Author and columnist Shobhaa De has spoken candidly about why she believes a state funeral for legendary actor Dharmendra was not just appropriate, but fully deserved. Dharmendra passed away on November
24 at the age of 89, triggering an outpouring of grief across the film fraternity and beyond.
Shobhaa De on why Dharmendra “richly deserved” a state funeral
In a conversation with Vickey Lalwani, Shobhaa De said she had already expressed her disappointment in writing. According to her, Dharmendra’s contribution to Indian cinema and his unparalleled popularity made him a clear candidate for the honour.
“I completely agree; I have written about it as well. There have been others in the past from the film industry who were given that honour. And he richly deserved it; he was so loved,” she said, adding that the absence of a state funeral felt either like an oversight or the result of political considerations.
She also pointed out that precedence already existed. “If Sridevi could get a state funeral, she was also a much-loved star. Surely someone of Dharmendra’s stature should have got one too,” Shobhaa noted.
Highlighting that Dharmendra’s health condition was known well in advance, she questioned why arrangements couldn’t have been made in time. “He was critical and ailing, and it was a matter of days; it was known to everybody. If something had to be organised, it could have happened in the interim,” she said. She further remarked that even a single phone call from Hema Malini, a sitting parliamentarian, might have made a difference.
Reflections on Hema Malini’s Delhi prayer meet
Shobhaa De also reflected on the separate prayer meeting hosted by Hema Malini in Delhi, observing how she consistently referred to Dharmendra as “Dharam Ji” rather than as her husband.
“Maybe the family didn’t want a state funeral. Who am I to say why it didn’t happen? But it does seem a bit strange and very disappointing,” she said, adding that Hema had often emphasised their long association of over four decades. Shobhaa also alluded to the complexities of Dharmendra’s family life, noting that there were “two parallel families” and that Dharmendra had always acknowledged all his children. She felt that, in such moments, more sensitivity and grace could have been shown.
Prayer meetings in Mumbai and Delhi
Dharmendra’s first prayer meeting was held on November 27 at Taj Lands End, hosted by the Deol family. The event saw a massive turnout from the Hindi film industry. His sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol stood with folded hands at the entrance, thanking mourners as they arrived.
The evening concluded with a moving musical tribute by Sonu Nigam, who performed several songs closely associated with Dharmendra’s cinematic legacy.
A wide range of celebrities attended the Mumbai prayer meet, including Salman Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Jackie Shroff, Vidya Balan, Vivek Oberoi, and many others. Some members of the industry also visited Hema Malini privately at her Mumbai residence to offer condolences.
Before the Delhi gathering, Hema Malini held a Gita Paath at her home in Dharmendra’s memory. The Delhi prayer meeting took place on December 11 at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre. Family members including Esha Deol, her former husband Bharat Takhtani, and Ahana Deol’s husband Vaibhav Vohra were present at the Delhi ceremony, paying their final respects to the veteran star.
