Mumtaz recalls visiting late Dharmendra at the hospital, was told ‘He’s on ventilator, aap kya dekhengi unko?’, recalls not attending his last rites

Dharmendra's Loafer co-star Mumtaz recently opened up about visiting the late actor at the hospital and not being able to attend his final rites.

Mumtaz talks about visiting Dharmendra at the hospital before his death (Photo: Instagram/Mumtaz)

Veteran actor Mumtaz and late legend Dharmendra were a hit on-screen couple in Bollywood, in the 1960s-70s. They showcased their strong chemistry in several popular films, including, Loafer, Jheel Ke Us Paar, and many others. In fact, before Dharmendra passed away last month, Mumtaz went to meet him at the hospital during his final days. In a recent interview, she opened up about her emotional visit and revealed that she couldn’t attend his funeral.

During a chat with Vickey Lalwani, Mumtaz shared, “Yes, I went to the hospital. When I went there, I was told that doctors have said that he is on a ventilator – ‘Aap kya dekhengi unko?’ I just said that I would just like to see his glimpse. So, I went inside, saw him, he was looking good at that time as well, while lying down. After seeing him, I went out and some of his known people were standing there. I asked them to tell his family that I came to visit at the hospital, just to see him. Then, I left and went home.”

The veteran actor then said that she couldn’t attend his funeral as she wasn’t prepared to see his mortal remains. Recalling Dev Anand’s demise, she reasoned, “I didn’t go for the last rites. I wouldn’t have been able to see his mortal remains. When Dev sahab passed away… his hotel was near my house and many people rang the bell to call me to meet him, but I said no. He was such a chirpy and lively person, he taught me everything.”

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The host then asked about her visit to Dharmendra and his wife Prakash Kaur’s Mumbai house, a few years ago. “Yes, I met his wife. She was sitting with us. She met me very nicely and treated me well – asked properly to eat, drink, everything. My sister and Dharmendra ji were also sitting there,” she replied.

What Mumtaz said about visiting Dharmendra earlier

While talking to Etimes earlier, Mumtaz had revealed in an interview that she went to visit the late star in the hospital, but wasn’t allowed to meet him. “I went to see him at the hospital, but the staff told me he was on the ventilator and no one was allowed to meet him. I sat there for 30 minutes hoping I might still get to see him… but I couldn’t. I left without meeting him,” she said.

Talking about his second wife, actor Hema Malini, the 78-year-old added, “I feel sorry for his family, and for Hema ji. She was always devoted to him. She must be feeling this loss very deeply. She was truly in love with him.” She also called Dharmendra an “irreplaceable, wonderful co-star.”

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Dharmendra, the He-man of Indian cinema, took his last breath at his Mumbai residence on November 24. The 89-year-old had been battling health issues and was admitted to the Hospital for a few days. The actor’s sons Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol held a prayer meet for their father in Mumbai, while Hema Malini and her daughters Esha, Ahana Deol, hosted a separate prayer service in Delhi.

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