The 76th BAFTAs on Sunday marked a rare moment of global recognition of Indian cinema when late veteran Dharmendra was honoured in the In Memoriam section. Emotional about the tribute, his wife actor-MP Hema Malini (77) tells us, “It was a beautiful moment and he deserves it. It’s a huge honour not just for us, but for the entire country. There will never be another like him.”

There has been much speculation that Hema and her daughters, Esha and Ahana, don’t get along with Dharmendra’s other family: wife, Prakash Kaur, sons Sunny and Bobby, and daughters Vijeta and Ajeita. However, Esha and Ahana’s appearance with Sunny at the screening of his film Border 2 on January 25 helped quieten some of the chatter.

Setting the record straight, Hema shares, “I was invited, too. But I couldn’t make it... Dharam ji Papa hain na, unke liye sab kuch bhi karenge. Be it these bachchas (Esha and Ahana) or those bachchas (Sunny, Bobby). They are very fond of each other. There is no negativity at all between the family (members). When Dharam ji is there, where is the negativity? He was a source of love, strength and values that he has passed on to them. People should understand instead of talking this and that.”

Tuesday (February 24) marked three months since the veteran’s demise. “I think of it and get teary-eyed, but I am being strong,” she says, adding, “I’m keeping myself busy with my dance shows. Dharam ji loved watching me dance; he would say I should never stop because it’s important to be mentally and physically fit. He loved watching the girls dance, too. He appreciated that we are maintaining Indian tradition.”

Ask if she will be seen on screen anytime soon, and she shares, “If any good film role comes my way, I will do it. But kuch achha aata hi nahin; and I’m not sure about OTT.”