At Delhi’s Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, the atmosphere turned deeply emotional as family, political leaders, and film personalities gathered to honour legendary actor Dharmendra at his prayer meeting on December 11, 2025. Hosted by Hema Malini along with daughters Esha and Ahana, the ceremony drew a large crowd, reflecting the unparalleled love and respect Dharmendra commanded across generations.
“I never imagined I would organise a prayer meet for my Dharam ji” — Hema Malini
Taking the stage with visible grief, Hema Malini’s voice trembled as she addressed the gathering.
“Today as I welcome all of you to this prayer meeting, I am overwhelmed with emotion. I never imagined that a day would come in my life when I would have to hold a memorial for my own Dharam ji. The whole world is mourning his passing, but for me the pain is indescribable… It is the breaking of a companionship that stood the test of time.”
Her words moved the audience, many of whom wiped their tears as she spoke of a bond forged through decades of love, challenges, and shared artistic journeys.
Amit Shah’s heartfelt tribute: “I have come here as a fan of Dharmendra ji”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who attended the prayer meet along with several senior leaders including JP Nadda, Nirmala Sitharaman, Kiren Rijiju and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, delivered a personal and nostalgic tribute.
“I never had a personal meeting with Dharmendra ji. Once he called me when Hema ji became an MP. He had also written a letter… He was deeply worried that Hema ji should win from her constituency with a good vote margin — and that’s exactly what happened,” Shah recalled.
Describing Dharmendra as a man with a “clean and pure heart,” Shah said,
“Today I am here not as the Home Minister, but as a fan of Dharmendra ji. He entered cinema when there was little money and no glamour. Through pure hard work, he created a place for himself that no one can replace.”
He spoke fondly of Dharmendra’s iconic versatility — the fierce Veeru of Sholay, the soft-spoken professor of Chupke Chupke, and the patriotic hero he portrayed in many films.
“I watched his film Aankhen many times. His patriotism felt real, not just acting. Even at 90, his passing is a huge loss. May God grant peace to his noble soul.”
Leaders and Artists Unite in Tribute
Members of Parliament from both the ruling party and opposition attended, highlighting Dharmendra’s universal appeal. From the film fraternity, Ranjeet, director Anil Sharma and several technicians and colleagues were present.
The hall resonated with memories, stories, laughter, tears — and a powerful reminder of how deeply Dharmendra touched Indian hearts.
A Superstar Loved Like Family
Dharmendra was remembered not just as a cinema icon, but as a warm, humble human being whose kindness outshone his stardom. For Hema Malini, Esha, Ahana and the entire family, the prayer meet became a moment of collective mourning — and collective celebration — of a life that will forever remain etched in Indian cinema history.
