The passing of legendary actor Dharmendra has left a deep void in the Indian film industry, profoundly impacting his family and legions of fans. Amidst the outpouring of grief, veteran actress Sunita Ahuja, wife of actor Govinda, has shared an exceptionally poignant reflection on her lifelong admiration for the late superstar, revealing how his charisma even influenced her personal choices. Her emotional tribute underscores a connection that transcended professional boundaries, rooting itself deeply in personal reverence.
Sunita Ahuja recently attended a special Bhagavad Gita recitation and bhajan session hosted by Hema Malini at her residence in honor of Dharmendra. It was there, amidst the solemn gathering, that Ahuja found herself overcome with emotion. She openly shared that she could not hold back tears in front of Hema Malini, describing the loss as “a very great क्षति” (a very great loss) and remembering Dharmendra as “a great person.”
The depth of Ahuja’s grief is rooted in a childhood crush that blossomed into a profound respect for the actor. “He was my childhood crush,” she confessed, highlighting the immense regard she holds for Dharmendra and his entire family. This admiration extended to a cherished professional memory: performing with Dharmendra on Sony TV to the classic song “Chhalkaye Jaam.” She described sharing the stage with him as a “very special” moment in her career.
Perhaps the most striking revelation from Ahuja was how Dharmendra’s towering presence influenced her personal life. She candidly admitted that she married Govinda partly because she perceived a resemblance to Dharmendra. While acknowledging that Govinda might not possess the same level of handsomeness, she unequivocally declared Dharmendra to be “the most handsome person in the industry.” For her, he was the industry’s “true He-Man,” a “true desi” (native) with a “big heart” who continued to work until his final days.
Ahuja’s connection to the Deol family remains strong. She and her son, Yashvardhan, are in regular contact with Esha Deol, and Hema Malini also shares a warm relationship with them. Ahuja recalled her last meeting with Dharmendra just two months prior, during Ganesh Chaturthi, when she and Yashvardhan were invited to Esha’s home. She even expressed a long-held wish for her son to embody the qualities and appearance of both Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra.
While Sunita Ahuja attended Hema Malini’s prayer meeting, she clarified that she could not be present at the Deol family’s main prayer gathering hosted by Sunny and Bobby Deol. She explained that she was out of Mumbai at the time. Her husband, Govinda, however, did attend to offer his condolences to the Deol family. The collective grief and personal stories like Ahuja’s paint a vivid picture of Dharmendra’s enduring legacy, not just as a cinematic icon, but as an influential figure who touched many lives deeply.