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Hema Malini opens up about bond with Sunny Deol after Dharmendra’s passing, dismisses rift rumours

After the passing of her husband, Dharmendra, on 24 November 2025, veteran actress Hema Malini has addressed public speculation about her bond with her late husband’s eldest son, Sunny Deol, clarifying that their relationship remains cordial and close despite rumours of family tension.

January 12, 2026 / 18:41 IST
hema malini sunny deol
Snapshot AI
  • Hema Malini denies tension with Sunny Deol after Dharmendra's passing
  • She confirms cordial relations and ongoing cooperation within the family
  • Sunny Deol to turn Dharmendra's farmhouse into a museum with Hema's backing

Veteran actor Hema Malini has spoken candidly about her relationship with her late husband Dharmendra’s eldest son Sunny Deol, dismissing speculation of tension between them following the legendary actor’s death. Dharmendra passed away on 24 November 2025 at the age of 89, prompting an outpouring of tributes from fans and colleagues across the film fraternity.

Rumours of a family rift emerged in the aftermath of Dharmendra’s passing, largely fueled by the fact that two separate prayer events were held in his honour — one organised by Sunny and his brother Bobby Deol, and another by Hema Malini at her home. Critics and social chatter suggested distance between the two sides of the family, but Hema Malini has now put those doubts to rest.

In a fresh interview with The Indian Express, the Sholay actress said, “It has always been very nice and cordial. Even today it is very nice. I don’t know why people think something is wrong with us. It is because people want gossip. Why should I answer them? Is it necessary for me to give an explanation? Why should I? It’s my life, our personal life. We are absolutely happy and very close to each other. That’s it. I don’t have anything more to say about this. I don’t know what stories people are making up. So sad that people use others’ grief to write a few articles. That is why I don’t answer such speculation.”

Remembering the actor, she said, “We were together for 57 years. I can’t imagine a life without him; I miss him every minute. It’s not that we were together all the time. I feel sad without him. When will I meet him again?”

Also read: Hema Malini on why two separate prayer meets were held for Dharmendra, ‘Yeh humare ghar ka personal mamla hai’

Hema also revealed that Sunny Deol is involved in plans to honour Dharmendra’s legacy — including potentially converting the late actor’s beloved farmhouse into a museum — underscoring ongoing cooperation between them. When asked if Sunny is planning to build a museum for the actor, she revealed, “That’s what Sunny is planning. So he will do it. We will consult and do it. He will tell me whatever he does; he tells me.”

Ragini Jaiswal
Ragini Jaiswal Entertainment journalist and content writer with 3+ years of experience covering Bollywood, lifestyle trends, and celebrity stories across leading digital platforms.
first published: Jan 12, 2026 06:41 pm

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