Hema Malini talks about husband Dharmendra’s final days in hospital, says ‘to personally see him sink was very difficult’

Hema Malini talks about Dharmendra's last days

• Dharmendra passed away days before his 90th birthday, leaving family in grief
• Hema Malini recalls his final days and the family's struggle during his illness
• Dharmendra's last film Ikkis is currently running in theatres

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Bollywood actress Hema Malini is mourning the loss of her husband and cinema legend Dharmendra, who passed away on November 24, 2025.

His death left his family and countless admirers struggling to come to terms with a deeply personal kind of grief.

The veteran actor passed away just days before his 90th birthday, marking the end of an era and leaving behind memories that span generations.

Now, in her first interview since his death, Hema Malini has spoken with quiet honesty about his final days and the pain of watching someone she loved slowly slip away.

Speaking to Times Of India, Hema Malini described her relationship with Dharmendra as a companionship built on years of shared life, resilience and understanding. The reality of losing him, she admitted, still feels unreal.

“It was an inconsolable shock. It has been terrible because for a month we were struggling when he was not well. We were constantly trying to cope with whatever was happening in the hospital,” she said.

Throughout that difficult time, the family stayed close. Bollywood's Dream girl mentioned, “We were all there—I, Esha, Ahana, Sunny, Bobby—all together.”

There had been times before when Dharmendra was hospitalised and returned home stronger, which made the family believe he would recover once again.

“In the past, there had been instances when he went to the hospital and came back home fine. We thought iss baar bhi aa jayenge. (We thought this time too he would pull through),” Hema Malini shared.

What makes the loss even harder are the moments that now feel heartbreakingly close. “He was talking to us nicely. On my birthday (October 16), he even wished me,” she recalled.

His 90th birthday on 8 December was already being planned. “The preparations were on, and then suddenly, he was not there. To personally see him sink was very difficult. Nobody should have to go through this kind of situation.”

The absence of Dharmendra is felt most in the quiet routines of home. “Aaj subah thepla banaya tha, which he loved having with chutney. He liked having idli sambar, and coffee in our house,” Hema Malini said, adding that even simple meals now trigger memories.

Also Read: Dharmendra Net Worth: Know everything about veteran actor's properties, restaurants, car collection and luxurious assets

“Whenever these things are made at home, we miss him deeply.” Watching old videos brings comfort, but also tears. “It is important for us to keep him alive in our hearts and memories… woh dekhke toh rona aa jata hai.”

On Dharmendra’s birth anniversary, Hema Malini shared a heartfelt message online, writing, “Dharam ji. Happy birthday my dear heart… The joyful memories of our life together can never be erased and just reliving those moments bring me great solace and happiness.”

On the work front, Dharmendra's last film Ikkis is currently running in theatres.