In an interview with journalist Barkha Dutt, De praised Malini's restraint. "It must have been a very difficult and tough decision," she said. "To be totally left out by the first family from something that she had spent 45 years of her own life nourishing, cherishing, which had enriched her life."
De noted Malini and Dharmendra, married since 1980, have two daughters, Esha and Ahana. Yet Malini chose privacy over publicity.
"Hema is a towering personality herself," De added. "She could so easily have hijacked those emotional moments right after Dharam ji passed away. The media would have loved to cover every tear... and completely stripped her of the dignity that obviously matters so much to her."
The comments highlight visible divides during mourning. Sons Sunny and Bobby Deol from Dharmendra's first wife Prakash Kaur held a prayer meet on November 27 at Mumbai's Taj Lands End—Malini and her daughters were absent.
That same day, Malini hosted a Gita recitation at home. On December 11, she organised a separate prayer meet in Delhi with Esha and Ahana.
Dharmendra, Bollywood's iconic 'He-Man', died at 89 from age-related illness, days before his 90th birthday. He left a prolific legacy of over 300 films.
De emphasised Malini handled the situation with grace, keeping pain private while maintaining public composure.
Family dynamics in Dharmendra's two parallel households—neither side ever disowning the bond—have long intrigued observers. These latest remarks underscore lingering sensitivities even in grief.
As tributes continue, Malini's dignified silence stands out amid speculation.
3.jpg)
