The passing of Bollywood legend Dharmendra has not only left the film industry in mourning but has also triggered a renewed debate around family dynamics, following a strong claim made by noted author and columnist Shobha De. According to her, Dharmendra’s second wife, actress and MP Hema Malini, was allegedly sidelined by the actor’s first family after his death—a situation she described as deeply painful and emotionally challenging.

Dharmendra, fondly known as Bollywood’s “He-Man,” passed away at the age of 89 on November 24, leaving behind an unparalleled cinematic legacy. While fans across the country paid heartfelt tributes, Shobha De’s remarks have shifted attention to what she claims happened behind closed doors, reigniting discussions around blended families in the public eye.

Shobha De’s Statement Raises Questions

Speaking in an interview with senior journalist Barkha Dutt, Shobha De claimed that Hema Malini was completely excluded from key prayer meetings organised by Dharmendra’s first family. She alleged that Dharmendra’s first wife Prakash Kaur, along with their sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, kept Hema Malini away from the official family gatherings held after the actor’s demise.

According to De, Hema Malini was not invited to the prayer meeting organised in Mumbai on November 27, which was attended by close family members and friends from the film fraternity. Instead, Sunny and Bobby reportedly hosted the event with their mother Prakash Kaur, while Hema Malini and her daughters, Esha Deol and Ahana Deol, were noticeably absent.

Separate Tribute by Hema Malini

Shobha De further revealed that on the same day as the Mumbai prayer meet, Hema Malini organised a separate condolence gathering at her residence, where she paid tribute to Dharmendra in private. Expressing empathy for the veteran actress, De said that Hema Malini spent nearly 45 years of her life with Dharmendra, and being excluded from official mourning rituals must have been extremely hurtful.

“She has two daughters and every reason to express her grief publicly,” Shobha De said, adding that despite the emotional turmoil, Hema Malini chose dignity over drama.

Praise for Hema Malini’s Dignity

Shobha De openly praised Hema Malini for maintaining grace during an intensely emotional phase. She pointed out that despite being one of the biggest stars in Indian cinema, Hema Malini refrained from “hijacking emotional moments” or turning personal grief into a public spectacle.

“The media would have covered every tear, every reaction,” De noted. “But Hema chose privacy. She avoided any form of competition or one-upmanship and carried herself with remarkable restraint.”

Her comments suggest that while tensions may have existed within the family, Hema Malini consciously stayed away from public controversy, allowing Dharmendra’s legacy to remain the focus rather than personal disputes.

A Complicated Family History

Dharmendra married Prakash Kaur in 1954, and the couple has four children—Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Vijeta Deol, and Ajeeta Deol. Years later, Dharmendra married Hema Malini, with whom he has two daughters, Esha and Ahana. Despite the complexities surrounding his personal life, Dharmendra maintained relationships across both families, often appearing publicly supportive of all his children.

However, Shobha De believes that after his death, the boundaries between the two families became more apparent, with Hema Malini allegedly being completely isolated by the first family.

Final Rites and Dharmendra’s Legacy

Dharmendra had recently returned home from Breach Candy Hospital before his passing, which occurred just days ahead of his 90th birthday. His last rites were performed on November 25, attended by close family members and industry colleagues.

On the professional front, Dharmendra is set to make a posthumous appearance in his final film ‘Ikkis’, where he will be seen alongside Agastya Nanda, marking the end of a glorious acting journey spanning over six decades.

Why the Debate Continues

Shobha De’s remarks have sparked widespread discussion on social media and within film circles, with many questioning why Hema Malini—Dharmendra’s wife of decades—was allegedly kept away from official farewell ceremonies. The controversy has once again highlighted the emotional complexities of blended families, especially when personal relationships unfold under constant public scrutiny.

While no official response has been issued by the Deol family, the debate continues, with many applauding Hema Malini for her composure and silence during a deeply personal loss.