‘Dharmendra’s final days were cruel, hurtful’: Hema Malini recalls veteran actor’s last days to filmmaker

The demise of Bollywood’s most beloved icon, Dharmendra, has left the entire industry engulfed in deep sorrow and grief. Known for his impeccable acting, warm and humble persona, and strong screen presence, Dharmendra took his last breath at the age of 89 after battling prolonged illness. The passing of veteran superstar Dharmendra has left an irreplaceable void not only in India(BHARAT)n cinema but especially in the hearts of those who loved him the most. Among them is his wife, the iconic Hema Malini. Filmmaker Hamad Al Reyami, who met her just days after Dharam Paaji’s demise, has now shared a deeply emotional conversation, one that reveals the heartbreaking pain behind her composed exterior.

Visit to Hema Malini Three Days After Dharmendra’s Death

Hamad Al Reyami met Dharmendra for the last time on September 30 at the actor’s Juhu residence. Three days after the superstar’s passing on November 24, he visited Hema Malini. Speaking about his meeting with Hema Malini after Dharmendra’s demise, he said: “On the third day of condolence, I visited legendary actress Hema Malini, wife of the late superstar Dharminder. This was my first time meeting her face-to-face, although I’ve seen her from afar on many occasions before. But this time was different… A poignant, heavy on the heart, the kind that doesn’t get absorbed, no matter how hard you try. I sat with her, and in her features I could see a broken inside that she’s trying so hard to hide.”

Recounting their conversation, he shared her painful admission, “She said to me clearly: ‘But what happened was mercy… Because Hamad, you couldn’t bear to see him like that. His final days were cruel… Hurtful… And even we can barely bear to see it like that.’”

She also opened up about how she encouraged Dharmendra to publish his writings: “She always said to Dharminder: ‘Why don’t you publish your beautiful poems and writings? And he was answering it: ‘Not now… let me finish some poems first.’ But time did not slow him down, and flew away…”

Regret, Bitterness & A Pain She Tried to Hide

Hema Malini then told him, “I wish I was at the farm the same day I was with Dharminder two months ago… Hope to have seen him there.’”

She added bitterly, “Now the strangers will come… They’ll write about it, they’ll write books… While his words, he has not seen light.’” She also shared her sorrow that fans never got a final glimpse of him: “She was sorry his fans didn’t get a chance to see him one last time.” She added, “‘Dharminder throughout his life was hiding his pain even from the closest people. After the person leaves, the decision remains in the hands of the family.’”

A Final Gesture

While leaving, Hamad shyly requested a picture with her, his first-ever with Hema Malini. Her response reminded him of Dharmendra’s warmth: “A smile, kindness and an honest welcome.”

He concluded by calling Dharmendra, “My forever hero, my love legend and star Dharminder.”