‘This Birthday Doesn’t Feel Right’: Celina Jaitly Grieves Dharmendra’s Death, Speaks About Her Brother’s ‘Suffering’

Actress Celina Jaitly has turned 44 today, and she penned an emotional note, stating this this year her birthday doesn’t feel right. She wrote that she is far from joyful today, and is extremely saddened by the death of veteran superstar Dharmendra. Expressing her grief over his demise, she wrote that her heart is breaking for Dharmendra’s family members Esha Deol, Ahana, Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Vijeta, Ajeeta, Hema Malini and Prakash Kaur. Apart from this, she also mentioned that she is going through a difficult time as her brother, Maj. (Rtd.) Vikrant Kumar Jaitly has been detained in the UAE since last year.

Celina Jaitly Says Her Birthday This Year Is Not A Happy One

On Monday, Celina Jaitly took to her Instagram to share a throwback photo

with veteran actor Dharmendra. Mourning his demise, she wrote in the caption, “#dharmendraji I am immensely saddened to hear of the passing of Dharamji, this year my birthday does not feel right at all. Dharamji was not just a legendary actor, he was one of the integral pillars of the most glorious years of Indian cinema, a man whose grace, charm, strength & humility shaped an entire era. My heart is breaking for my dear friend @imeshadeol , for Ahana, for Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Vijeeta, Ajeeta, for Prakash Kaur ji, for Hema ji, for all grandchildren the entire Deol family, my deepest condolences.”

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A post shared by Celina Jaitly (@celinajaitlyofficial)

She further added that with Dharmendra’s death, as well as the suffering of her brother Maj. (Rtd.) Vikrant Kumar Jaitly, this year her birthday has been far from joyful. “With the passing of Dharamji, with the suffering of my own brother, with so many personal storms this year, my birthday today is not a happy one. Some birthdays are not meant for celebration, they are meant for reflection, prayers & silence. May God give the Deol family strength, may Dharamji’s soul rest in eternal peace,” she wrote.

Dharmendra’s Death

Dharmendra, fondly known as the ‘He-Man of Bollywood’, passed away on Monday. The veteran star breathed his last on November 24, 2025, just days after being discharged from Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital, where he had been admitted for a routine checkup. The actor had complained of breathlessness but was deemed stable enough to continue recovery at home. However, his condition deteriorated unexpectedly on Monday morning, leading to his demise.

Celina Jaitly Appeals For Her Brother’s Return

Earlier this month, the Delhi High Court directed the external affairs ministry to provide legal assistance to Major (Retd.) Vikrant Kumar Jaitly, who has been detained in the UAE for over a year. Celina hailed the Delhi High Court’s ruling as a “ray of hope”. Celina Jaitly’s petition stated that her brother, a veteran of the Indian Army’s 3 Para Special Forces, has been detained in the UAE since September last year. Despite his long-standing service, including being a recipient of the COAS Commendation for Gallantry, the actor stated that the Indian authorities had not been able to provide clear information on his welfare and legal situation.