Bollywood continues to reflect on the legacy of Dharmendra, one of Hindi cinema’s most enduring icons, even months after his passing. His influence spans generations, genres, and decades, leaving behind not just a remarkable body of work but also a deeply personal imprint on Indian popular culture.
Amid this reflection, a new revelation has added an emotional dimension to the conversation. Veteran actor and parliamentarian Hema Malini has shared that Sunny Deol is planning to open a museum in memory of his late father, a space envisioned to celebrate Dharmendra’s life, career, and contribution to cinema.
The announcement has sparked interest among fans and film historians alike, while also reopening discussions about the Deol family, their relationships, and the enduring legacy of one of Bollywood’s most loved stars.
Sunny Deol’s Vision to Honour Dharmendra
According to Hema Malini, Sunny Deol has been actively planning a museum dedicated to Dharmendra’s memory. She indicated that the idea is serious and that discussions around it will involve consultation and shared decision-making.
The proposed museum is expected to chronicle Dharmendra’s long and celebrated journey in cinema, from his early rise as a romantic hero to his transformation into an action icon and later, a respected veteran performer.
Such a space would not only serve as a tribute from a son to his father but also as a cultural landmark for fans who have followed Dharmendra’s work for decades.
A Legacy That Spans Generations
Dharmendra’s career stands as one of the longest and most versatile in Indian cinema. With performances that ranged from gentle romance to intense action and emotional drama, he earned admiration across age groups and regions.
His films continue to find new audiences through television and digital platforms, ensuring that his presence remains alive in popular memory. A museum dedicated to him would help preserve memorabilia, stories, and moments from this extraordinary career.
For many admirers, such an initiative would provide a deeper, more tangible connection to the actor’s life beyond the screen.
Hema Malini on Her Bond With the Deol Brothers
Hema Malini has also addressed long-standing speculation about her relationship with the Deol brothers, Sunny and Bobby Deol. She described the bond as nice, cordial, and unchanged over the years.
She expressed frustration over recurring gossip and rumours, stating that people often assume there is tension where none exists. According to her, personal relationships should not require public explanations.
Her comments aimed to put to rest narratives of discord, emphasising that the family remains close and emotionally connected.
Speculation Following Dharmendra’s Passing
Following Dharmendra’s death on November 24, speculation intensified around the family dynamics. Much of this arose from the fact that Hema Malini did not attend the prayer meet organised by Sunny and Bobby Deol in Mumbai.
Instead, she held a Gita Paath at her home on the same day. Later, Hema Malini and her daughters, Esha Deol and Ahana Deol, organised a separate prayer meet in Delhi.
Hema clarified that these choices should not be interpreted as signs of a rift, but rather as personal ways of mourning and paying respects.
Coping With Loss and Grief
In the same interaction, Hema Malini spoke candidly about her emotional state following Dharmendra’s passing. She shared that she has not yet been able to watch his final film, Ikkis.
According to her, watching the film at this stage would be too overwhelming, a sentiment echoed by her daughters. She indicated that time would be needed for the wounds to heal before revisiting his last on-screen appearance.
This reflection offered a glimpse into the deeply personal grief behind the public persona of one of Bollywood’s most recognisable faces.
Dharmendra’s Final Film Ikkis
Ikkis, released on January 1, marks Dharmendra’s final appearance on the big screen. Directed by Sriram Raghavan, the film is a biographical war drama based on the life of Param Vir Chakra awardee Arun Khetarpal.
The film features an ensemble cast including Agastya Nanda, Jaideep Ahlawat, Sikandar Kher, and Simar Bhatia. Dharmendra’s presence adds emotional weight to the narrative, making the film particularly significant for audiences.
For many fans, Ikkis stands as a poignant farewell to an actor who defined multiple eras of Hindi cinema.
An Iconic On-Screen Pairing
Hema Malini and Dharmendra were among Bollywood’s most iconic on-screen pairs. Their chemistry captivated audiences in numerous films and became a benchmark for romantic pairings in Hindi cinema.
Their first interaction occurred during the shooting of Tu Haseen Main Jawan in 1970. This collaboration paved the way for a series of successful films that followed.
Over the years, they starred together in classics such as Seeta Aur Geeta, Jugnu, Raja Rani, Sholay, and Azad, each reinforcing their popularity as a cinematic duo.
From Reel Romance to Real Life
Their relationship eventually transitioned from screen to real life, unfolding under intense public scrutiny. At the time, Dharmendra was already married to Prakash Kaur, adding complexity to their personal story.
Despite the challenges, Hema Malini and Dharmendra married in 1980 in a private ceremony away from media attention. Their union became one of the most discussed relationships in Bollywood history.
Even after marriage, they maintained separate residences, navigating personal choices while remaining closely connected.
Family Life and Separate Homes
Post-marriage, Hema Malini focused on raising her daughters, Esha and Ahana, while Dharmendra continued to live with his first family. This arrangement was unconventional by public standards but worked for them.
Hema has often spoken about Dharmendra’s involvement in their daughters’ lives, emphasising that emotional presence mattered more than physical arrangements.
This nuanced family structure has frequently been misunderstood, leading to speculation that Hema has consistently addressed with clarity.
The End of an On-Screen Era
After their marriage, Hema Malini and Dharmendra’s on-screen collaborations became less frequent. Razia Sultan, released in 1983, marked their last major film together.
The decline in joint appearances symbolised the end of an era for fans who had admired their chemistry across genres and narratives.
Nevertheless, their earlier films continue to be celebrated, keeping their on-screen magic alive for new generations.
The Significance of a Dharmendra Museum
A museum dedicated to Dharmendra would serve as a bridge between cinema history and contemporary audiences. It could house costumes, awards, photographs, and personal artefacts that narrate his journey.
For Sunny Deol, the initiative represents both a personal tribute and a public acknowledgment of his father’s immense contribution to Indian cinema.
If realised, the museum could become a place of remembrance, learning, and inspiration, ensuring that Dharmendra’s legacy endures well beyond the silver screen.
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