Dharmendra’s Prayer Meet: Nirmala Sitharaman, Kiren Rijiju and Other Leaders Gather to Pay Final Tribute to the Beloved Icon

Several political leaders and film personalities gathered in Delhi on Thursday evening to pay tribute to legendary actor Dharmendra at a prayer meet organised by his wife and BJP MP Hema Malini. The memorial saw a distinguished turnout from India’s top leadership, reflecting the late actor’s enduring influence across generations.

Top leaders attend Dharmendra’s prayer meet

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Union ministers Anurag Thakur, Kiren Rijiju and Ashwini Vaishnaw were among the senior leaders who offered their condolences. Actor-politicians Ravi Kishan and Kangana Ranaut also joined the gathering to honour Dharmendra’s extraordinary legacy.

Dharmendra’s passing

Dharmendra died on 24 November, marking the end of an era in Hindi cinema. Celebrated for his versatility, he delivered iconic performances in classics including Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke, Sholay, Chupke Chupke, Ayee Milan Ki Bela and Anupama.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute on X, calling him “an iconic film personality, a phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role.”

Superstar Rajinikanth also remembered his close friend, writing, “Farewell, my friend. I will always remember your golden heart and the moments we shared. Rest in peace, Dharam ji.”

Hema Malini’s emotional birthday tribute

On Dharmendra’s 90th birthday on December 8, Hema Malini shared a heartfelt note along with rare photographs. She wrote about picking up the pieces of her life after losing him, cherishing their joyful years together, and praying for his eternal peace:
“Happy birthday, dear heart… The happy memories of our life together will always stay with me.”

A remarkable acting journey

Though Dharmendra faced setbacks in the early 2000s with films like Kaise Kahoon Ke… Pyaar Hai and Kis Kis Ki Kismat, he made a strong comeback in 2007 with Life in a… Metro, Apne and Johnny Gaddaar—two of which earned both critical and commercial acclaim.

In 2023, he once again captured hearts in Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. His tender on-screen kiss with Shabana Azmi sparked widespread conversation and was hailed as a refreshing depiction of love in later life. Dharmendra later joked, “Meri ek hi kiss ne hila dala logon ko.”

Beyond the movies

Dharmendra’s contributions extended well beyond films.

• He served as MP from Bikaner (2004–2009)

• Appeared as a judge on India’s Got Talent (2011)

• Featured in the historical drama series Taj: Divided by Blood

• Recently appeared in Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya with Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon

His final film, Ikkis, is slated for release on December 25, giving fans one last glimpse of the beloved star on screen.