NEW DELHI: Veteran actor and parliamentarian Hema Malini grew visibly emotional on Sunday as she led a prayer gathering in honour of her husband, cinema icon Dharmendra, who passed away on November 24 at the age of 89. The ceremony drew an outpouring of love and respect from leaders, colleagues, and admirers of the late star.
The remembrance meet, held in the capital, saw the presence of several political dignitaries including Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP national president J.P. Nadda, alongside numerous MPs and ministers. Members of the film fraternity also joined the family — Hema Malini and daughters Esha Deol and Ahana Deol — in offering their condolences and sharing memories of the actor, who was cherished across generations.
While many spoke warmly of Dharmendra’s artistry and generosity, it was Hema Malini’s deeply personal tribute that left the hall in complete silence. Approaching the dais with teary eyes, she struggled to steady her voice as she addressed the audience.
She said she never imagined that life would place her in a moment where she would be “welcoming people to a prayer meeting for Dharam ji,” adding that though the world was grieving, her own loss felt immeasurable and beyond consolation.
Reflecting on their journey together, Hema Malini spoke of the bond that began on film sets and grew into a lifelong partnership. She described Dharmendra as her unwavering source of strength — someone who stood by her decisions, encouraged her ambitions, and supported her through every high and low. “He was not just my partner; he was my constant pillar,” she recalled.
In a particularly poignant moment, she shared an unfulfilled wish Dharmendra had carried with him in his later years — the dream of compiling his poetry into a book. Known for his spontaneous couplets and love for Urdu verse, Dharmendra had often expressed interest in publishing his writings. Hema Malini said he had begun planning the project, but his passing left the endeavour incomplete.
Dharmendra, remembered for his magnetic screen presence and remarkable versatility, leaves behind a legacy that shaped Hindi cinema for more than six decades. His death marks the end of an era, but for those present at the prayer meet — and for millions of fans — his memories continue to echo through his films, his words, and the lives he touched.
