The Indian film industry and millions of fans across the nation were plunged into profound sorrow following the demise of legendary actor Dharmendra. The veteran star, affectionately known as Dharam ji, passed away at the age of 89, just a few days shy of his birthday. His passing on November 24 marked the end of an era in Bollywood.
A Nation Mourns a Legend
Dharmendra had been admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in South Mumbai due to health complications. Although he was later discharged and showed signs of improvement, his condition deteriorated as he faced breathing problems, ultimately requiring ventilator support. His last rites were performed on the same day in a private ceremony, attended by a constellation of film industry stalwarts including Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Salman Khan.
In the days that followed, the family organized prayer meetings to honour his memory. A significant detail that caught public attention was the arrangement of two separate prayer meets. His first wife and sons, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, hosted a gathering at Taj Lands End. Meanwhile, his second wife, veteran actress Hema Malini, chose to hold a separate prayer meet at her Mumbai residence.
Manoj Desai on the Separate Gatherings
Renowned theatre owner of the iconic Gaiety Galaxy, Manoj Desai, has now shared his perspective on this arrangement. In a conversation, Desai expressed that Hema Malini's decision to organize a separate event was not only understandable but also sensible.
"I was not surprised that Hemaji didn't turn up," Desai stated. "Before any controversy or any such talk could have happened, she organised a separate prayer meet for him. It was good that she didn't come. Hema and Dharmendra ji were very close, but if somebody would have said something to her, the whole prayer meet could have been messed up. So, it was a good move."
Reflecting on Dharmendra's illustrious career, Desai highlighted the actor's exceptional on-screen chemistry. "I think he had maximum chemistry with Hemaji. However, he had chemistry with all his heroines, including Mumtaz and Meena Kumari," he added.
An Unprecedented Outpouring of Grief
Desai provided a vivid account of the massive public turnout at the prayer meet hosted by Sunny and Bobby Deol, describing it as an overwhelming sight. "There was a huge line of cars. My car was standing at the 86th spot. Before me and behind me, there were big cars," he recalled.
"They performed bhajans at the prayer meet, and the whole world was there. Everybody turned up. I stood for 45 minutes outside, waiting for my car because there was such a huge queue," Desai shared, emphasizing the scale of the gathering.
Drawing from his long association with the industry, Desai compared the event to other memorials. "I have gone to so many prayer meets of so many artistes, including Rajesh Khanna's and Yash Chopra's, but I had never seen a prayer meet like that of Dharamji's. It felt like the whole nation was there. There was no one who didn't want to come," he said emotionally.
The dignity of the ceremonies was also praised by superstar Salman Khan during the finale of 'Bigg Boss 19'. He remarked, "There were two funerals which got the most respect. One was of Sooraj Barjatya's mother and another of Dharam ji. Their prayer meeting was conducted with so much dignity and honour... Hats off to Sunny, Bobby and the whole family."
The passing of Dharmendra has left an irreplaceable void in Indian cinema. The separate yet respectful observances by his families underscore the complex personal legacies of public figures, while the unprecedented public mourning stands as a powerful testament to the deep and enduring love the nation held for its beloved 'He-Man'.
