A recent prayer meeting held in memory of the late Dharmendra, a veteran Bollywood actor, drew attention not only for the gathering itself but also for the notable absence of his second wife, Hema Malini, and their daughters, Esha and Ahana Deol. The event, organized by Dharmendra’s first wife, Prakash Kaur, alongside their sons Sunny and Bobby Deol, was a poignant occasion for the family.
While the prayer meeting took place, Hema Malini was reportedly hosting a separate memorial at her residence. This decision raised eyebrows among attendees, as many expected the entire family to unite for the tribute. At the time of the prayer meet, a pandit was seen entering Hema’s home, and several celebrities, including Mahima Chaudhry and Sunita Ahuja, visited Hema Malini to pay their respects.
Sunita Ahuja confirmed that Hema held a bhajan sandhya, a ceremonial event centered around devotional songs and prayers. She expressed her emotional response to the gathering, saying, “Hema ji had kept a path of Bhagavad Gita and bhajans. So, we all listened to the bhajans. I couldn’t stop crying in front of Hema ji.” This illustrates the deep connection and grief shared by friends and family in honoring Dharmendra’s memory.
Dharmendra, who had two daughters with Hema Malini, was previously married to Prakash Kaur, with whom he had four children. This complex family dynamic was on full display during the prayer meet, which aimed to celebrate Dharmendra’s life and legacy. The event saw a considerable turnout, including many well-known figures from the entertainment industry, highlighting the actor’s immense influence.
The prayer meeting, branded “Celebration of Life,” was held at a hotel in Mumbai and featured family members, including the Deol brothers, and relatives such as Ajeeta and Vijeta. Emotional moments marked the gathering as Sunny and Bobby Deol reflected on their father’s impact. The meeting commenced at 5:30 PM and concluded around 8 PM, providing a structured opportunity for family and friends to come together in remembrance.
Notable attendees included prominent figures such as Aishwarya Rai, Salman Khan, and Madhuri Dixit, among others, underscoring Dharmendra’s lasting legacy within the film industry. He passed away at the age of 89 on November 24, shortly before his 90th birthday. His career spanned decades, and he was celebrated for his contributions to Indian cinema.
Hema Malini conveyed her heartache through a heartfelt tribute on social media, stating, “Dharam ji… He was many things to me. Loving husband, adoring father of our two girls, Esha and Ahaana, Friend, Philosopher, Guide, Poet, my ‘go to’ person in all times of need — in fact, he was everything to me!” This reflection on their relationship illustrates the profound personal loss she experienced.
Dharmendra’s passing marked the end of an era, as he had been an influential figure in Bollywood since the 1950s. After a brief hospitalization, he returned home to recover but sadly passed away just days before his milestone birthday. His cremation took place on November 25 in Mumbai, a final farewell to a beloved figure in the industry. The outpouring of love and support from family and friends at the prayer meeting is a testament to the impact he had on those around him.