Hema Malini Opens Up About Dharmendra’s Passing: Fans Missed Their Final Goodbye

Last week, on November 24, Bollywood lost one of its most beloved superstars, Dharmendra. His passing has left a void in the hearts of fans and a deep sense of grief in his family. A well-known filmmaker recently shared insights into his encounter with Dharmendra’s wife, legendary actress Hema Malini, three days after the actor’s demise.

Filmmaker Hamad Al Riyami revealed that he last met Dharmendra at his Juhu residence on September 30. Following the actor’s passing, he visited Hema Malini to offer condolences and shared the poignant moment on Instagram. He wrote, “On the third day of mourning, I went to meet the late superstar Dharmendra’s wife, the legendary actress Hema Malini. This was my first one-on-one interaction with her, though I had seen her at several other events from a distance. But this time, there was something profoundly different—an overwhelming, heavy emotion that no words could fully capture. I sat with her and saw a broken expression on her face, which she tried very hard to conceal.”

Hamad shared that Hema Malini humorously expressed a wish she had been at the farm that day, hoping to see Dharmendra one last time. She recounted their intimate moments together, mentioning how she always encouraged him to publish his beautiful poems. Dharmendra would often reply, “Not yet… let me complete some first.” But time did not wait, and life moved swiftly. Hema added with a hint of bitterness, “Now strangers will come… they will write about him, they will publish books.”

Hema Malini also expressed her sorrow that fans were unable to bid him a final farewell. She said, “Dharmendra never wanted to appear weak or ill. He kept his pain even from those closest to him. After someone passes, the final decision lies with the family.”

Hamad recalled comforting her as she wiped away tears. Hema reflected, “What happened was a mercy… because no one could have seen him like that. His last days were cruel, painful… even we could barely bear to witness it.” Hamad concluded his post, sharing the lasting impression of the meeting: “No matter what happens… my love for him will never change, and its impact will never diminish.”

This intimate glimpse into Hema Malini’s grief shows the profound bond the couple shared, and the quiet strength with which she continues to navigate life without her beloved Dharmendra.