Bollywood superstar and Bigg Boss 19 host Salman Khan was visibly emotional and broke down on national television during the season finale while paying tribute to the late legendary actor Dharmendra, who passed away on November 24 at the age of 89.
Sources close to the star revealed that Salman Khan’s tears were connected to his awareness and support of the Deol family’s difficult decision regarding the funeral.
Dharmendra’s Private Funeral Wish
The legendary actor’s funeral was kept a rushed and private affair, a decision that had drawn regret from his wife Hema Malini, who wished fans could have met him a final time. However, a source revealed the reason behind the private ceremony:
“Salman Khan was aware of the reason for the late Dharmendra’s hurried and private funeral, and he was in full support of the Deol family for doing so. It was Dharmendra’s wish not to give state honours after his death.”
The source added that the actor’s sons and family were simply carrying out their father’s final wish by choosing a private funeral over the state send-off that the superstar would have otherwise deserved. The family reportedly wanted the world to remember Dharmendra as the “Dashing superstar” he always was.
Post-Demise Events
- Death: Dharmendra passed away at his Juhu residence on November 24 after a prolonged illness.
- Family Prayer Meets: The Deol family held a private prayer meet in Mumbai on November 27.
- Delhi Prayer Meet: Hema Malini, along with her daughters Esha and Ahana Deol and their respective families, are organizing a separate prayer meet in Delhi on December 11 at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre, Janpath.