Well-wishers remember Dharmendra at prayer meeting organised by Hema Malini in Delhi

New Delhi, Dec 11 (PTI) Friends, political leaders and well-wishers on Thursday offered rich tributes to actor Dharmendra, remembering him as a "pure-hearted person" who carved a place in the hearts of the countrymen.

Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP president J P Nadda and scores of ministers and parliamentarians attended the prayer meeting organised by Dharmendra's wife and the party's MP from Mathura in Uttar Pradesh, Hema Malini.

"The whole world is mourning Dharmendra's passing away, but for me, it is an inconsolable shock. The snapping of a companionship that stood the test of time," said Hema Malini, fighting back tears, with daughters Esha and Aahana by her side.

Shah said actor Dharmendra transcended the boundaries of language and region to reside in the hearts of one and all with his acting skills and artistry.

Addressing a prayer meet held here in remembrance of the actor who passed away on November 24, Shah said, completing a 60-year career without a single blemish shows what a pure-hearted person Dharmendra was.

"Dharmendra ji carved a place in the hearts of the countrymen with his acting skills, and his artistry transcended the boundaries of language and region to reside in the hearts of one and all. The Indian film world will always miss this unparalleled actor," he said in a message on X.

Recalling an interaction with the Bollywood star, the minister said he had never met the actor personally but when he was the party president and Hema Malini was contesting from Mathura in 2014, the Sholay star had called him.

"His health did not allow him to walk on dusty roads or campaign in such conditions for Hema ji, but the concern he expressed over the phone was not a mere formality. I could genuinely feel how worried he was that Hema ji should win the election," Shah said.

He said the actor received the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997 and the Padma Bhushan in 2012.

"Completing a 60-year career without a single blemish shows what a pure-hearted person he was," Shah said.

Dharmendra had dabbled in politics briefly, winning the Lok Sabha seat from Bikaner on a BJP ticket in 2004.

"Dharmendra ji is the BJP's pride; he will continue to inspire people of the country," Nadda, also a Union minister, said.

"Dharmendra Ji came from a small village and achieved tremendous success. Whenever I think of him, I always remember the smell of the village and its soil. Despite his fame, he remained a very simple person, deeply connected to his roots," actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut said. PTI ABS/SKU SKU KSS KSS