The passing of legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra on November 24 in Mumbai was met with nationwide grief. However, the quiet and swift nature of his funeral proceedings left many fans and observers disappointed, with a growing sentiment that the veteran star deserved a grander, state-sponsored farewell. The event has since sparked conversations about the dynamics within the actor's family, particularly between the Deols and his second wife, Hema Malini.
Shobhaa De's Puzzlement Over Missed State Honour
In a recent interview, noted columnist and author Shobhaa De expressed her strong views on the matter. She firmly believes that an actor of Dharmendra's colossal stature and public adoration should have been accorded a state funeral. "I completely agree. I've written about it as well," Shobhaa De stated, referencing past instances where such honours were granted.
She pointed out the precedent set by the state funeral for the late actress Sridevi, arguing that Dharmendra was equally deserving. "He richly deserved it. He was so loved," she remarked, suggesting the omission might have been an "oversight or due to political reasons." De emphasized that since Dharmendra's critical health was widely known, arrangements for a state honour could have been made in a matter of hours with proper initiative.
The Unspoken Tension Between Two Families
The interview inevitably turned to the speculated complications between the Deol family and Hema Malini, which many believe led to the separate, low-key funeral ceremonies. While both families have maintained a dignified silence, Shobhaa De highlighted subtle cues that suggested underlying issues.
She noted that at a Delhi prayer meet, Hema Malini, a sitting Member of Parliament, referred to Dharmendra as "My Dharamji" and not "my husband." Similarly, Home Minister Amit Shah's presence was framed as being out of respect for "Dharam ji," not explicitly acknowledging his connection to Hema Malini. "It seems like there were some complications in the dynamics between both the families," De observed, clarifying she was not privy to internal decisions.
A Call for Grace and Inclusion in Grief
Drawing a distinction from other complex family situations in Bollywood, Shobhaa De explained that Dharmendra had nurtured two parallel families over four decades and had never walked away from either. She argued that in death, personal differences should be set aside to honour the departed's emotions and relationships.
"To deny access, if it was denied, I think maybe some more grace should have been shown," she said, advocating for inclusion. She concluded that dignifying the late actor's memory meant honouring all parts of his life. "It would have shown the Deol family in a far better light than excluding them," she stated, implying that embracing Hema Malini and her daughters would have been a magnanimous gesture reflecting the actor's own acknowledged bonds.
The entire episode leaves behind a poignant question about legacy, protocol, and the personal complexities that often surround public figures, even in their final moments.
