It was very difficult to see him go: Hema Malini

Hema Malini and Dharmendra were one of the iconic couples of Bollywood's golden era. That relationship, built on a long journey, love and family ties, has finally ended forever. This is the first time Hema Malini has publicly expressed her feelings after the death of her husband Dharmendra.

In a recent interview, she said that Dharmendra's death on November 24, 2025 at the age of 89 gave her an 'irreparable shock'. The actress said that even though Dharmendra was ill, the family was hoping for his recovery till the last moment. Even preparations had started to celebrate his 90th birthday.

In an interview with ETimes, Hema said that the time of Dharmendra's illness was very difficult for the family. Everyone was trying to adapt to the situation in the hospital for more than a month. I, Isha, Ahana, Sunny, Bobby, we were all together. Hema, citing past experiences, said that Dharmendra had overcome illness many times before. So this time too, they thought that he would come back.

The actress dismissed the rumors of family discord that were spreading about the absence of Hema and her daughters from a prayer meeting held in Mumbai after Dharmendra's death. She said that the matter was purely family and prayers were organized at different places at the same time. Hema recalled that Dharmendra had also wished her on his birthday in October. Preparations were also underway for his birthday on December 8. Hema said that it was very painful for me to see him slowly disappear like this. I hope no one goes through such a situation.

Hema said that many things around her remind her of Dharmendra. Memories are also associated with food. She said that there are many videos of us together. Watching them brings tears to her eyes.

Towards the end of his life, Dharmendra used to spend more time at his farmhouse in Lonavala. Hema said that he often brought ghee for them. When Hema was busy working as an MP in Mathura, Dharmendra used to stay at the farmhouse. Hema said, when I returned, he would come to me in Mumbai. This is how we were happy with our children and grandchildren.

Despite the grief, Hema Malini has decided to return to work. Apart from going to Mathura, she will also return to the classical dance stage because that is what Dharmendra wanted. She also said that Sunny Deol is planning to convert Dharmendra's Lonavala farmhouse into a 'mini Punjab' and build a museum there.

It is worth noting that Dharmendra was first married to Prakash Kaur. They have four children Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Bijeeta and Ajita. Later, he married Hema Malini. They have two daughters Esha Deol and Ahana Deol.