Hema Malini Explains Why Dharmendra’s Funeral Was Kept Private: “His Condition Was Cruel and Painful”

Mumbai — December 2025

Veteran actor Dharmendra passed away on November 24, 2025, at the age of 89.
Following his death, the family opted for a private funeral — a decision which has shocked and saddened many fans. But now Hema Malini has spoken out, explaining the deeply personal reasons behind the family’s choice.

What Hema Malini Says

Hema Malini revealed that Dharmendra’s last days were “cruel and painful”. She said that watching him suffer was unbearable, even for the family.
According to her, Dharmendra had always been a proud man who “never wanted anyone to see him weak or ill.” Even in his final days, he tried to hide his pain — sometimes even from his closest loved ones.
Because of how distressing his condition had become, she believes it was an act of compassion to keep the funeral intimate. She told filmmaker Hamad Al Reyami that it was a “mercy,” because “outsiders would not have been able to bear to see him in that state.”

Family’s Reason Behind Private Farewell

The decision to hold a private funeral was not meant to deny fans a final goodbye — rather, it was about preserving dignity and privacy in Dharmendra’s last moments.

Hema Malini expressed her sorrow that fans didn’t get a chance to see him one last time — but stood by the decision, saying it was rooted in respect for his wishes and condition. Context & Aftermath

Dharmendra was admitted to hospital on November 10 after health complications, but despite treatment, his condition deteriorated.
On November 25, the family held cremation in Mumbai — attended by close friends and industry colleagues. A prayer meet and public tributes followed.

Many fans expressed sadness and disappointment at not getting to pay their final respects — but Hema Malini’s explanation helps to shed light on the family’s choice: protecting dignity over public spectacle.

Gives insight into the private humanitarian reasons behind a funeral decision that sparked public curiosity.
Highlights how even beloved public figures and their families value dignity, privacy, and respect over public display in their most vulnerable moments.
Helps fans and the public understand that sometimes, silence and solitude — though painful —