Esha Deol, the daughter of cinema icons Dharmendra and Hema Malini, marks her 45th birthday on November 2. While she established her own identity on screen, her personal life has frequently drawn public attention. In 2024, she made headlines when she parted ways with husband Bharat Takhtani. Once considered one of the most stable relationships in the industry, their journey originated during their early teenage years before concluding after twelve years of marriage.
Early Encounters Across School Competitions
The connection between Esha Deol and Bharat Takhtani traces back to when they were just 13 years old. Although they attended different educational institutions, inter-school cultural and sports events brought them into frequent contact. Bharat had developed strong feelings for Esha early on. During one such competition, he attempted to hold her hand and prepare an adolescent proposal. The gesture backfired, as Esha took strong offense at the time and reprimanded him sternly.
A Written Number and a Decade Apart
Despite the initial friction, the connection was not entirely severed. Bharat later recalled that Esha herself wrote down her contact number on a tissue paper and handed it over to him. That gesture led to friendly conversations, but the communication was short-lived. Once their school years concluded, the two drifted apart. For approximately ten years, they had no direct contact. Interestingly, Bharat also developed a warm friendship with Esha's sister, Ahana Deol, maintaining that amicable bond over the years.
Reconnecting at Niagara Falls
A decade after losing touch, chance reunited them in Canada near the famous Niagara Falls. Rekindling their old familiarity, the dynamic between them shifted into genuine romance. Being mindful of their past incident, Bharat sought Esha's explicit permission before holding her hand this time, to which she willingly agreed. Their revived courtship eventually culminated in marriage, beginning a new chapter in their lives.
Renewing Vows Through Sindhi Traditions
The initial phase of their married life was filled with stability and affection. Marking five years of marital union, the couple decided to tie the knot a second time. Esha explained that this practice is a recognized ritual in Sindhi families, observed to reinforce and revitalize the marital bond. To devote her full energy to her home and partnership, Esha also decided to step back from active acting assignments in the film industry.
The Final Parting After 12 Years
Despite sincere attempts to sustain the relationship, personal differences began to create distance between the two. After twelve years of marriage, an inability to reach mutual harmony led them to choose separate paths. In 2024, the couple formally finalized their divorce, bringing an end to a romantic chapter that began in their school days.
