The Deol family came together in a poignant display of unity and grief to honor the memory of the legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra, who passed away on November 24 at the age of 89. In a moment that captured significant attention, the late actor's daughter, Esha Deol, was supported by her ex-husband, Bharat Takhtani, during this difficult time.
Family Support Amidst Grief
Bharat Takhtani arrived at the Juhu residence of Hema Malini, Esha's mother, accompanied by his family to attend a prayer service organized for Dharmendra. Paparazzi captured Bharat dressed in a black kurta as he arrived at the home, where he was seen meeting a few people before heading inside for the solemn gathering. His presence was particularly notable given the couple's highly publicized separation, marking a gesture of solidarity for Esha and the entire family.
The prayer meet at Hema Malini's home saw a steady stream of family friends and well-wishers arriving throughout the day to pay their final respects to the beloved veteran actor, reflecting the deep impact he had on those around him.
Hema Malini's Emotional Tribute
Earlier on the day of the prayer service, Hema Malini took to social media to share an emotional and heartfelt tribute to her late husband. She posted a collection of cherished family photographs featuring herself, Dharmendra, and their daughters, Esha and Ahaana.
In a deeply personal note, Hema reflected on her decades-long relationship with the actor, writing, "He was many things to me. Loving husband, adoring father of our two girls, Esha & Ahaana, friend, philosopher, guide, poet—my ‘go to’ person in all times of need." She highlighted how he had endeared himself to all her family members with his easy and friendly nature.
Calling Dharmendra a "unique icon unequalled among all the legends," Hema praised his profound humility. She expressed the depth of her personal loss, stating, "My personal loss is indescribable and the vacuum created is something that will last through the rest of my life. After years of togetherness, I am left with myriad memories to relive the many special moments…"
Separate Service by Sunny and Bobby Deol
Concurrently, a separate prayer meeting was hosted by Dharmendra's first wife, Prakash Kaur, along with their sons, popular actors Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol. This gathering saw a significant turnout from the film industry, with major stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aishwarya Rai in attendance to honor the memory of the cinematic legend.
According to reports, both prayer meets held for Dharmendra witnessed steady footfall throughout the day as colleagues from the industry and close acquaintances gathered to pay their tributes, showcasing the widespread admiration and respect for the actor across different circles.
The simultaneous services highlighted the complex yet united nature of Dharmendra's family, as both sides came together in spirit to commemorate his immense life and legacy, each in their own personal and significant way.
