Bobby Deol has opened up about the profound impact of losing his father, veteran actor Dharmendra, revealing that the loss left him feeling “hollow” and restless for months before memories of his father began giving him strength.In a recent conversation with Ranveer Allahbadia, Bobby spoke candidly about grief, healing, and the ways in which he continues to feel his father’s presence in his life.
‘Initially, I felt weak, hollow, and restless’
Reflecting on the emotional aftermath of losing his father, Bobby admitted that it changed him forever.“Losing someone that special changes you forever. Initially, I felt weak, hollow, and restless. For months, there was an emptiness inside me. But then, the more I thought about him, the stronger I became. All the beautiful memories started encouraging me and giving me strength.”The actor said that while the initial period was marked by pain and confusion, memories of his father gradually became a source of comfort and motivation.
‘I could sense him, I could feel him’
Bobby also revealed that he continues to feel a strong connection with his father even after his passing.“I genuinely do. That memory of him asking me if I was going to work keeps replaying in my 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.”Recalling the memory, Bobby shared, “A few weeks before he 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.”The actor said he often feels his father’s presence guiding him.“I could sense him. I could feel him.”
‘He’s telling me be strong, be brave’
According to Bobby, the love he has received from people over the past few months has 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.”That realization, he said, brought him comfort.“I just felt okay, my dad is there, he’s telling me be strong, be brave.”
‘I can only gain from here’
The experience has also 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.”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.”