Dharmendras Emotional Reflection Why He Wanted More Time With Sunny and Bobby

Dharmendra, one of Indian cinema’s most beloved icons, has always been admired not just for his on-screen charisma but also for his deeply emotional nature. Over the years, the veteran star has occasionally allowed fans a glimpse into his personal life especially when speaking about his sons, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol. In one of his candid interviews, Dharmendra opened up about his regrets as a father, revealing how he longed for more time with his children during their formative years.

Reflecting on his journey, Dharmendra admitted that the pressures of stardom often kept him busy. Shoots, travel schedules, and the relentless pace of the industry meant that he could not be present as much as he wished. “I missed spending time with Sunny and Bobby,” he confessed. Despite being a loving father, circumstances sometimes made distance inevitable. He shared that this was one of his biggest emotional burdens knowing that moments lost in childhood never return.

The legendary actor also connected his parenting style to his own upbringing. Dharmendra grew up with a strict father, a man of few words but strong discipline. He recalled being “scared to death” of him, despite respecting him immensely. The fear created emotional distance, something he never wanted his own children to experience. This contrast between fear-driven respect and love-driven connection remained a constant theme in his reflections.

He described how, in his childhood, even the slightest mistake would invite harsh reprimand. While it instilled discipline, it also created walls. When Dharmendra became a father, he consciously tried to bridge those emotional gaps. Yet, the demands of his acting career made it difficult to consistently offer the presence and softness he aspired to. He expressed regret that while he tried to be a friend to his sons, he couldn't always be available in the way he dreamed of.

Sunny and Bobby, however, have often spoken about their father with immense pride and affection. They credit him for teaching them humility, hard work, and emotional strength. Their bond, visible even today, reflects deep respect and love one built over years of shared struggles, guidance, and unspoken understanding.

Dharmendra’s reflections resonate with countless parents who balance demanding careers while wrestling with guilt about not spending enough time with their children. He emphasized that fatherhood is not defined by grand gestures but by presence listening, laughing, sharing meals, and simply being there. It’s advice he often gives younger parents today: “Spend time with your children. Nothing is more precious.”

Today, with age slowing down his professional commitments, Dharmendra enjoys a closer, warmer bond with his sons and grandchildren. He often posts emotional notes and nostalgic memories on social media, celebrating family time he once yearned for. His honesty about his regrets and vulnerabilities continues to make him one of Bollywood’s most relatable figures.

Dharmendra’s journey as a father marked by love, longing, regret, and redemption remains a powerful reminder that even icons carry emotional scars. Yet, through openness and reflection, they can transform them into lessons for the next generation.