The passing of veteran Bollywood icon Dharmendra on November 24, 2025, sent waves of grief across the nation. As fans and the film fraternity mourned the loss, two separate prayer meets were held in his memory, revealing a poignant chapter in the legendary actor's personal life. Theatre owner and film executive Manoj Desai, who attended the ceremony hosted by Dharmendra's first family, has now shed light on the overwhelming public response and the notable absence of the actor's second wife, Hema Malini.
An Unprecedented Outpouring of Grief
Manoj Desai provided a vivid account of the prayer meet organized by Dharmendra's first wife, Prakash Kaur, and their sons, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol. He described a scene of monumental public affection, with hundreds of mourners forming long queues to pay their respects. "There was a huge line of cars. My car was standing at the 86th spot," Desai recalled, emphasizing the scale of the gathering.
He waited for 45 minutes just to exit the venue after meeting Sunny Deol, who thanked him for coming. Desai, a veteran of the industry, stated he had never witnessed a prayer meet of such magnitude, having attended services for other legends like Rajesh Khanna and Yash Chopra. "It felt like the whole nation was there. There was no one who didn't want to come," he remarked, highlighting Dharmendra's unparalleled connection with his audience.
Hema Malini's 'Wise' Decision for a Separate Tribute
On the same day, in Mumbai, Dharmendra's second wife, veteran actor Hema Malini, conducted a separate prayer meet at her residence. Manoj Desai expressed that this was a prudent move. "It was good that she didn't come," he said, explaining that her presence at the Deol family's event could have sparked unnecessary controversy or uncomfortable situations, potentially disrupting the solemn occasion.
"Hema and Dharmendra ji were very close, but if somebody would have said something to her, the whole prayer meet would have been messed up. So, it was good that she organised a prayer meet separately," Desai reasoned. He also reflected on their legendary on-screen partnership, noting that Dharmendra shared "maximum chemistry with Hemaji," while also having great rapport with other co-stars like Mumtaz and Meena Kumari.
The Personal Legacy of a Bollywood Legend
The separate gatherings underscore the complex personal life of the beloved star. Dharmendra was married to Prakash Kaur, with whom he had four children: Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Ajeeta Deol, and Vijeta Deol. He later married Hema Malini in 1980, and the couple has two daughters, Esha Deol and Ahana Deol.
The immense turnout at the prayer meet hosted by his first family stands as a powerful testament to Dharmendra's enduring legacy. It was not just a farewell from the film industry but a heartfelt goodbye from the countless fans whose lives he touched through a decades-long career. The dignified handling of the final rites by both families ensured that the focus remained on celebrating the life of the 'He-Man' of Indian cinema, away from any potential discord.
