India, Dec. 2 -- D ays after veteran actor Dharmendra's private funeral sparked widespread curiosity, filmmaker Hamad Al Reyami from the UAE has shared new details on why the family chose to keep the rites restricted. In an Instagram post that has since been widely circulated, Hamad recounted his recent visit to actor Hema Malini during the mourning period. He wrote that their meeting on the third day of rituals was "painful and heartbreaking", adding that he could sense "inner turmoil" in her as she spoke about Dharmendra's final weeks. According to Hamad, Hema said in a trembling voice, "I wish I had been at the farm the way I was with Dharmendra two months ago. I wish I had seen him there." She also expressed regret that fans could not see the actor one last time but stressed that the family's decision honoured Dharmendra's own lifelong wishes. Dharmendra, 89, died on November 24. The family opted for a private cremation, did not release photographs and refrained from issuing a formal announcement on social media, a move that left many fans puzzled. Hema told Hamad that Dharmendra "never wanted anyone to see him weak or ill" and often hid his pain even from close relatives. "After a person passes away, the decision rests with the family," she reportedly said. Hema also explained that a private farewell ultimately spared fans the distress of seeing the actor in his deteriorated condition. "You couldn't have borne to see him in that state. his final days were cruel and painful," she told Hamad before wiping away a tear. HTC...