Dharmendra's Silent Goodbye: Rushed Funeral, No State Honour, Daughters Urgently Called Back From US

Dharmendra passed away on November 24, 2025, in Mumbai, a fortnight away from his 90th birthday. The news swallowed the entire nation in a wave of grief. The actor has been in and out of the hospital in the past months. However, recent reports had stated that the actor was recovering, making the news of his death even more heartbreaking. Now, fans are reflecting on the rushed funeral and why the actor was not given the state honour or a shobha yatra that a celebrity of his stature should have received. 

Why were Dharmendra's last rites rushed?

The news of Dharmendra's passing made headlines around 1 P.M. on November 24, 2025. By the time the family was already preparing for the last rites, not giving his fans a chance to pay their respects to the immensely loved actor. While no official information was provided by the family regarding the news of Dharmendra's demise, the secrecy around his last rites has left fans hurt. For the unversed, an ambulance was seen outside Dharmendra's bungalow around 1 P.M. on Monday. Following this, reports emerged that Dharmendra's health had deteriorated.

However, security was soon increased outside the bungalow, and barricades began to go up. Meanwhile, security at the Vile Parle crematorium also increased. Nonetheless, within the hour, news came that his last rites had been performed. It was by 1:10 P.M. that IANS first reported Dharmendra's demise, and then all news channels ran the story, citing the same. As soon as the news broke, Dharmendra's daughter, Esha Deol, was spotted at the Pawan Hans crematorium located in Vile Parle.

Neither a large crowd had gathered at the time, nor was the news confirmed. However, Hema Malini was seen arriving at the crematorium, followed by several celebrities. The death was confirmed around 1:30 PM, and by 3 PM, Hema Malini had finished the last rites, came out of the crematorium, and left from there. After the funeral, many fans were seen mourning outside the crematorium, expressing their hurt about not being able to see the actor for the last time.

Why was Dharmendra not given the state honour despite his massive legacy?

Dharmendra was a Member of Parliament from Bikaner between 2004 and 2009. He was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 2012. That, combined with his impeccable legacy in the film industry, left fans confused as to why he was not given the state honour. Also, it's well known that the last rites of a Padma awardee are usually performed with state honors.

However, it is unclear whether Dharmendra was given state honors, as reporters were not allowed inside. On the other hand, Reporters present outside also did not hear a guard of honor. While there are no confirmations, reports suggest that it was Dharmendra's family who decided against the state honour, wanting to give the actor a more private farewell. 

Were Dharmendra's daughters called from the US days before his death?

Another piece of news that has left fans confused is that while Dharmendra's family maintained that the actor was recovering and no longer critical, his daughters, Ajeta and Vijeta, were called from the US days before his demise. A close source told Dainik Bhaskar in a conversation that Dharmendra's condition was critical and his daughters, Ajeta-Vijeta, had also been called to India from abroad. At that time, Bobby Deol also left the set of Alpha and reached the hospital. As fans wait for an official statement from the family, their hearts remain filled with grief, knowing the world will forever be incomplete without 'He-Man'.

What are your thoughts on Dharmendra not being cremated with state honour?

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