Hema Malini Shares Emotional Tribute to Dharmendra
Mumbai, Dec 14: Veteran actor and parliamentarian Hema Malini has paid an emotional tribute to her late husband, legendary Bollywood star Dharmendra, by sharing a specially curated video that celebrates his timeless charm and cinematic legacy.
The actress posted the visual montage on her Instagram handle on Saturday, featuring memorable scenes from Dharmendra’s illustrious film career. She explained that the tribute had been created for two prayer meetings she organised in Delhi and Mathura.
In her caption, Hema Malini described the video as a heartfelt homage to Dharmendra’s enduring appeal, magnetic screen presence and remarkable talent, noting that the tribute was intended to honour him during the prayer gatherings held in the two cities.
Dharmendra passed away at the age of 89, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy as one of Hindi cinema’s most enduring and admired stars.
Born in Punjab in 1935, Dharmendra entered the film industry in the early 1960s after being spotted through a nationwide talent search initiative. In the late 1950s, Filmfare magazine, in collaboration with Bimal Roy Productions, organised the contest to discover fresh talent for Hindi films.
With his striking looks, emotional range and natural screen presence, Dharmendra swiftly rose to prominence. His ability to seamlessly transition between romantic, action-packed and comedic roles set him apart from his contemporaries.
Among his most celebrated works are Phool Aur Patthar, which firmly established him as a leading star, and Sholay, where his portrayal of the spirited and endearing Veeru became one of Indian cinema’s most iconic characters.
Following Dharmendra’s passing on November 24, 2025, Hema Malini and members of the Deol family conducted separate prayer meetings to remember the iconic actor.
Over the years, Hema Malini and the Deols have drawn attention for maintaining personal and spiritual boundaries with sensitivity and mutual respect. The decision to hold separate prayer ceremonies reflects long-established family dynamics rather than any sign of estrangement.
As Dharmendra’s second wife, Hema Malini is widely known for her strong spiritual beliefs and preference for structured religious observances, often choosing intimate, faith-centred rituals within her close circle.
The Deol family, including sons Sunny and Bobby Deol along with other relatives, traditionally observe their own customs, expressing grief and solidarity in ways shaped by their upbringing and close familial ties.
Throughout her public life, Hema Malini has consistently carried herself with grace, seamlessly balancing her responsibilities as a celebrated actor, a Member of Parliament and a deeply religious individual. (Edited)
