New Delhi – May 12, 2026, 12:08 PM IST
In a poignant moment that bridges the realms of cinema and design, actress-turned-entrepreneur Esha Deol has officially launched her interior design label, marking a significant new chapter in her professional life. The venture, deeply rooted in a cherished connection with her late father, the legendary actor Dharmendra, was celebrated with an outpouring of familial support, most notably from her elder brother, Bobby Deol. Esha’s foray into the world of interior design is not merely a business pursuit; it is a heartfelt tribute to a shared passion and a profound bond that transcends time and the silver screen.
The emotional resonance of this launch was palpable as Esha, daughter of Dharmendra and veteran actress Hema Malini, spoke candidly about her late father. She revealed how they would spend countless hours discussing designs, landscapes, and the intricate details of creating beautiful spaces. It was Dharmendra’s unwavering encouragement, his repeated exhortation to “Lage raho bete, karte raho” (Just keep at it, my child), that provided Esha with the foundational courage to pursue this creative path with conviction. This deeply personal connection underscores the significance of her new endeavor, transforming it from a commercial enterprise into a legacy project.
Bobby Deol, ever the supportive sibling, publicly acknowledged Esha’s new journey by reposting her heartfelt Instagram message. His words, a simple yet powerful expression of faith, read, “Wishing you all the love and luck as you begin this new journey. I am sure you are going to be amazing at it.” Esha’s tender reply, “Thank you, bhaiya” (Thank you, brother), encapsulated the enduring warmth and mutual admiration between the siblings. This public display of solidarity not only highlights their close relationship but also signifies a united front in celebrating Esha’s creative aspirations.
A Legacy Woven Through Design and Family Ties
The Deol family, a prominent name in Bollywood for generations, has often navigated the complexities of a blended family structure. Esha, the firstborn of Dharmendra’s second wife, Hema Malini, shares a unique familial dynamic with her older half-brothers, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, from Dharmendra’s first marriage to Prakash Kaur. While the two sides of the family have largely maintained separate lives, the bonds of kinship have remained strong. Esha has previously spoken of her tradition of tying rakhis to both Sunny and Bobby, a testament to the enduring familial affection that transcends marital relationships.
Esha’s launch event served as a platform to not only introduce her design label but also to illuminate the profound influence of her father on her creative sensibilities. She articulated how her passion for design was a shared one with Dharmendra, a connection that continues to guide her. “This journey would be incomplete without mentioning my father, Dharmendra ji,” she stated, her voice thick with emotion. “We both shared a passion for design and this special bond that we shared is something that I carry with me even today.”
Her voice faltered as she recounted their shared moments, a testament to the depth of her grief and the cherished memories. “Papa and I would spend… I can’t talk about it, it’s so difficult… Papa and I would spend hours discussing different landscapes, houses, simple spaces, and he always would say, ‘Lage raho bete, karte raho’ and those words… I carry them with me even today, they guide me. It was his faith in my creativity that gave me the courage to wholeheartedly pursue it today.” These words painted a vivid picture of a father-daughter relationship built on shared interests and mutual respect, a relationship that continues to inspire Esha’s present endeavors.
Adding a deeply personal touch to her brand, Esha revealed that the logo of her interior design label features a lantern, a design personally handcrafted by her father. “The lantern in my logo was personally handcrafted by Papa. It was a gift he had given me,” she shared, further cementing the idea that her business is an extension of his legacy and their shared aesthetic vision. This detail transforms a corporate symbol into a poignant heirloom, a tangible link to her father’s enduring presence.
Bobby Deol’s Tributes and the Enduring Spirit of Dharmendra
Bobby Deol’s unwavering support for his sister’s new venture is particularly significant given the recent public recognition of their father’s illustrious career. In April 2026, the Chetak Screen Awards 2026 posthumously honored Dharmendra with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Bobby Deol, present to accept the prestigious award on his father’s behalf, was visibly moved by the tributes from veteran screenwriter Javed Akhtar and filmmaker Ramesh Sippy.
During his acceptance speech, Bobby eloquently conveyed his father’s spirit and his impact on people’s lives. “I see my father’s love in all your eyes. My father touched everyone’s hearts through his work and even through his Instagram reels, which had become his new hobby,” he shared, referencing Dharmendra’s late-life embrace of social media. He further elaborated on his father’s philosophy, stating, “He always wanted people to stay happy and believed that God has given all of us so much in life. He used to say that we all have a special gift within us, and if we believe in it, we can achieve anything.” These words resonate deeply with Esha’s current journey, embodying the very spirit of pursuing one’s passions with belief and perseverance.
