Cinema VinesAfter the legendary actor Dharmendra passed away on 24 November 2025, his wife and fellow film star Hema Malini has spoken openly about the deep sorrow that still grips the family. The 89‑year‑old icon died in Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai after a brief illness that had sparked rumours online, but the family denied any death reports until Dharmendra’s passing was confirmed.
During the ceremony in which Hema accepted the Padma Vibhushan on Dharmendra’s behalf, she recalled the emotional moment and said she could still feel his presence. She added that her daughters, Esha Deol and Ahana Deol, are still struggling to come to terms with their father’s loss. "I could see my daughter Ahana crying like anything," she told reporters, describing how the grief has left a void that cannot be filled.
Hema described the pain of missing Dharmendra’s smile, voice and the warmth he brought to the family. She noted that the actor had always encouraged unity, urging everyone to stay together and never be alone. “I am happy, but at the same time I feel very sad when I see both my daughters deeply hurt and very, very upset that Papa is not around,” she said, expressing how the absence of her husband has left a lasting ache.
Dharmendra’s death reverberated across Bollywood, with stars such as Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan offering tributes. The actor is survived by two wives, Prakash Kaur and Hema Malini, and six children, including Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, and Esha Deol. After his death, Sunny and Hema held separate prayer meetings, sparking rumours of a family rift that Hema dismissed, insisting the bond remains close.
Esha Deol has shown support for her brothers’ film projects, attending special screenings for Sunny’s “Border 2” and Bobby’s “Bandar.” The family’s grief continues to be a public and private struggle, as Hema Malini navigates the loss of her life partner while keeping the legacy of Dharmendra alive in the hearts of their children and grandchildren.
