Bobby Deol Screen Awards 2026: Actor Bobby Deol couldn’t hold back his tears at the Chetak Screen Awards 2026 in Mumbai. When his father, Dharmendra, was given a Lifetime Achievement Award, Bobby took the stage to accept it on his behalf. He called his father the best, his voice breaking as he spoke about the incredible life and values Dharmendra left behind.
The honour was awarded posthumously to Dharmendra in recognition of his immense contribution to Indian cinema. The award was presented by veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar, filmmaker Ramesh Sippy and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Bobby Deol breaks down while accepting award for Dharmendra
As Bobby accepted the award, he grew visibly emotional while addressing the audience. The Animal actor spoke warmly about the love his father received from fans across generations, The Indian Express reported.
“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 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,” Bobby said.
Bobby added, “That’s why he worked in this industry for so many years, he saw both good and bad times but never gave up… Wherever I go and whoever I meet, I receive so much love because my father opened people’s hearts for us – for me, my brother, and our family. People love him so much that they welcomed us into their hearts without hesitation.”
Overcome with emotion, he concluded with a touching message for his late father. “And today, standing here, I feel like I’ll go home and tell him, ‘Papa, you couldn’t come, so I’ve brought your award with me’. I never imagined I would be here like this, and Anant (Goenka) really wanted me here. I feel very blessed and grateful to God for making me his son. Thank you so much. Papa, you are the best.”
Before Bobby took the stage, the ceremony honoured Dharmendra with a tribute montage showcasing some of his most memorable film moments. The segment featured a voiceover by Amitabh Bachchan, who recited lines from Dharmendra’s poetry.
All about Dharmendra
Dharmendra passed away on November 24 last year at the age of 89 at his Mumbai residence. Earlier that month, he had been discharged from Breach Candy Hospital after a health scare and was recuperating at home. His final rites were performed in Mumbai on November 25.
The legendary actor’s final film, Ikkis, directed by Sriram Raghavan, released in theatres on January 1 and received praise from both critics and audiences.
Earlier this year, Dharmendra was also honoured posthumously with the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award. His global recognition continued when the British Academy of Film and Television Arts paid tribute to him during the In Memoriam segment at the 79th BAFTA Awards.
Dharmendra is survived by his two wives, Prakash Kaur and Hema Malini. He also leaves behind his children, including actors Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, as well as daughters Esha Deol and Ahana Deol.