The Indian film industry and millions of fans across the nation are mourning the profound loss of cinema legend Dharmendra, who passed away at the age of 89 on November 24. The beloved actor, known as the 'He-Man' of Bollywood, was cremated at the Vile Parle crematorium in Mumbai, surrounded by family, friends, and colleagues from the film fraternity.
Karan Deol's Emotional Final Tribute
In a poignant display of familial duty and love, Dharmendra's grandson Karan Deol, son of Sunny Deol, was seen carrying the ashes of his legendary grandfather as he exited the crematorium. The young actor arrived at the funeral ground around 8:30 am accompanied by a priest and performed the traditional rituals with solemn dignity.
Karan, along with his younger brother Rajveer Deol, shared an exceptionally close bond with their 'Bade Papa'. The brothers frequently expressed their affection for Dharmendra through social media posts and public appearances, showcasing their deep connection with the veteran actor.
A Bond That Transcended Generations
The relationship between Dharmendra and his grandchildren was particularly special. Earlier this year in January, Karan had shared a heartfelt photograph from their family vacation in Manali, capturing warm moments with his grandfather. His caption read: "From mountain views to heartwarming moments, every second with you, Bade Papa, is a blessing. Grateful for your wisdom, laughter, and all the love you shower us with."
This public display of affection highlighted the strong intergenerational bonds within the Deol family, showing Dharmendra not just as a screen icon but as a cherished family patriarch.
Dharmendra's Final Days and Health Journey
In his later years, Dharmendra had been residing with his first wife, Prakash Kaur, at their picturesque farmhouse in Khandala. His health had been a matter of concern recently when he was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital after experiencing breathing difficulties.
After several days under medical observation, the actor was brought home for continued recovery and treatment. While various reports suggested he had been placed on ventilator support, the family maintained privacy about his exact medical condition, never officially confirming these speculations.
The entertainment industry has suffered multiple losses recently, with Dharmendra's passing following the deaths of fellow actors Pankaj Dheer, Asrani, Satish Shah, and advertising veteran Piyush Pandey.
Bollywood Pays Final Respects
The funeral saw an overwhelming turnout from the film community, with numerous celebrities arriving to pay their last respects to the legendary actor. The gathering read like a who's who of Bollywood, including:
- Amitabh Bachchan
- Shah Rukh Khan
- Salman Khan
- Govinda
- Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone
- Agastya Nanda
- Saira Banu
- Abhishek Bachchan
- Aamir Khan
- Sanjay Dutt
- Zayed Khan
The presence of these industry stalwarts underscored Dharmendra's immense impact and the respect he commanded across generations of Indian cinema.
As the Deol family navigates this difficult period, Karan Deol's solemn duty of collecting his grandfather's ashes marks both a heartbreaking conclusion and a respectful continuation of family traditions, ensuring that the legacy of one of India's most beloved actors will live on through his descendants and countless admirers.
