December 2025 was meant to be a month of celebration for Bollywood legend Dharmendra, with his 90th birthday, the re-release of Sholay, and anticipation around the film Ikkis. Instead, the month has turned reflective for fans and the film fraternity following the veteran actor’s passing on November 24, 2025.
Amid the tributes, one tender memory has resurfaced online — Dharmendra’s affectionate reaction to his son Bobby Deol’s striking appearance in the teaser of Animal in October 2023, where he famously called him his “innocent son”.
A proud father’s simple words
When the Animal teaser dropped, Bobby Deol’s brief yet powerful entry instantly caught public attention. Shirtless, holding a knife, and adorned with bold jewellery, his menacing look stood in sharp contrast to the gentle caption shared by Dharmendra on X.
“My innocent son in Animal…” the legendary actor wrote, a line that quickly went viral for its warmth and irony. Fans were moved by how a father’s love softened the image of one of Bollywood’s fiercest on-screen antagonists.
Bobby Deol’s transformation on screen
Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, Animal starred Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna, with Bobby Deol delivering one of the most intense performances of his career. His entry song, Jamal Kudu, became an internet sensation, celebrated for its catchy beat and Bobby’s unexpected dance moves.
The contrast between Bobby’s ferocious screen presence and Dharmendra’s affectionate words remains one of the most memorable moments associated with the film’s release.
Remembering Dharmendra
Dharmendra, fondly known as the “He-Man” of Bollywood, passed away after age-related health complications. He had reportedly been hospitalised for breathing issues and was discharged after weeks of treatment, but breathed his last a few days later at his residence.
Tributes from across India, including Karnataka, have poured in, with fans recalling not just his iconic roles but also his warmth as a father and mentor. His daughter Esha Deol’s emotional tribute on his 90th birth anniversary further underlined the personal loss felt by the family.
As cinema lovers revisit Dharmendra’s legacy, moments like his proud post about Bobby Deol continue to humanise a towering star who remained, above all, deeply family-oriented.