Actor Ameesha Patel has opened up about her warm relationship with the late veteran star Dharmendra, recalling how he always treated her like a member of the Deol family. Dharmendra passed away on November 24, 2025, at the age of 89.
In a recent interview with Zoom, Ameesha said the legendary actor’s passing felt deeply personal to her. She revealed that although they did not interact very frequently, Dharmendra always considered her part of the family.
“When Dharam ji left us, it felt like a personal loss for me. I truly felt it,” Ameesha said. “Even though we didn’t meet often, he regarded me as ‘Ameesha Deol’ and treated me as part of the family.”
Ameesha’s bond with the Deol family grew stronger through her long-standing professional and personal relationship with actor Sunny Deol. The duo first shared screen space in the blockbuster film Gadar: Ek Prem Katha (2001), which became one of the biggest hits of its time.
More than two decades later, they reunited for Gadar 2 in 2023. The sequel also turned out to be a massive box-office success, reviving the iconic on-screen pairing of Sunny and Ameesha.
Speaking about their friendship, Ameesha said the two actors have supported each other through some of the toughest phases of their lives and careers.
“Sunny and I have supported each other through our most challenging moments,” she said. “I always tell him that it doesn’t matter if anyone else wants to work with him or not. If Sunny asked me to play a tree in a movie without any lines, he’s the only actor I would do it for.”
According to Ameesha, their connection goes beyond professional collaborations. She believes their friendship will continue to remain strong both on and off the screen.
“Our friendship will endure, regardless of the circumstances,” she added, highlighting the deep trust and respect that defines her relationship with Sunny Deol and the Deol family.
