Hema Malini breaks silence: Posts heartfelt tribute to Dharmendra
Veteran Indian actress and politician Hema Malini has publicly mourned the passing of her husband, screen legend Dharmendra, in a poignant Instagram post today. The Seeta Aur Geeta actress described the actor in intimate terms, recalling a lifetime shared both on- and off-screen. The post, accompanied by throwback photographs of the couple, opens with a direct address and closes with a personal note on the depth of her loss.
Quoting the Andaz actress' caption verbatim from her post, it can be seen how the Phool Aur Pathar actor was 'everything' to her:
"Dharam ji, He was many things to me. Loving Husband, adoring Father of our two girls, Esha & Ahaana, Friend, Philosopher, Guide, Poet, my ‘go to’ person in all times of need - in fact, he was everything to me!"
Speaking of his private-life persona, she extended that he has been her go-to "through good times and bad. He endeared himself to all my family members with his easy, friendly ways, always showing affection and interest in all of them."
However, she did not leave a stone unturned to commend his "public personality" by mentioning that "his talent, his humility in spite of his popularity, and his universal appeal set him apart as a unique icon unequalled among all the legends. His enduring fame and achievements in the film industry will last forever."
In the end, she mourned her irreplacable loss: "My personal loss is indescribable and the vacuum created is something that will last through the rest of my life.????After years of togetherness, I am left with myriad memories to relive the many special moments…"
Dharmendra, one of Hindi cinema’s most enduring stars, died on 24 November 2025 at his Mumbai residence after a brief illness at the age of 89. Reports say the actor had been under medical care and was receiving close family support in his final days. Tributes from colleagues and fans poured in across the country as details of funeral arrangements were confirmed.
The couple’s relationship has long been part of Bollywood lore. Hema Malini and Dharmendra first worked together in the early 1970s and, after a years-long connection that survived public scrutiny, the pair formalised their union on 2 May 1980. Their marriage brought together a blended family — Dharmendra’s children from his earlier marriage and the two daughters he had with Malini, Esha and Ahana.
A distinguished artist in her own right, Hema Malini rose to fame as Hindi cinema’s “Dream Girl,” winning the Filmfare Best Actress Award for Seeta Aur Geeta and later receiving national honours such as the Padma Shri. In addition to a long film career, she has been active in classical dance and public service as a Member of Parliament.