Dharmendra, a titan of Indian cinema, passed away in November 2025 at the age of 89, leaving behind a colossal legacy of iconic performances and a deeply admired personal life. His influence, it appears, continues to shape and inspire his children, even in his absence. Esha’s venture into interior design is a testament to this enduring influence, a creative outlet that allows her to honor her father’s memory and his appreciation for aesthetics.
Chronology of Esha Deol’s New Chapter
- May 12, 2026: Esha Deol officially launches her interior design label, marking a significant new professional endeavor.
- Recent Event (leading up to launch): Esha Deol speaks emotionally about her late father, Dharmendra, and their shared passion for design during an event related to her new venture. She highlights his encouragement and the personal significance of his handmade lantern design in her brand’s logo.
- May 12, 2026: Bobby Deol publicly supports Esha’s launch by reposting her Instagram post and sharing a message of encouragement. Esha reciprocates with a heartfelt thank you.
- April 2026: Dharmendra is posthumously honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Chetak Screen Awards 2026. Bobby Deol accepts the award on his father’s behalf and delivers an emotional speech.
- November 2025: Legendary actor Dharmendra passes away at the age of 89.
Supporting Data and Context: The Deol Family Dynamics and Artistic Pursuits
The Deol family’s foray into diverse creative fields is a long-standing tradition. While Dharmendra, Sunny, and Bobby are celebrated for their contributions to cinema, Hema Malini is not only an accomplished actress but also a trained Bharatanatyam dancer, showcasing a deep appreciation for the arts across generations. Esha’s transition into interior design reflects a similar artistic inclination, albeit in a different medium.
The nuanced family structure, with Dharmendra maintaining his first marriage while entering into a second, has been a subject of public interest. However, the consistent presence of familial love and support, as demonstrated by Bobby’s engagement with Esha’s new venture, highlights the enduring strength of their relationships. Esha’s past statements about tying rakhi to her brothers further underscore a commitment to fostering these connections.
Dharmendra’s late-life engagement with social media, particularly his Instagram reels, demonstrated a continued zest for life and a desire to connect with his audience on a more personal level. His willingness to share his hobbies and interests, even in his advanced years, speaks to a vibrant and curious spirit. This mirrors Esha’s own willingness to explore new avenues and embrace challenges in her career. The lantern motif in her logo, a personal gift from her father, serves as a symbolic representation of this shared light of creativity and familial affection.
Official Responses and Familial Affirmation
The most prominent “official response” to Esha Deol’s new venture comes from her brother, Bobby Deol. His public endorsement, shared across social media platforms, carries significant weight. His message: “Wishing you all the love and luck as you begin this new journey. I am sure you are going to be amazing at it,” is a clear affirmation of his belief in Esha’s capabilities and his pride in her achievements. Esha’s simple yet affectionate reply, “Thank you, bhaiya,” speaks volumes about their close bond and mutual respect.
While Esha herself has been the primary voice articulating the emotional and professional significance of her launch, her words about her father’s influence serve as a testament to his enduring impact. Her tearful recounting of their design discussions and his motivational words paint a powerful picture of a father’s guiding presence.
Implications of Esha Deol’s Design Venture
Esha Deol’s foray into interior design carries several implications:
- Diversification of Artistic Expression: It signifies a move beyond traditional acting roles, showcasing a multifaceted artistic talent and a desire to explore different creative avenues. This can inspire other public figures to pursue passions outside their primary domains.
- Legacy Building and Familial Connection: The venture is deeply intertwined with her father’s memory and their shared passion, making it a powerful act of legacy building. It highlights how familial bonds and shared interests can translate into tangible creative endeavors.
- Entrepreneurial Spirit: Launching a design label demonstrates Esha’s entrepreneurial spirit and her ambition to establish herself in a new industry. This can serve as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs.
- Bridging the Gap Between Entertainment and Lifestyle: The move positions Esha within the lifestyle sector, further blurring the lines between celebrity and lifestyle entrepreneurship, a trend increasingly observed in the modern media landscape.
- Potential for Cross-Promotion and Collaboration: Her background in cinema could potentially lead to unique collaborations with film sets, production houses, or even other entertainment personalities looking to design their personal spaces, creating interesting synergies.
- Reimagining Family Legacies: Esha’s venture, supported by Bobby, subtly reinforces the idea of a unified Deol legacy that extends beyond cinema, encompassing diverse artistic and entrepreneurial pursuits. It underscores the idea that family talent can manifest in varied and evolving forms.
In conclusion, Esha Deol’s launch of her interior design label is more than just a business announcement; it is a deeply personal and emotionally resonant endeavor. Supported by her brother Bobby, and inspired by the enduring legacy of her late father, Dharmendra, this new chapter signifies a powerful testament to shared passions, familial love, and the courage to pursue creative aspirations. The intricate threads of art, family, and entrepreneurship are woven together in this venture, promising a future filled with aesthetic innovation and heartfelt tributes.
