‘Bollywood bash’ to remember Raj
MEMORIAL FOR ‘LARGER THAN LIFE CHARACTER’
A memorial has been held to celebrate the life of a hairdresser described as “the most wellknown man in Hounslow “who died suddenly earlier this year.
Raj Dhiman died from an unexpected seizure while staying in assisted living accommodation on May 22.
The 40-year-old, who was a stylist at Cocoon Hair & Beauty on London Road, in Isleworth, was popular in West London and “seemed to know everybody”, friends said.
On Sunday August 23, on what would have been Raj’s 41st birthday, a memorial was held at The Sun Pub, on Hanworth Road, Hounslow to celebrate his life.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, only a handful of people could attend Raj’s funeral in June and there was no option of a wake.
Talia Dean, a former X Factor star and Raj’s best friend of 20 years, organised the bash and was one of dozens in attendance.
The singer, who appeared in the live finals of The X Factor in 2017, told MyLondon: “Raj was a larger than life character, not having closure on his passing made everyone’s grief harder. The residents of Hounslow were incredibly sad.
“I decided to merge Raj’s birthday, memorial and wake all in one day with a Bollywood bash.
“Traditionally this isn’t something we would normally do but Covid-19 has forced us to alter everything in our lives.
“Although not religious, Raj was a very proud Punjabi and embraced his culture with all his heart.
“It was important for us to celebrate his life the way he would have wanted with a Bollywood bash.”
At the memorial, a selection of Indian dishes was served to guests, while entertainment included dhol drummers, Bollywood dancers and Bollywood singers.
A huge, royal birthday cake was also served.
More than £500 was raised on the day for The Encephalitis Society, too.
Raj, who studied at West Thames College in Isleworth, will be sorely missed by everyone, Talia admitted.
“It has almost been three months since Raj passed but I was determined not to let him slip out the back door,” she said. “He was there in spirit partying with us.
“He was my soul mate, my twin flame. He took a piece of me with him when he passed.
“I couldn’t rest until he had the send-off he deserved. The restrictions kept us from mingling and hugging the way we would have liked but just seeing all our friends after this awful time filled us with joy.
“Raj was loved by everyone, he made his friends his family and now we are all bonded by his love. Losing a loved one during Covid19 is the most heart-wrenching experience for everyone.
“There are no goodbyes, no send off and no comfort from friends. It’s lonely for everyone involved.”
Talia’s band Kings Daughters have written a song dedicated to all those who have lost their lives during the coronavirus pandemic.
The song will be released in September and the video will feature photos of people from all over the world who have died from Covid-19.