A poignant prayer meet for Legendary Bollywood Actor Dharmendra, who passed away on November 24, 2025, at the age of 89, drew an array of political dignitaries and film luminaries to the capital on December 11, 2025, hosted by his wife and BJP MP Hema Malini at a prominent venue in South Delhi. The event, held in the evening, served as a solemn tribute to the "He-Man" of Hindi Cinema, whose death marked the end of an era, prompting widespread mourning across the nation. Attendees included Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, BJP MP Anurag Thakur, Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, all of whom offered floral tributes and shared personal recollections of Dharmendra's charisma and contributions to Indian culture.

Actor-politicians Ravi Kishan and Kangana Ranaut also joined the gathering, blending Bollywood's grief with political solidarity. Sitharaman, in a brief statement, lauded Dharmendra's versatility, from romantic leads in Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke (1969) to iconic roles in Sholay (1975) and Chupke Chupke (1975), calling him a "timeless bridge between hearts and screens." Rijiju echoed sentiments of national loss, while Gupta highlighted his portrayal of the everyman in films like Ayee Milan Ki Bela (1964) and Anupama (1966), which resonated deeply with Delhi's diverse audiences. The presence of these figures underscored Dharmendra's cross-sector appeal, having briefly served as a Lok Sabha MP from the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2004.

Dharmendra's demise, just weeks before his 90th birthday on December 8, came after a brief hospitalisation at Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital for respiratory issues in November, from which he was discharged but continued home treatment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had led the tributes on X, describing him as "an iconic film personality, a phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role," while South superstar Rajinikanth penned a heartfelt note: "Farewell, my friend. I will always remember your golden heart and the moments we shared. Rest in peace, Dharam ji." The actor's final film, Ikkis—a war drama on Param Vir Chakra recipient Arun Khetarpal—remains slated for release on December 25, 2025, ensuring his legacy endures on screen.

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Hema Malini, in an emotional Instagram post on Dharmendra's birthday just three days prior, reflected on their shared life: "Dharam ji. Happy birthday, my dear heart. More than two weeks have passed since you left me heartbroken, slowly gathering up the pieces and trying to reconstruct my life, knowing that you will always be with me in spirit. The joyful memories of our life together can never be erased." The couple's enduring romance, immortalised in films like Seeta Aur Geeta (1972) and Raja Jani (1972), added layers to the evening's tributes, with Malini visibly composed yet tearful as she received condolences.

The prayer meet also featured recitations from Dharmendra's poetry collection, including verses from his 2001 anthology born of solitude during health struggles, and screenings of clips from his over 300 films. Industry veterans like Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan, who attended his funeral in Mumbai on November 25, sent video messages, with Bachchan recalling their Sholay camaraderie: "A brother lost, but his spirit rides eternal."

As the nation reflects on Dharmendra's six-decade journey—from Punjab farmlands to Bollywood superstardom—this gathering not only honoured a cinematic giant but also highlighted his role in shaping India's soft power, leaving an indelible mark on generations through roles that blended machismo, humour, and humanity.

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