Home Minister Amit Shah pays heartfelt tribute to Dharmendra at prayer meet in Delhi, says 'His departure will remain a great loss...'

Amit Shah gives tribute to Dharmendra on his prayer meet

Home Minister Amit Shah gave a moving homage to the late Dharmendra at a prayer meeting organised by Hema Malini and her daughters Esha and Ahana.

Amit Shah called the veteran actor's death a "great loss," sharing recollections and insights that demonstrated how profoundly Dharmendra had impacted people outside of the film industry. The Home Minister began by recalling the one unexpected personal interaction he had with the latest actor back in 2014, during Hema Malini’s Lok Sabha campaign in Mathura.

Although the two never met face-to-face, Amit Shah remembered receiving a warm phone call from Dharmendra, who wanted to ensure that a letter he had written in support of his wife was read out at a rally.

Amit Shah said, Dharmendra's only request was that Hema Malini win by a big margin.

Amit Shah emphasised during his speech that he was only there as a fan. He thought back to Dharmendra's early career in film, when the business lacked the glitz, luxury, and prosperity of today.

However, Dharmendra became one of the most beloved characters in Indian cinema thanks to his talent, discipline, and unwavering perseverance. "He was a person who could play a character like the one in 'Sholay' and could also play a completely different kind of role in 'Chupke Chupke,'" said Amit Shah, praising his remarkable range.

He also spoke about the actor’s patriotism, recalling how films like Aankhen had left a lasting mark on him. Shah said he always felt that Dharmendra’s performances in such films came from a place of genuine love for the country.

Describing him as a true farmer’s son with a “clean and pure heart,” he added that Dharmendra’s humility and simplicity were what made him extraordinary both on and off the screen.

“Dharmendra ji's departure will remain a great loss. May God grant peace to his noble soul,” he said, closing his tribute with visible respect and affection.

The prayer meet, organised by Hema Malini, brought together several leaders, including Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta—all united in remembering the star whose legacy remains etched in Indian hearts.