Sunita Ahuja’s emotional tribute
Govinda’s wife Sunita Ahuja has opened up about her last meeting with the late veteran actor Dharmendra, recalling the warmth, admiration and nostalgia she still carries for him. Days after the Hindi film industry bid farewell to one of its most beloved stars, Sunita shared how deeply his passing affected her, describing him as her “first crush” and a major influence in her life.
Sunita revealed that the last time she met Dharmendra was at a gathering hosted by Esha Deol. The meeting, she said, was filled with light-hearted moments, affection and the old-world charm that Dharmendra carried effortlessly. She recounted dancing with him that evening, and how the moment stayed etched in her memory.
Why Dharmendra meant so much to her
For Sunita, Dharmendra was more than just a star. He was the actor she grew up admiring — the original “He-Man” whose screen presence and personality shaped her idea of a hero. She has often spoken about how, as a young girl, she was captivated by Dharmendra’s films, charisma and innocence.
In fact, she has previously admitted that Dharmendra influenced her choice of partner too. She saw shades of Dharmendra in Govinda’s personality — the charm, the humour, the warmth — and that connection played a role in her choosing Govinda as her life partner. Calling Dharmendra her “first crush” was not just a nostalgic confession but a reflection of how strongly he impacted her sense of attraction and admiration.
The night she danced with Dharmendra
Recalling the event hosted by Esha Deol, Sunita said the evening felt special from the moment she saw Dharmendra walk in. Despite his age, he carried the same grace and affection. Sunita shared that Dharmendra recognised her instantly and greeted her with his trademark gentleness.
She remembered how the music at the gathering shifted to an old classic, prompting Dharmendra to offer his hand to her. They danced briefly — a moment that Sunita described as “beautiful, simple and unforgettable”. It was the kind of memory, she said, that one holds onto forever.
Her breakdown after hearing about his hospitalisation
Sunita admitted that when the news broke about Dharmendra being admitted to the ICU due to a viral infection, she was devastated. She broke down and cried, unable to accept that her childhood idol was struggling with his health.
She said she prayed constantly for him, wishing for his long life and even saying that God could give Dharmendra her years if needed. The depth of her emotional connection became evident during those days, when she found herself reliving memories from her childhood, youth and her interactions with him over the years.
To Sunita, Dharmendra was not just a star on screen but a figure of affection and inspiration in her personal life — someone she wished well, admired deeply and felt attached to even from a distance.
A bond strengthened over the years
Sunita and Govinda have shared a warm relationship with Dharmendra’s family. During last year’s Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, Sunita and her son Yashvardhan visited Dharmendra’s home to seek blessings. They posed with Hema Malini and Esha Deol, marking another instance of their long-standing connection with the Deol family.
Sunita emphasised that Dharmendra always treated her and her family with kindness and respect. His humility despite decades of superstardom made him even more admirable in her eyes. She remembered him as someone who would always smile, always listen and never make anyone feel lesser.
A personal farewell rooted in admiration
Speaking about his passing, Sunita said the loss feels personal. While she acknowledges that India lost a cinematic legend, she feels she lost a little piece of her youth — the actor whose films she watched on repeat, the hero she imagined as the ideal man and the gentleman she later met in real life.
She added that Dharmendra’s charm, politeness and authenticity made him stand apart in an industry often dominated by showmanship. To her, Dharmendra was the definition of old-school grace — someone who made people feel special without trying.
Sunita concluded that she will forever remember the night she danced with him, the impact he had on her life and the warmth he offered during every interaction.
Govinda’s heartfelt Instagram tribute
Around the same time, Govinda shared an emotional post on Instagram, remembering Dharmendra as a guiding force in his life. Posting an old picture with the veteran star, Govinda wrote that Dharmendra was “not just a legend but a blessing” who inspired his journey in cinema.
He called him a father-like figure whose encouragement shaped many of his career choices. The post, flooded with comments from fans and industry colleagues, reflected the deep respect Govinda held for him and added another layer of sentiment to the Ahuja family’s tribute.
A legacy that lives on
While the film industry continues to pour tributes, Sunita’s words stand out because they come from a place of personal nostalgia. For her, Dharmendra was not just an actor she admired — he was someone who shaped her understanding of love, attraction and heroism.
Even as the industry mourns his loss, stories like Sunita’s keep the emotional core of his legacy alive. Dharmendra was loved not just for his films but for the memories he gave people — memories that continue to surface through heartfelt recollections like hers.