'I will go back to work as that would make Dharamji happy’: Hema Malini opens up on life after Dharmendra's demise

2025 ended with deep sadness for veteran actress Hema Malini and losing 'Ikkis' actor Dharmendra was something she was never ready for. The veteran and legendary 'He-Man' of Hinidi film industry passed away on November 24, 2025. The family chose to keep the funeral private followed by two separate prayer meetings for everyone to pay their last respects to the beloved actor.

In an interview with us (TOI), the veteran actress opened up saying, “It was an inconsolable shock. It has been terrible because for a month we were struggling when he was not well.” She remembers how the whole family stayed together in the hospital. “We were all there, I, Esha, Ahana, Sunny, Bobby all together.” They believed he would return home like before. “We thought iss baar bhi aa jayenge" ( would come this time as well.”)





Reportedly, Dharmendra was talking well and had even wished her on her birthday. There were reports stating that celebrations for his 90th birthday on December 8 were also being planned. “The preparations were on, and then suddenly, he was not there, Hema Malini said.


The actress also opened up on seeing Dharmendra go through hospitalization, “To personally see him sink was very difficult. Nobody should have to go through this kind of situation.”

The 'Sholay' actress says people should not believe everything they see online. She speaks about videos that made fans worried.


“There is so much content that I am seeing where there are videos of me crying.” She asks people not to fall for it. “But I am a very strong person. I keep my emotions to myself.” She shares how life teaches strength. “When my mother passed away 20 years ago, I wondered whether I would be able to live without her, but I did.” She added poignantly, “It is important for us to keep him alive in our hearts and memories.”


Dharmendra is missed in small daily moments.

Hema Malini also remembers Dharmendra's love for simple food. “He liked having idli sambar, and coffee in our house. Aaj subah thepla banaya tha, which he loved having with chutney.” (Today, flat bread was in breakfast).



Going back to work for him

As the new year has begun, the veteran actress is slowly returning to work. She believes this is what Dharmendra would want her to. She clearly says, “I am resuming my work now. I am heading to Mathura.” She plans to continue all her creative duties. “I will be starting my performances, shows, aur jo jo kaam hai ( and other works). I will continue doing that because that is what would make Dharamji happy.” Work, she feels, will help her move forward while holding on to his memories.

Family matters

Hema Malini also spoke about the separate prayer meetings that led to many talks online. She explains calmly, “Yeh humare ghar ka personal mamla hai" ( This is our personal).” She shares that each prayer meeting had a reason. One was for her circle, one for politics in Delhi, and one in Mathura for the people who loved Dharmendra deeply. “I am happy with what I did.” On the idea of a museum at the Lonavala farmhouse, she says, “I think Sunny is planning to do something on those lines.” She adds, (We all are good) “Hum log ekdum achche hai.” For her, love, respect, and togetherness still remain strong.