The Bollywood film fraternity came together in a poignant display of respect and grief on November 27, 2025, as they attended the prayer meet for legendary actor Dharmendra at Taj Lands End in Mumbai. The gathering, titled 'Celebration of Life,' saw emotional moments from the veteran actor's sons, Sunny and Bobby Deol, who welcomed guests with folded hands while visibly moved by the occasion.
Emotional Gathering at Taj Lands End
The prayer meet brought together numerous Bollywood stars and close friends of the Deol family, creating a somber yet dignified atmosphere at the prestigious Mumbai venue. Sunny and Bobby Deol stood at the entrance, greeting each guest with traditional Indian namaste, their faces reflecting the profound loss they were experiencing. The brothers, known for their tough on-screen personas, showed their vulnerable side as they acknowledged the outpouring of support from the industry.
Witnesses noted that both actors maintained their composure despite clearly being emotional throughout the event. The folded hands gesture, a sign of respect in Indian culture, symbolized not just their gratitude toward attendees but also their reverence for their father's memory.
Bollywood United in Grief
The gathering served as a testament to Dharmendra's widespread influence and popularity across generations in the Indian film industry. Major Bollywood celebrities including Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai were among the prominent figures who attended the prayer meet to pay their final respects to the beloved actor.
What made the event particularly significant was how it transcended typical industry boundaries, with stars from different eras and film families coming together. The unity displayed reflected Dharmendra's own career, which spanned decades and connected with audiences of all ages. The absence of Hema Malini and their daughters Esha and Ahana was noted, adding another layer of complexity to the family dynamics during this difficult time.
Honoring a Cinematic Legacy
The 'Celebration of Life' theme chosen for the prayer meet perfectly captured the spirit of the gathering. Rather than focusing solely on mourning, the event emphasized honoring Dharmendra's remarkable contributions to Indian cinema and his enduring legacy. Karan Deol, Dharmendra's grandson, had earlier performed the solemn duty of collecting the late actor's ashes from the crematorium, continuing the family traditions.
The prayer meet served as a bridge between generations of Bollywood, with veteran actors who had worked with Dharmendra alongside contemporary stars who grew up watching his films. This cross-generational tribute highlighted how the actor's work continues to inspire and influence the industry long after his peak years.
As the film fraternity bid farewell to one of its most cherished members, the emotional gathering at Taj Lands End stood as a powerful reminder of Dharmendra's lasting impact on Indian cinema and the personal connections he forged throughout his legendary career.
