Dharmendra Funeral: Why No State Honours For Padma Bhushan Recipient EXPLAINED

Dharmendra, one of Bollywood’s initial superstars, passed away at the age of 89 on November 24 in Mumbai. He was hospitalised a couple of weeks ago and was discharged days later. The actor continued receiving

treatment at home. Just when preparations for his 90th birthday were about to begin, he breathed his last. The Deols gave him a quiet farewell. Maintaining privacy, Dharmendra’s sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol laid him to rest in the presence of family members and close industry colleagues.

No state funeral for Dharmendra

Dharmendra, who was a member of the 15th Lok Sabha of India, representing the Bikaner constituency in Rajasthan from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the receipent of Padma Bhushan, was cremated without state honours. As per reports, the Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani actor’s funeral was expected with gun salute, considering his contribution to Indian cinema. According to reports, the Deol family chose not to go ahead with a state funeral for their beloved patriarch.ALSO READ: Dharmendra Dies At 89: Amitabh Bachchan Pens Heartfelt Note Remembering Sholay Co-Star, Calls Him 'Epitome Of Greatness'

State funeral norms

A state funeral is given to a person of importance, who islaid to rest in an elaborate ceremony following laid-down rules, involving members of the public in the mourning. It can include a gun salute, draping of the coffin with the tricolour, and laying of wreaths by mourners. A state funeral also recognises the individual’s achievements as well as the collective mourning of the nation. No state funeral is accorded for other dignitaries unless specifically ordered by the government. The eligibility is decided by a combination of historical precedent, legal guidelines, and discretionary powers exercised by government officials. The government takes decision to accord state funeral to an individual by taking the person’s stature and contributions into consideration. Before granting permission for state funeral, the Chief Minister must consult with senior cabinet members and other officials to evaluate the eligibility of the deceased. Dharmendra’s last film, Ikkis, is scheduled to release in theatres on December 25. He plays Agastya Nanda’s father in the film directed by Sriram Raghavan.