Hema Malini breaks silence on choosing a private funeral for Dharmendra: "Did not want the world to see......"

Hema Malini has finally opened her heart about the days leading up to Dharmendra’s passing, and her words carry the weight of love, loss, and lingering regret. The veteran actor, who breathed his last on November 24 at the age of 89, spent his final weeks in a fragile state, and his family chose to keep his last rites private, a decision that left many fans saddened and confused. Now, Hema has explained why the family felt it was the most respectful thing to do.

A painful goodbye

According to filmmaker Hamad Al Reyami, who met Hema Malini recently during the mourning period, the actress spoke about how Dharmendra’s final days were deeply painful. She revealed that his health declined rapidly in the last two months, and watching him go through constant discomfort broke the family. Dharmendra was hospitalised earlier in November and later brought home to recover, but his condition only worsened.

Hema shared that he was no longer the strong, charismatic figure the world knew him as. His voice had weakened, movement became difficult, and the suffering was visible. She admitted that the family did not want the world to see him like that, especially his fans, who always cherished him as a symbol of strength, charm, and warmth.

The bond that lasted a lifetime

During the conversation, Hema also grew emotional while speaking about her journey with Dharmendra. She recalled their private moments, especially his love for writing poetry. She often encouraged him to publish his verses, but he would smile and say, “Not yet.” Sadly, those words and unfinished poems now remain as memories.

She confessed she wished she had been by his side during some crucial moments and said the regret of not being present at the farm on one particular day still haunts her.

A quiet farewell

Dharmendra was cremated in Mumbai on November 25 with only close family and selected colleagues invited. Stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, and Aamir Khan attended to pay their final respects. A prayer meet followed a week later, where friends and colleagues remembered him with warmth.