian cinema that lasted for more than six decades.
While accepting the award, Bobby Deol became emotional as he remembered his father. During his speech, he said, “I see my father’s love in all your eyes. My father touched everyone’s hearts through his work and even through his Instagram reels, which had become his new hobby.” His words reflected the strong connection Dharmendra had with his audience, even in recent years.
Speaking further about his father’s outlook on life, Bobby added, “He always wanted people to stay happy and believed that God has given all of us so much in life. He used to say that we all have a special gift within us, and if we believe in it, we can achieve anything.” These lines showed the values that Dharmendra believed in and shared with others.
He also spoke about how he wished to share this moment with his father. “And today, standing here, I feel like I’ll go home and tell him, ‘Papa, you couldn’t come, so I’ve brought your award with me.’ I never imagined I would be here like this, and Anant (Goenka) really wanted me here. I feel very blessed and grateful to God for making me his son. Papa, you are the best,” he said.
Dharmendra passed away at his home in Mumbai after a long illness and a short hospital stay due to breathing related issues. He was widely known as the He Man of Hindi cinema and was one of the most popular actors of his time.
Some of his well known films include Sholay, Seeta Aur Geeta and Mera Gaon Mera Desh. His performances were appreciated for their emotional depth and strong screen presence, making him a respected name in the industry.
His final rites were held at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Mumbai, where many people from the film industry and fans came to pay their respects. His last film appearance was in Ikkis, directed by Sriram Raghavan. The film, based on the life of Arun Khetarpal, was released in theatres on January 1, shortly after his passing.
Overall, the event served as a moment to remember Dharmendra’s contribution to cinema and the impact he had on audiences over the years.