In a rare and emotionally resonant family moment, Sunny Deol reunited publicly with his step-sisters Esha Deol and Ahana Deol at a special screening of his latest blockbuster Border 2 in Mumbai. The appearance marked the first time the siblings were seen together in public since the passing of their legendary father, Dharmendra, making the event both cinematic and deeply personal.
As the trio arrived at the venue, they paused to pose for photographers — Sunny Deol standing between Esha and Ahana, resting his arms gently on their shoulders. The images quickly gained traction online, symbolizing a poignant family bond rekindled in the wake of shared loss and celebration.
Esha Deol’s Heartfelt Review and Tribute
Following the screening, Esha Deol took to Instagram to share her appreciation for both the film and her brother, posting a heartfelt message along with photos from the event.
“Happy Republic Day. Really happy that our papa is being conferred with the prestigious Padma Vibhushan Award and Border 2 अपने परिवार और दोस्तो के साथ ज़रूर देखिए. We watched the film last night @iamsunnydeol you are the best. Shout out to @ahan.shetty @varundvn @diljitdosanjh @nidhiduttaofficial fantastic. Salute.”
Her post struck an emotional chord, blending national pride, familial remembrance, and professional admiration — while encouraging fans to watch the war epic with loved ones.
Dharmendra Honoured with Padma Vibhushan Posthumously
The emotional weight of the evening was heightened by the Centre’s announcement of Dharmendra as a recipient of the Padma Vibhushan (posthumously) — India’s second-highest civilian award — recognizing his extraordinary contribution to Indian cinema and culture.
Dharmendra passed away on November 24, 2025, leaving behind a towering legacy spanning over six decades in Hindi cinema.
Born Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol on December 8, 1935, in Nasrali village, Ludhiana (Punjab), he was the son of Kewal Kishan Singh Deol, a school headmaster. Driven by a lifelong passion for cinema, Dharmendra moved to Mumbai and debuted in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere.
Though his first film did not succeed commercially, he soon rose to prominence with hits such as:
- Shola Aur Shabnam (1961)
- Anpadh (1962)
- Bandini (1963 — National Film Award winner)
- Kaajal (1965)
In the 1960s and early 1970s, Dharmendra became Hindi cinema’s quintessential romantic hero, adored for his charisma, expressive eyes, emotional depth, and effortless charm in films like Aayee Milan Ki Bela, Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke, Pyar Hi Pyar, and Mamta.
A Legacy That Spanned Generations
Even in later years, Dharmendra continued to captivate audiences. His performance in Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023) drew widespread praise, with fans applauding his ability to redefine romance and tenderness in mature love — including a much-discussed onscreen moment with Shabana Azmi.
He later appeared in Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, reintroducing his charm to a younger generation. His final film, Ikkis, was released on January 1, 2026, just days after his passing — adding to the emotional resonance of his cinematic farewell.
Border 2: Sunny Deol Returns in Uniform
At the center of the screening was Sunny Deol’s high-profile return in Border 2, a sequel inspired by true events from the 1971 India–Pakistan War. The film highlights the coordinated heroism of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, bringing Sunny Deol back to the screen in a role steeped in patriotism and action.
Directed by Anurag Singh and produced by Gulshan Kumar and T-Series, in collaboration with JP Dutta’s JP Films, the movie also stars:
- Varun Dhawan
- Diljit Dosanjh
- Ahan Shetty
- Mona Singh
- Sonam Bajwa
- Anya Singh
- Medha Rana
The film blends large-scale war sequences, emotional drama, and patriotic fervor, tapping into the nostalgia of the original Border while introducing a new generation of soldiers and storytelling.
Record-Breaking Box Office Performance
Since its theatrical release on January 23, Border 2 has delivered one of the strongest openings in recent Bollywood history, according to trade analyst Taran Adarsh and figures released by the makers.
Box Office Collection (India Net):
- Opening Day: ₹32.10 crore
- Saturday: ₹40.59 crore
- Sunday: ₹57.20 crore
- Total (First Weekend): ₹129.89 crore
The numbers signal massive audience interest, fueled by Sunny Deol’s star power, patriotic themes, and the legacy of the original film.
Industry experts say the film’s success underscores the continued commercial strength of large-scale patriotic action dramas in Indian cinema.
A Family Legacy in Motion
The reunion of Sunny, Esha, and Ahana — coupled with Dharmendra’s national honour and Sunny’s box office resurgence — paints a portrait of a film dynasty navigating grief, pride, and legacy.
While Sunny Deol carries forward the action-hero lineage, Esha Deol’s public tribute reflected a new warmth and solidarity among the siblings, resonating with fans who have followed the Deol family’s journey for decades.
“You are the best,” Esha wrote in her message to Sunny — a simple but powerful acknowledgment of both familial affection and professional admiration.
A Moment of Cinema, Memory, and National Pride
With Border 2 roaring at the box office and Dharmendra posthumously honoured with the Padma Vibhushan, the Deol family finds itself at the intersection of cinematic celebration, national recognition, and personal remembrance.
For fans, the event served as a reminder that Hindi cinema’s golden legacy continues — not only through films, but through the emotional ties that bind its icons together.
