The Indian film industry united in grief and remembrance to honour the legendary actor Dharmendra, who passed away on November 24 at the age of 89. A special memorial service, aptly titled 'Celebration of Life', was held on November 27, drawing his family, close friends, and countless admirers to reflect on his extraordinary cinematic journey and enduring legacy.
A Peaceful Gathering at Taj Lands End
The Deol family organised a serene and intimate ceremony on the lawns of the Taj Lands End in Bandra, Mumbai. It was here that Dharmendra's children from his first wife, Prakash Kaur – Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Ajeet, and Vijeta – stood together, sharing memories and drawing strength from the presence of the film fraternity.
Emotional Tributes and Musical Homage
The ceremony was marked by deeply moving moments, none more poignant than the musical tribute by renowned playback singer Sonu Nigam. He performed a medley of songs closely associated with Dharmendra's career, including classics like 'Main Kahin Kavi Na Ban Jau', 'Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas', 'Apne Toh Apne Hote Hai', 'Ro Lene De', and the iconic 'Yeh Dosti Hum Nahi Todenge'.
A widely circulated video from the event captured the raw emotion of the moment, showing Sunny and Bobby Deol breaking down during Nigam's soulful performance. The singer was seen consoling and embracing both brothers as they struggled to hold back their tears. The Deol brothers later expressed their profound gratitude to Nigam, stating that his heartfelt tribute had deeply moved them.
Adding a spiritual dimension to the evening, singer Prithvi Gandharv performed 'Govind Bolo Hari Gopal Bolo', infusing the gathering with a sense of peace and solemnity.
Bollywood Pays Its Last Respects
The prayer meet witnessed an outpouring of respect from across the film industry. The gathering was attended by a host of prominent celebrities, including members of Shah Rukh Khan's family, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Salman Khan, Madhuri Dixit, Vidya Balan, and Shabana Azmi. Other notable personalities present were:
- Jackie Shroff
- Sidharth Malhotra
- Suniel Shetty
- Ameesha Patel
- Fardeen Khan
- Nimrat Kaur
- Sonu Sood
- Anu Malik
- Subhash Ghai
- Filmmaking duo Abbas-Mastan
- Director Anil Sharma
Dharmendra's passing came just weeks before what would have been his 90th birthday on December 8. The veteran actor's health had deteriorated suddenly while he was recuperating at home, shortly after being discharged from Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital. His last rites were performed in the city on November 25, marking the end of an era for Indian cinema.
