Bollywood Stars Gather to Honour Dharmendra at Prayer Meet

Mumbai, Emotions ran high on Thursday as a multitude of friends and colleagues from the Indian film industry came together to pay tribute to the legendary actor Dharmendra at a prayer meet. Known as the 'He-Man' of Indian cinema, Dharmendra passed away on 24 November 2025 at the age of 89. The gathering, titled 'Celebration of Life', was hosted by the Deol family at the picturesque lawns of Hotel Taj Lands End in suburban Bandra.

Among those present at the sombre event were Dharmendra's sons, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, and his daughters Ajeeta and Vijeta, along with grandsons Karan and Rajveer Deol. Nephew Abhay Deol was also in attendance. Notably absent were Dharmendra's second wife, Hema Malini, and their daughters, Esha and Ahaana Deol.

The prayer meet attracted a wide range of Bollywood celebrities, including Salman Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Madhuri Dixit, Vidya Balan, and Shabana Azmi, all of whom paid their respects to the actor who significantly shaped Indian cinema. The emotional weight of the occasion was palpable, especially for the Deol family, who appeared visibly moved as they participated in the gathering.

The event commenced at 5:30 pm and continued until around 8 pm, with the venue adorned in elaborate floral arrangements. Multiple LED screens displayed memorable scenes from Dharmendra's extensive filmography, which includes iconic films such as 'Sholay', 'Mera Gaon Mera Desh', and 'Apne'. The screens also showcased personal photographs from the actor's social media accounts, adding a heartfelt touch to the proceedings.

A prominent portrait of Dharmendra was placed on stage, where several singers performed popular songs from his films. Playback singer Sonu Nigam was among those who paid tribute, singing tracks such as 'Yeh Dosti Hum Nahi Todenge' and 'Main Kahi Kavi Na Ban Jau'.

Security was tight at the venue, with personnel stationed at all entry and exit points to manage the flow of attendees. Born Dharam Singh Deol in Punjab in 1935, Dharmendra's illustrious career spanned over six decades and included appearances in more than 300 films. His versatility as an actor allowed him to shine in genres ranging from action to romance and comedy. Notable works include 'Chupke Chupke', 'Satyakam', and 'Seeta Aur Geeta'. The gathering served as a poignant reminder of Dharmendra's impact on the film industry and his enduring legacy.