Why Dharmendra didn't receive state funeral? Read to know the criteria for state honours

The veteran actor had been admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in early November and was discharged two weeks later after showing some improvement.

Veteran actor Dharmendra passed away on Monday, (November 24) in Mumbai due to age-related health issues. He breathed his last earlier in the day and was cremated  at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Vile Parle, near Juhu.

Several celebrities and close friends from the film industry were seen at the crematorium. Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Shabana Azmi, Sanjay Dutt, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and many others gathered to say goodbye to the legendary star.

The veteran actor had been admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in early November and was discharged two weeks later after showing some improvement. He was recovering at his Juhu home, but his condition reportedly worsened after he developed breathing complications, and he was placed on a ventilator.

The veteran actor Dharmendra was not accorded state honours, a decision that has surprised many considering his immense contribution to Indian cinema.

Sources indicate that the Deol family chose to opt out of the ceremonial honour. Over a remarkable career spanning more than six decades, Dharmendra appeared in over 300 films. Since his debut in 'Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere' in 1960, he remained actively involved in films until the very end. His final movie, Ikkis, is scheduled for release in December 2025.

Criteria for State Funeral 

A state funeral is a ceremonial tribute reserved for distinguished individuals who have made notable contributions to the nation. It usually includes military honours, a gun salute, and the national flag draped over the body. These ceremonies are meant to recognise the individual’s achievements and mark a moment of collective mourning for the country.

Also read: Dharmendra death reason: How the Bollywood icon spent his final days

The decision to grant a state funeral is based on historical practices, legal provisions, and the discretion of government authorities, who evaluate the stature and contributions of the person being honoured.

Manoj Kumar received State Funeral 

The last actor to receive a state funeral was veteran star Manoj Kumar, also known as “Bharat Kumar" was laid to rest with full state honours on April 5, 2025, in Mumbai. His ceremony included a three-gun salute, and his body was wrapped in the national flag.