Veteran actor Hema Malini has clarified why multiple prayer meetings were held following the death of legendary actor Dharmendra, firmly dismissing speculation about discord within the family.
Dharmendra passed away on November 24 at his Mumbai residence at the age of 89. In the days that followed, two separate prayer meets were organised—one by Hema Malini and her daughters Esha and Ahana Deol, and another by Dharmendra’s sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol. The separate events led to rumours of a family rift, which Hema Malini has now addressed in an interview with The Times of India.
Calling it a personal family matter, Hema Malini said that the decision was taken after mutual discussion. She explained that she hosted a prayer meet at her Mumbai home for people from her own social circle. Additionally, she organised prayer meetings in New Delhi and Mathura, citing her political commitments and her bond with the people of Mathura, her parliamentary constituency.
“We spoke to each other. My circle of people is different, and because I am in politics, it was important to hold prayer meetings in Delhi and Mathura as well,” she said, adding that she is content with how everything was organised.
Hema Malini also revealed that Sunny Deol is considering converting Dharmendra’s farmhouse into a museum to honour his legacy. Once again, she dismissed rumours of tension between the families, emphasising that everything is moving forward smoothly and there is no cause for concern.
Dharmendra’s sons Sunny and Bobby Deol had organised a prayer meet in Mumbai on November 27, attended by several film industry stalwarts. Hema Malini and her daughters later held a separate prayer meet at their residence, followed by additional ceremonies in Delhi and Mathura on December 11.
Dharmendra is survived by his wives Prakash Kaur and Hema Malini, and his children—Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Esha Deol and Ahana Deol.