Actor Hema Malini has said that she has not yet found the strength to watch Ikkis, the final film of her late husband and cinema legend Dharmendra. She hopes to watch it once time allows her grief to ease and the wounds begin to heal.

Speaking to Screen, Hema opened up about her loss and Dharmendra’s legacy, admitting that the emotional weight of the film has so far kept her from seeing it.

When asked whether she has watched Dharmendra’s last film Ikkis, Hema shared, “I came to Mathura when it was released. I have to do my work here. Also, I can’t see it now, it will be too overwhelming. That’s what my daughters are also saying. Maybe I will watch it later when the wounds start healing.”

Directed by Sriram Raghavan and produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films, Ikkis pays homage to the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetpal, the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. The film features Agastya Nanda in the role of Arun, with Simar Bhatia, Jaideep Ahlawat and Dharmendra in key roles.

In the interview, Hema reflected on the speculation about an alleged family rift that arose after two separate prayer meetings were held in Dharmendra’s honour—one organised by Sunny Deol and the other by Hema Malini.

“It has always been very nice and cordial. Even today it is very nice. I don’t know why people think something is wrong with us. It is because people want gossip. Why should I answer them? Is it necessary for me to give an explanation? Why should I? It’s my life. My personal life, our personal life. We are absolutely happy and very close to each other. That’s it. I don’t have anything more to say about this. I don’t know what stories people are making up. So sad that people use other’s grief to write a few articles.That is why I don’t answer (such speculation),” Hema said.

Hema said that they have spent 57 years together, and cannot imagine a life without him. “I miss him every moment. It’s not that we were always together, but he would constantly ask, “Where are you? When are you coming? Are you coming back?”

Dharmendra Death

Veteran Bollywood star Dharmendra, aged 89, has passed away after prolonged illness on November 24, 2025. The 89-year-old actor had been discharged from Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital only a few days earlier. His doctor had stated that Dharmendra would continue his treatment at home under family supervision. On October 31, the actor, was kept under strict medical observation by top doctors at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai. The superstar would have turned 90 on December 8.