Esha Deol names Dharmendra 'a perfect husband' at Pratap trailer launch
Synopsis
At the trailer launch of her upcoming film 'Pratap', Esha Deol turned a promotional question into a moving tribute — naming her late father Dharmendra, who passed away last year at 89, as her personal benchmark for a perfect husband. It was a rare candid moment at a Bollywood event that cut through the usual promotional script.
Key Takeaways
Esha Deol named her late father Dharmendra as her idea of 'a perfect husband' at the Pratap trailer launch on 26 October 2026 .
Dharmendra passed away on 24 November last year at the age of 89 . 'Pratap' is a crime drama starring Amit Sadh as a police officer who ends up behind bars.
The film also features Seema Biswas , Tigmanshu Dhulia , and Milind Gunaji in pivotal roles.
Directed by Sachin Saraf , 'Pratap' releases in cinemas on 20 November 2026 .
Actress Esha Deol paid a heartfelt tribute to her late father, veteran actor Dharmendra, calling him her idea of 'a perfect husband' during the trailer launch of her upcoming film 'Pratap' in Mumbai. The actress, who attended the event on 26 October 2026, was responding to a question about ideal qualities in a husband when she turned to her own family for the answer.
Esha's Tribute to Dharmendra
When asked to name an actor from Bollywood she considered a perfect husband, the 'Dhoom' actress did not have to think far. 'I have only seen my father as a husband from Bollywood,' she said, adding simply, 'So I will say Mr. Dharam ji.' It was a candid and emotional moment that drew attention at what was otherwise a promotional event. Dharmendra passed away on 24 November last year at the age of 89.
On Family and Togetherness
Esha also reflected on the broader value of family bonds, sharing a philosophy close to her heart. 'In life, the family that we have, that I believe is God given — our parents, our children. We choose our husbands ourselves, or our parents chose them for us, if it is arranged, but they become a family. So I believe that whatever ups and downs there are in life, it is important to support each other,' she said. The sentiment resonates with the themes of the film itself, which centres on loyalty and circumstances.
About the Film Pratap
'Pratap' tells the story of a police officer who, after spending most of his life putting criminals behind bars, finds himself in the same position. Esha described the project as multi-layered: 'What I liked about Pratap was that the story isn't as straightforward as it may seem. There are several layers to the narrative, and as the story unfolds, you begin to see the characters and their circumstances differently. Working with Amit and Sachin has been a wonderful experience, and I'm looking forward to audiences discovering what the film has in store.'
Cast and Release Details
The film stars Amit Sadh in the lead role, with Esha Deol, Seema Biswas, Tigmanshu Dhulia, and Milind Gunaji in pivotal supporting roles. Directed by Sachin Saraf, 'Pratap' is set to arrive in cinemas on 20 November 2026. The trailer launch marks the beginning of the film's promotional push ahead of its theatrical release.
Point of View
And Esha — never quite positioned at Bollywood's centre — continues to navigate both her legacy and her own creative identity. 'Pratap' gives her a vehicle to re-establish screen presence, but it is the personal moments like this one that tend to travel furthest on social media. Whether the film itself can convert that emotional goodwill into box-office numbers remains to be seen.
NationPress
26 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Esha Deol call Dharmendra a perfect husband?
Esha Deol called Dharmendra a perfect husband at the trailer launch of 'Pratap' when asked to name a Bollywood actor she considered an ideal husband. She said he is the only actor she has seen in that role, making him her personal benchmark.
When did Dharmendra pass away?
Dharmendra passed away on 24 November last year at the age of 89. He was one of Hindi cinema's most enduring stars and Esha Deol's father.
What is the film Pratap about?
'Pratap' follows a police officer who, after spending much of his life incarcerating criminals, finds himself on the wrong side of the law. Esha Deol has described the narrative as multi-layered, with characters whose circumstances are revealed gradually.
Who stars in Pratap and when does it release?
'Pratap' stars Amit Sadh in the lead role, with Esha Deol, Seema Biswas, Tigmanshu Dhulia, and Milind Gunaji in supporting roles. Directed by Sachin Saraf, the film releases in cinemas on 20 November 2026.
What did Esha Deol say about family at the Pratap trailer launch?
Esha said she believes family is a God-given gift and that it is crucial to support one another through life's ups and downs. She noted that while spouses are chosen — whether by oneself or through an arranged match — they too become irreplaceable family.
