Bobby Deol once called father Dharmendra a ‘beautiful soul’, became ’emotional’: ‘No one can be like my dad’

Almost choking, the Animal actor continued, “And I guess, I get emotional about it because he is really getting older now. And I wish my parents could live forever and ever.”

On what he admired about his father, Bobby shared, “He would be welcoming. Giving. Very understanding. He has made everyone he’s met feel special. He gives everyone so much respect and so much love, and that’s a special quality to have.”

This expression from Bobby reflected something millions silently feel but rarely articulate, shared psychotherapist and life coach Delnna Rrajesh. “The fear of watching your parents’ age. The longing to freeze time. The grief of imagining a world without them. And the deep desire for your children to inherit the emotional legacy that shaped you,” said Delnna.

Bobby Deol with Dharmendra and Sunny Deol (Photo: Bobby Deol/Instagram)

Delnna shared that ageing parents bring out a “unique cocktail of love, nostalgia, protectiveness and anticipatory grief”. “You begin to see them not as the invincible figures of your childhood, but as humans who are slowly becoming fragile. And that shift hits the core of your being,” expressed Delnna.

What we want to pass down isn’t wealth, status, or success. “It is values, kindness, emotional depth and the ability to make people feel seen. This is the emotional legacy every parent unknowingly leaves behind,” shared Delnna.

How to emotionally show up for your ageing parents today?

Most adults don’t know how to navigate this stage, asserted Delnna.

Here are practical ways to create meaningful connections while you still have the privilege of time:

*Spend intentional, device-free time with them. Even 10 minutes of undivided presence creates emotional safety.
*Record their stories. They won’t be here forever, but their wisdom will.
*Ask them about their childhood, dreams and regrets. It helps them feel valued, not invisible.

*Reassure them of their relevance. Ageing often brings a deep fear of becoming a burden. Tell them they still matter, said Delnna.
*Give them emotional dignity. Support them gently without taking away their independence.
*Resolve old wounds wherever possible. This stage becomes peaceful when unfinished emotional business is softened, shared Delnna.
*Teach your children how to love their grandparents consciously. This is how emotional legacy travels intact, said Delnna.