Dharmendra, the iconic Bollywood actor, initially harbored reservations about his daughter, Esha Deol, pursuing a career in the film industry. This stemmed from his traditional upbringing and a desire for her to settle down and marry at a young age, around 18. However, Esha, inspired by her mother Hema Malini's successful on-screen career, was determined to follow her passion for acting.

Esha Deol, born on November 2, 1981, is the elder daughter of Dharmendra and Hema Malini. She made her Bollywood debut in 2002 with the romantic thriller "Koi Mere Dil Se Poochhe," which earned her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut. Before entering Bollywood, Esha had to convince her father, which was a lengthy process.

Dharmendra's initial reluctance wasn't a reflection of a lack of faith in his daughter's abilities, but rather a protective instinct rooted in traditional values. He had witnessed the demanding nature of the film industry and perhaps wished to shield her from potential hardships. Despite his initial hesitation, Dharmendra eventually came around and supported Esha's decision.

After her debut, Esha appeared in a string of films that didn't fare well at the box office. However, she found success with movies like "Aayutha Ezhuthu" (2004), "Dhoom" (2004), "Dus" (2005), "Kaal" (2005), and "No Entry" (2005). In 2011, Esha starred alongside her father, Dharmendra, in the film "Tell Me O Kkhuda," which was directed and produced by her mother, Hema Malini. This marked a significant moment in her career, symbolizing the family's collective involvement in her cinematic journey.

Dharmendra's career has spanned over six decades, with more than 300 films to his name. He is considered one of the greatest and most successful actors in Indian cinema. His initial reluctance towards Esha's career choice highlights the generational differences and evolving perspectives within the Deol family, one of Bollywood's most prominent film dynasties. The Deol family has maintained a strong presence in the Hindi film industry, with Dharmendra's sons, Sunny and Bobby Deol, also making significant contributions.

Esha took a hiatus from acting before returning to the screen in the web series "Rudra: The Edge of Darkness" in 2022 and "Hunter Tootega Nahi Todega" in 2023.

Dharmendra's journey from initial reluctance to supporting his daughter's aspirations reflects a broader societal shift in attitudes towards women pursuing careers in traditionally male-dominated fields. It also underscores the strength of family bonds and the ability to evolve one's views in light of a loved one's passion and determination.