Hema Malini, along with her daughters Esha Deol and Ahana Deol, organised a heartfelt prayer meeting on December 11 to honour the late legendary actor Dharmendra. The intimate yet dignified gathering saw the presence of senior political leaders, including Amit Shah, Nirmala Sitharaman and Kiren Rijiju, who came to pay their respects to one of Indian cinema’s most iconic stars.
Standing on stage with Esha and Ahana by her side, Hema Malini delivered an emotional tribute that celebrated not just Dharmendra’s illustrious career but also the deep personal bond they shared. Speaking with visible heartbreak yet profound grace, she reflected on their journey from reel life to real life.
“Jis shakhs ke saath maine kai filmon mein pyaar ka abhinay kiya, wahi mere jeevansaathi ban gaye… Humara pyaar sachcha tha,” she said, her voice trembling. She recalled how Dharmendra became a devoted husband, a constant source of strength, and a pillar of unwavering support throughout their life together.
Hema shared that Dharmendra always stood by her decisions, never questioning her choices, and always encouraging her career and personal dreams. Her daughters, too, she said, received his boundless affection. “Esha aur Ahana ke liye woh ek vaatsalya se bhare pita bane,” she added, recalling how lovingly he guided them, supported them, and ensured their happiness—right until arranging their marriages at the right time.
She also spoke fondly of their five grandchildren, whom Dharmendra adored deeply. Watching him with them filled her with joy. “Unhe dekhkar itne khush ho jaate the… kehte the ye hamari sundar phoolwadi hai,” she said, describing how he always urged the family to nurture their bond with care and love.
Dharmendra, who married Prakash Kaur in 1954 and later married Hema Malini in 1980, leaves behind a large and deeply connected family. The veteran actor passed away on November 24 at the age of 89, days before what would have been his 90th birthday. He had been hospitalised earlier in November at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital.
The prayer meeting stood as a beautiful remembrance of his remarkable life—honouring not just the superstar he was to the world, but the devoted husband, father and grandfather he was to his family.
