Months after the passing of veteran actor Dharmendra, Hema Malini has opened up about one of their final conversations. Recalling his last wish, she said he urged her to keep the family united and always stay together with their children. Hema also spoke warmly about her relationship with stepsons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, while reacting to the fake rumours that circulated about Dharmendra’s death. Speaking to Hindi Rush, Hema Malini revealed that Dharmendra’s final message to her was simple yet heartfelt. She said he wanted the family to remain close, support one another, and always put togetherness above everything else. According to Hema, he believed that no matter how busy life became, family should always come first. Talking about Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, Hema said she shares a warm bond with both of them. “Sunny is wonderful, Bobby is wonderful. We are all very close,” she said, adding that the family doesn’t feel the need to showcase their relationship publicly. “We don’t publicise it. We have a strong bond and are a happy family,” she added. Hema also expressed disappointment over the fake news about Dharmendra’s death that had surfaced online, saying such rumours are hurtful and should not be spread without verification. Hema Malini reacts to fake news about Dharmendra’s death Before Dharmendra’s passing on November 24, 2025, false reports about his death had surfaced online while he was undergoing treatment in hospital earlier that month. The rumours spread on November 10, prompting daughter Esha Deol to publicly dismiss them on social media. Looking back at the incident, Hema Malini said it was upsetting for the family. “Naturally, we were angry. How can anyone deal with fake news like that? That phase is over now. He is no longer with us, so there’s no point talking about it today,” she said. ‘He always made time for his fans’ Hema also remembered Dharmendra’s warmth towards his admirers. She said he never liked keeping fans waiting and would often invite them into his home if he learned they had come to meet him. He happily interacted with them and posed for photographs whenever possible. She added that Dharmendra shared a special bond with his grandchildren, who continue to miss him deeply after his passing. Hema Accepted the Padma Bhushan on His Behalf In May 2026, Dharmendra was posthumously honoured with the Padma Bhushan. Hema Malini accepted the award on his behalf at the ceremony and was overcome with emotion. Their younger daughter, Ahana Deol, who accompanied her, was also seen in tears during the tribute. After the ceremony, Hema shared photographs from the event on social media, paying tribute to Dharmendra and expressing how proud the family felt to receive the prestigious honour in his memory. A very emotional and joyful moment, a moment when I truly felt the warm presence of my husband, Dharam ji, as if he was holding my hand and leading me to that stage where his Padma Vibhushan honor was waiting for him. Hema further wrote, “Standing on stage at the Padma Awards ceremony to accept the honour on Dharam ji’s behalf was an incredibly emotional moment. As the President presented the award, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride. Memories of our journey together came rushing back, from being co-stars in so many memorable films to sharing a lifetime as husband and wife. Thinking about those years brought tears to my eyes.” Hema Malini further wrote emotionally, Dharmendra was a very loving and caring husband, an affectionate father and grandfather, a true friend, a person with good thoughts, a true guide and a trustworthy companion. Dharam ji had all these beautiful qualities and much more. He was a generous, kind-hearted and giving person, whom everyone who knew him loved. ‘I Will Treasure His Memories Forever,’ Says Hema Malini Concluding her note, Hema Malini said she accepted the honour with gratitude on behalf of her entire family, Dharmendra’s millions of fans, and everyone who loved and admired him. She thanked God for blessing her with such a remarkable life partner and said his memories would remain with her for the rest of her life. She wrote that receiving the country’s prestigious civilian honour on Dharmendra’s behalf was one of the most emotional moments of her life and a memory she would always cherish. Esha Deol Shares an Emotional Tribute Dharmendra and Hema Malini’s daughter Esha Deol also penned a heartfelt message after the ceremony. Calling it a proud yet emotional moment for the family, she wrote that they wished Dharmendra had been there in person to receive the honour. Esha said she could picture her father, dressed in his signature white shirt and blue suit, happily walking up to the stage with the excitement of a child. She added that while Hema Malini accepted the award on behalf of the family, Ahana Deol represented all six of Dharmendra’s children at the ceremony. According to Esha, it was a moment filled with both tears and applause as the family paid tribute to the legendary actor’s extraordinary legacy. See a glimpse of Hema Malini and daughter Ahana with the Padma Award- On November 24, 2025, Dharmendra passed away at the age of 89. He had been ill for a long time. Ever since Dharmendra’s demise, Hema Malini keeps sharing emotional posts and pictures remembering him. Let us tell you that Hema Malini and Dharmendra have worked together in more than 30 films. Dharmendra was already married before entering films. He was married to Prakash Kaur at a young age, with whom he had 4 children: Sunny, Bobby, Ajeeta, and Vijeta. Despite being married, Dharmendra converted to Islam to marry Hema Malini and married her a second time. From this marriage, they have two daughters, Esha and Ahana.