Hema Malini has broken her silence following the passing of her husband, legendary actor Dharmendra, sharing a deeply emotional tribute that has resonated across the film industry and among millions of fans. Posting on X and Instagram, the veteran actress and Lok Sabha MP remembered him not just as a towering cinematic figure, but as the centre of her life.
The post, accompanied by a series of photos spanning family moments, cherished memories of the couple, and vintage stills from Dharmendra’s younger days, reflects the profound personal loss she is experiencing. In her note, she called him a loving husband, an adoring father to daughters Esha and Ahana, a friend, philosopher, guide, poet and her constant source of strength.
“He was everything to me,” she wrote, describing how Dharmendra endeared himself to her entire family with his simplicity, warmth and genuine interest in others. She celebrated his unparalleled stature in Indian cinema, noting that his humility despite massive popularity set him apart.
“As a public personality, his talent, humility and universal appeal made him a unique icon, unequalled among all legends. His enduring fame and achievements will last forever,” she wrote. She also shared that the vacuum created by his loss is “indescribable” and will remain with her throughout her life.
Hema Malini and Dharmendra’s story remains one of Bollywood’s most iconic love sagas. The two first met on the sets of Tu Haseen Main Jawan (1970) and went on to deliver a string of hits including Seeta Aur Geeta, Jugnu, Raja Rani, Sholay and Azad. Their chemistry, both on and off screen, captivated audiences long before their relationship became public.
Their personal journey, marked by public scrutiny due to Dharmendra’s previous marriage, eventually led them to tie the knot in 1980 in a private ceremony. Despite maintaining separate residences in Juhu, the couple built a steady, affectionate partnership, raising Esha (born 1981) and Ahana (born 1985) while navigating a blended family landscape that gradually found its balance.
View this post on Instagram
Post-marriage, their on-screen collaborations grew fewer, with Razia Sultan (1983) marking their last major film together. Yet their legacy as one of Hindi cinema’s most beloved pairs endures.
Dharmendra, 89, passed away on Monday, leaving behind an irreplaceable void in Indian cinema. Tributes have poured in from film colleagues, political leaders and fans across the globe, celebrating his unparalleled contribution to Hindi films and his enduring charm that transcended generations.
A memorial event titled Celebration of Life will be held today at Seaside Lawns, Taj Lands End, Bandra, from 5 to 7.30 pm. The Deol family is expected to gather with industry peers to honour the actor’s legacy, with Sonu Nigam performing songs filmed on the legendary star.
Dharmendra will also be seen posthumously in Sriram Raghavan’s upcoming film Ikkis, featuring Agastya Nanda, marking yet another milestone in an illustrious career that continues even in his absence.
As Hema Malini relives memories of their life together, her heartfelt tribute stands as a poignant reminder of the man behind the legend and a love story that defined an era.
