Bollywood Actor Salman Khan grew emotional during the Bigg Boss 19 finale as he remembered veteran actor Dharmendra. The host teared up while speaking about the late star, revealing that Dharmendra passed away on his own father, Salim Khan's birthday, making the moment even more overwhelming. Salman Khan also wondered how Sunny and Bobby Deol must be feeling, leading to a rare display of vulnerability on the show.
“He [Dharmendra] passed away on the 24th,” a visibly emotional Salman Khan said, adding, “That was my father's birthday. And tomorrow is his birthday, as well as my mum’s. If I am feeling like this, how must Sunny, Bobby, Hemaji, Prakash ji, Isha and Ahana must be feeling.” Salman Khan also said that Dharmendra's funeral was one of the best ones.
Salman Khan continued, “We lost the He-Man. We lost the most amazing man. I don't think there is anyone better than Dharmji. The way he lived life was king-size. He gave us Sunny, Bobby and Esha. Since the day he joined the industry, he only wanted to work. He did so many roles. I have only followed Dharmji in my career. He came with an innocent face and a He-Man’s body. That charm stayed with him till the end. Love you, Dharmji. Will always miss you.”
Salman Khan also praised how gracefully Dharmendra's funeral was conducted. He said, “There were two funerals conducted with utmost dignity: Sooraj Barjatya’s mother’s and Dharmji’s. Everyone was crying, but there was a decorum – a celebration of life. Hats off to Bobby and Sunny. Every funeral and prayer meeting should be conducted this beautifully.”
The 'He Man' of Indian Cinema had been unwell for some time. On November 10, Dharmendra was admitted to Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital following a deterioration in his health.
Two days later, Dharmendra was discharged from the hospital as the family opted for home treatment. On November 24, Dharmendra breathed his last. He was 89.
Dharmendra is survived by his first wife, Prakash Kaur; his second wife, actress Hema Malini; and six children, including sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, and daughters Vijeta and Ajeita from his first marriage, as well as daughters Esha Deol and Ahana Deol from his second marriage.
