Esha Deol credits late father Dharmendra's design passion, handcrafted logo
Synopsis
Esha Deol's venture into luxury interior design carries her late father Dharmendra's fingerprints — literally. The handcrafted lantern in her brand logo, a personal gift from the late Bollywood icon, transforms a commercial symbol into a living memorial. In her emotional recollection, Deol reveals how Dharmendra's creative mentorship and unwavering belief shaped her professional identity.
Key Takeaways
Esha Deol credited her late father Dharmendra for nurturing her passion for design and landscape aesthetics.
The lantern featured in her brand logo was personally handcrafted by Dharmendra as a gift to his daughter.
Dharmendra passed away in November 2024 at the age of 89 after suffering from breathing difficulties.
Aamir Khan and Abhishek Bachchan attended his cremation in Vile Parle, Mumbai .
Dharmendra won a Filmfare talent competition in 1958 , the same platform that later discovered Rajesh Khanna .
Bollywood actress Esha Deol on 11 May opened up about her late father Dharmendra's profound influence on her creative pursuits, revealing that the legendary actor shared her passion for design and landscape aesthetics. Speaking at a special event in Mumbai, Deol became emotional as she recalled their collaborative moments and the legacy he left behind through her luxury interior design venture.
A shared creative bond
Deol recounted how she and her father would spend hours discussing landscapes and spatial design. "Papa and I would spend hours discussing different landscapes, simple spaces and he would always say, 'Lage raho bete, karte raho (keep going, give it your all), and those words I carry even today with me, which guide me," she said. She credited his unwavering faith in her creativity as the catalyst that empowered her to pursue design professionally.
The handcrafted logo
In a deeply personal revelation, Deol disclosed that the lantern featured in her brand logo was handcrafted by Dharmendra himself as a gift. "The lantern in my logo was actually personally handcrafted by Papa. It was a gift he had given me. Yes, he loved doing all this. So, you know, it's not just a symbol, it is his light that I carry forward," she explained, underscoring how the design element transcends commercial branding to become a tribute to her father's memory.
Dharmendra's legacy
Dharmendra, one of Hindi cinema's most enduring leading men, passed away in November 2024 at the age of 89. He was reportedly placed on a ventilator after suffering from breathing difficulties. His death prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the film industry, with prominent figures including Aamir Khan and Abhishek Bachchan attending his cremation in Vile Parle, Mumbai. Filmmaker Karan Johar also commemorated the late actor through a social media post.
From talent hunt to stardom
Born in 1935 in Punjab, Dharmendra entered the film industry after winning a nationwide talent competition organised by Filmfare magazine in collaboration with Bimal Roy Productions in 1958. His striking looks and natural charm secured his victory, launching a career that would span decades. Notably, the same talent hunt platform would later discover Rajesh Khanna, who became one of Hindi cinema's biggest superstars.
Point of View
One shaped by creative collaboration rather than the romantic heroism he embodied on screen. In a Bollywood ecosystem obsessed with dynasties, this is a story about inherited values rather than inherited fame.
NationPress
11 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Esha Deol reveal about her father Dharmendra's interest in design?
Esha Deol revealed that Dharmendra shared her passion for design and landscapes. She recalled spending hours with him discussing different spaces and landscapes, and credited his encouragement and faith in her creativity as the foundation for her professional design career.
How is Dharmendra connected to Esha Deol's brand logo?
The lantern featured in Esha Deol's luxury interior design brand logo was personally handcrafted by Dharmendra as a gift to his daughter. She described it not merely as a commercial symbol but as his light that she carries forward.
When did Dharmendra pass away?
Dharmendra passed away in November 2024 at the age of 89. He was reportedly placed on a ventilator after suffering from breathing difficulties.
How did Dharmendra enter the film industry?
Dharmendra won a nationwide talent competition organised by Filmfare magazine in collaboration with Bimal Roy Productions in 1958. His striking looks and natural charm secured his victory, launching his decades-long career in Hindi cinema.
Which other actor was discovered through the same talent hunt that launched Dharmendra's career?
Rajesh Khanna, who became one of Hindi cinema's biggest superstars, was discovered through the same Filmfare talent hunt platform that identified Dharmendra in 1958.
