Dharmendra's fans were shocked by his family's decision to keep his final rites private. The actor, who died on November 24 at the age of 89, spent his last few weeks in a fragile position. Hema Malini has finally spoken publicly about the days before Dharmendra died, and her words are full of love, anguish, and unresolved regret. The Dream Girl of Bollywood has also explained why the family thought that it was the right thing to do. Hema Malini revealed how Dharmendra’s final days were terribly difficult, according to filmmaker Hamad Al Reyami, who saw the veteran actor recently following Dharmendra's demise. 

Hema Malini confessed that his health had fallen dramatically in the previous two months, and watching him go through continual discomfort crushed the family. Dharmendra was hospitalised earlier in November and was brought home to recover, but his medical condition only got worse.

Hema Malini revealed that he was no longer the strong, charismatic man the world knew him as. His voice had deteriorated, movement became harder, and the anguish was apparent. She acknowledged that the family did not want everyone to perceive him that way, particularly his admirers, who have always loved him as a representation of warmth, charm, and power.

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Recalling the conversation with Hema Malini, he shared, "She said to me bitterly, 'Now strangers will come… they will write about him, they will compose books… while his own words never saw the light of day'." Hamad Al Reyami said, "Then she added, with deep sadness, that she regretted his fans hadn't had the chance to see him one last time. And she said to me in a motherly tone: 'Dharmendra, throughout his life, never wanted anyone to see him weak or ill. He hid his pain even from his closest relatives. And after a person passes away, the decision rests with the family'."

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Hema Malini acknowledged that she regretted not being at the farm on a specific day and that she wished she had been by his side during some pivotal occasions.

Hema Malini's First Photo After Dharmendra's Demise

In addition to sharing his recent encounter with Hema Malini following the death of her husband, Hamad Al Reyami took to Instagram to share a picture with Dream Girl of Bollywood. "On the third day of mourning, I visited the legendary actress Hema Malini, wife of the late superstar Dharmendra. It was the first time I had met her in person, although I had seen her from afar on many previous occasions. But this time was different… a painful, heartbreaking occasion, the kind of thing that is almost incomprehensible, no matter how hard I try," the translated caption read.

Dharmendra Dies At 89

Dharmendra passed away at the age of 89 on November 24, ahead of his 90th birthday on December 8. He was discharged from Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital and was recovering at home. The 'He-Man' of Bollywood was cremated in Mumbai on November 25 in the presence of his immediate family members and loved ones from the industry, including Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Salim Khan and Shah Rukh Khan.