The Indian film industry and countless fans are gathering today to celebrate the extraordinary life of veteran actor Dharmendra. Two days after his passing, the Deol family is hosting a public prayer meet to honour the beloved star, inviting friends, colleagues, and admirers to pay their final respects.
A Final Farewell at Taj Lands End
The memorial service is being held at the prestigious Taj Lands End in Mumbai and is scheduled to run from 5 pm to 7:30 pm. The gathering is open to the public, allowing fans to join the film fraternity in commemorating the actor's legacy. Throughout the day, meticulous preparations were visible at the venue, with hotel staff and event planners working in coordination to finalize seating arrangements, elegant floral decor, and security protocols to ensure a seamless and dignified event for all attendees.
In a touching tribute to Dharmendra's iconic career, reports confirm that renowned playback singer Sonu Nigam will perform some of the late actor's most memorable songs during the ceremony. This musical homage is set to be an emotional highlight, reflecting the soundtrack of a legendary life in cinema.
An Industry in Mourning
Dharmendra, fondly known as the "He-Man" of Bollywood, passed away on November 24 at his residence in Mumbai. He was 89 years old. His subsequent cremation at Pawan Hans was a somber affair attended by immediate family and a circle of close friends from the industry, including icons like Amitabh Bachchan, Salim Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Salman Khan.
In the days following the cremation, the family's home has seen a continuous stream of visitors offering condolences. Prominent stars such as Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal, and Asha Parekh have all visited to share their grief and support with the grieving family.
A Personal and Public Legacy
The profound personal loss was poignantly expressed by Dharmendra's wife, Hema Malini, who shared an emotional note on Instagram. She posted a series of cherished photographs, captioning them with a heartfelt tribute to the man she knew beyond the silver screen.
"He was many things to me," she wrote. "Loving husband, adoring father to our two girls Esha & Ahaana, friend, philosopher, guide, poet, my 'go to' person in all times of need — in fact, he was everything to me!" She further described his unique place in the public eye, noting his talent, humility, and universal appeal that made him an unequalled icon.
Dharmendra's career was nothing short of legendary, spanning more than six decades and cementing his status as a pillar of Hindi cinema. He had been dealing with age-related issues and was previously admitted to Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital. The actor would have celebrated his 90th birthday on December 8. He is survived by his wives, Prakash Kaur and Hema Malini, and his children, Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, and Esha Deol.
