Hema Malini Breaks Silence On Relationship With Stepsons Sunny & Bobby Deol: 'Is It Necessary To Explain?'

Hema Malini has responded to social media buzz over family equations after Dharmendra's prayer meets and the release of Ikkis. The veteran actor dismissed talk of tension with Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, stressing that the relationship within the family remains warm and private despite public speculation.

The discussion began after Hema Malini skipped the Mumbai prayer meet held for Dharmendra, while Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol did not attend a similar ceremony that Hema Malini organised in Delhi. Many online users interpreted the different appearances as a possible sign of distance, which fuelled several theories about discord within the Deol family.

Hema Malini Sunny Deol Bobby Deol bond and online speculation

Speaking to the Indian Express, Hema Malini said the bond with Dharmendra's sons has stayed steady over time. She said, "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."

The actor expressed disappointment that speculation rose during a period of loss for the family. "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)," the actress added. Hema Malini chose not to expand further on the prayer meets or any private conversations.

Hema Malini Sunny Deol Bobby Deol and Dharmendra's film Ikkis

Questions had also surfaced after Hema Malini missed the Mumbai premiere of Dharmendra's final film, Ikkis, which Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol organised. The film released on January 1, 2026, and Hema Malini explained that the timing and emotions made it hard to watch the movie so soon after Dharmendra's death.

Hema Malini said, "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." The comment underlined how Dharmendra's last screen appearance remains a sensitive subject for the immediate family.

Hema Malini Sunny Deol Bobby Deol family details and timeline

Dharmendra and Hema Malini married in 1980 after reportedly dating for around five years. The couple have two daughters, Esha Deol and Ahana Deol, who have also been in the public eye. The wider Deol family, including Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, has long attracted attention from film fans across India.

Key personal and professional dates for Dharmendra and Hema Malini are given below for context.

Event	People involved	Details
Reported courtship period	Dharmendra, Hema Malini	Approximately five years before marriage
Marriage year	Dharmendra, Hema Malini	1980
Children together	Hema Malini	Esha Deol and Ahana Deol
Release of Ikkis	Dharmendra, Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol	Film released on January 1, 2026

Through the interview, Hema Malini underlined that family ties with Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol remain cordial, even as public appearances differ. The actor signalled that grief and personal boundaries shaped choices around Dharmendra's prayer meets and Ikkis, and made clear that the Deol family's private life will stay away from constant public explanation.