People gathered in large numbers on Saturday to offer prayers for legendary actor
Dharmendra at a prayer meet organised by his wife, veteran actress and politician
Hema Malini. The atmosphere was heavy with grief as fans, colleagues, and well-wishers came together to remember the man fondly known as Bollywood’s original He-Man.
Dharmendra passed away on November 24, just weeks short of his 90th birthday, after a prolonged illness. The news of his demise had left the entire nation in shock and mourning.
‘I never imagined I would organise a prayer meet for him’
Addressing the gathering, an emotional
Hema Malini struggled to hold back tears as she spoke about the loss of her life partner, according to PTI.
“I never imagined that I would have to organise a prayer meeting for my beloved Dharm ji,” she said. “It was an inconsolable shock.”
Recalling their long journey together, she added, “We shared an association of 57 years and worked together in 45 films, more than 25 of which were super hits.”
From onscreen romance to a lifelong bond
Describing Dharmendra as simple, humble, and full of joy, Hema Malini said that despite his immense stardom, he always remained deeply connected to his roots.
“I still feel surprised and happy that my onscreen love became my life partner in real life,” she said. “Since our love was true, we faced challenges together and got married.”
Calling him a loving husband, a devoted father to daughters Esha and Ahana, and an affectionate grandfather to his five grandchildren, Hema said Dharmendra’s warmth extended far beyond the screen.
Esha Deol and Ahana Deol, however, could not attend the prayer meet due to personal reasons.
A career of over 300 films and many passions
Recalling Dharmendra’s illustrious career, Hema Malini said he lived and breathed acting, appearing in over 300 films and excelling across genres — action, romance, comedy, and intense dramatic roles.
“Comedy was his favourite,” she noted, adding that few people knew about his love for Urdu poetry. She revealed plans to fulfil one of his uncompleted dreams. “I will ensure that a book of his Urdu shayari is published. It was something he had planned.”
Hema Malini also touched upon Dharmendra’s brief political journey, recalling that he won the Bikaner Lok Sabha seat in 2004 but later stepped away as acting remained his true calling.
“He campaigned for me during my 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections,” she said.
Friends remember the man behind the legend
Filmmaker Anil Sharma, who hails from Mathura, admitted he was still unable to come to terms with Dharmendra’s passing.
Adding a lighter note amidst the grief, Janardan Sharma, Hema Malini’s representative, recalled Dharmendra’s humour during the 2014 election campaign. “He once joked, ‘Agar Hema ko vote nahi diya to main pani ki tanki pe chadh jaunga.’”
Baldev MLA Puran Prakash and Congress leader Pradeep Mathur described Dharmendra as not just a legendary actor, but a wonderful human being remembered for his warmth, humour, and simplicity.
Documentaries, shayari, and bhajans mark the tribute
The prayer meet featured two documentaries — one curated by Anil Sharma and another showcasing Dharmendra’s Urdu shayari — followed by a bhajan evening that added a spiritual note to the remembrance.
Earlier, on December 11, Hema Malini, along with daughters Esha Deol and Ahana Deol, had held another prayer meet that saw Kangana Ranaut, Ravi Kishan, and several political leaders pay their respects. This came just days after Dharmendra’s sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol organised a prayer meet for their late father on December 8, marking his birth anniversary.
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