The Indian film industry is in mourning following the passing of veteran actor Dharmendra, who left us on Monday at the age of 89. The legendary star, who would have celebrated his 90th birthday on December 8, succumbed to a prolonged illness at his Mumbai residence.
A Final Goodbye: Prayer Meet and Private Ceremony
In memory of the beloved actor, a prayer meet is expected to be held later this week. The location for this solemn gathering is yet to be finalized, according to an insider who spoke to PTI. This comes after the actor was cremated on Monday afternoon in a private ceremony at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Juhu, Mumbai.
This final farewell stood in contrast to the large, public funerals of other icons like Sridevi and Yash Chopra, who were accorded state honours. The Deol family chose a more intimate setting to say their goodbyes.
Bollywood Unites in Grief
Throughout Tuesday, November 25, the Deol residence became a place of pilgrimage for members of the film fraternity. Stars arrived in succession to offer their condolences and stand in solidarity with the grieving family.
In the evening, Hrithik Roshan and his father, filmmaker-actor Rakesh Roshan, paid their respects. Rakesh Roshan shared the screen with Dharmendra in the 1983 film Teesri Aankh.
Earlier in the day, Ajay Devgn was photographed arriving at the home. The list of visitors was a testament to Dharmendra's wide-reaching impact, including Farah Khan, Shatrughan Sinha with his wife Poonam, Varun Dhawan, Ananya Panday, Kajol, Jackky Bhagnani, Rakul Preet Singh, and the director duo Abbas-Mastan.
A Life and Legacy Remembered
The actor's health had been declining in his final weeks. He was recently put on ventilator support after experiencing breathing difficulties. Although he was discharged and continued treatment at home, he eventually passed away.
Dharmendra, born Dharam Singh Deol in Punjab in 1935, leaves behind a colossal legacy spanning six decades and over 300 films. He is survived by his first wife, Prakash Kaur, and their children Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Ajeta, and Vijayta. He is also survived by his second wife, Hema Malini, and their daughters Esha and Ahana.
Celebrated for his incredible versatility, he delivered some of Indian cinema's most unforgettable performances in classics like Sholay, Chupke Chupke, Satyakam, Anupama, and Seeta Aur Geeta. His work across romance, comedy, and action genres cemented his status as a true legend.
