FM Nirmala Sitharaman, CM Rekha Gupta, HM Amit Shah pays tribute
Bollywood veteran Hema Malini was visibly emotional at the prayer meet for her late husband, superstar Dharmendra, held on December 11 in Delhi.
Addressing attendees, she opened her speech with a Sanskrit shloka and reflected on the immense loss she felt. “It feels like a companionship that stood the test of time has suddenly been taken away,” she said, expressing the shock and grief of losing her life partner.
Hema spoke warmly about Dharmendra’s generosity, simplicity, and compassion, highlighting their deep bond that began on-screen and blossomed into real-life love and marriage.
She praised him as a dedicated partner, loving father to their daughters Esha and Ahana, and doting grandfather to their five grandchildren, recalling his advice to nurture the family “with love and patience.”
She also emphasized his humility and kindness toward her extended family and everyone around him.
The prayer meet, organized by Hema along with her daughters, saw attendance from celebrities like Kangana Ranaut and Ravi Kishan, as well as numerous politicians.
This event followed a previous prayer meet on Dharmendra’s birth anniversary, organized by his sons Sunny and Bobby Deol. Dharmendra passed away on
November 24, leaving the nation mourning the loss of one of Hindi cinema’s most beloved stars.
The prayer meet saw prominent political figures, including Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta, BJP MPs Anurag Thakur, Kiren Rijiju, and Ashwini Vaishnaw, paying their respects.
Actors-politicians Ravi Kishan and Kangana Ranaut also attended. Dharmendra, who passed away on November 24, was celebrated for his versatility in films like Sholay, Chupke Chupke, and Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.
Beyond cinema, he served as an MP, judged India’s Got Talent, and appeared in TV series.
Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP chief J.P. Nadda paid heartfelt tributes.
Nadda called him the BJP’s pride, while Kangana highlighted his simplicity and connection to his roots.
Hema Malini, tearful, described his loss as an “inconsolable shock.”
Dharmendra, who passed on November 24, was honored with the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award (1997) and Padma Bhushan (2012) and briefly served as MP from Bikaner in 2004.
His last film, Ikkis, releases December 25. (Agencies)
