Hema Malini opens up on Dharmendra’s final days: ‘I, Esha, Ahana, Sunny, Bobby were all together’

The passing of legendary actor Dharmendra on November 24 last year sent waves of grief across the country. Fans, colleagues and admirers mourned the loss of Bollywood’s beloved He-Man, but the deepest sorrow was felt within the Deol household. The family had been hopeful- planning Dharmendra’s 90th birthday, counting days for his recovery after his hospital discharge- until fate intervened cruelly.

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“An Inconsolable Shock”

In a recent conversation with The Times of India, Hema Malini opened up about the emotional turmoil of losing her life partner.

She shared, "It was a companionship that stood the test of time. It was an inconsolable shock. It has been terrible because for a month we were struggling when he was not well. We were constantly trying to cope with whatever was happening in the hospital." 

Her words reflect not just grief, but exhaustion from weeks of uncertainty and silent prayers.

United in Hope and Heartbreak

Hema recalled how the entire family stood together through the crisis.

"We were all there- I, Esha, Ahana, Sunny, Bobby- all together. In the past, there had been instances when he went to the hospital and came back home fine. We thought iss baar bhi aa jayenge.” 

There was hope till the very end, hope strengthened by small moments of normalcy. 

Birthday Wishes and Unfinished Celebrations

Recalling their last interactions, Hema shared, “He was talking to us nicely. On my birthday (October 16), he even wished me. His birthday was coming up on December 8, when he was turning 90, and we were thinking of celebrating it nicely. The preparations were on, and then suddenly, he was not there. To personally see him sink was very difficult. Nobody should have to go through this kind of situation.”

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Living With Absence, Preserving Presence

Accepting life’s harsh truths, Hema said time spares no one, yet admitted missing Dharam ji every moment. “It is important for us to keep him alive in our hearts and memories.”

She also spoke about the distress caused by constant media attention during his illness, noting, “Sunny was getting upset and angry. We all were going through an emotional time and the media was running behind our cars... harassment bahut hua.”

Dharmendra may have left the world, but his legacy- and love- remain eternal.