Mumbai: Days after the death of legendary actor Dharmendra, his wife and long-time co-star Hema Malini has spoken publicly for the first time, posting an emotional note remembering her partner of decades. Dharmendra died on Monday at the age of 89, leaving the Hindi film fraternity and fans across generations in mourning.
In a deeply personal message shared on X on Thursday, Malini wrote that the loss has left her shattered. She described her husband as the centre of her world—someone who played countless roles in her life, from trusted companion to source of strength. “The emptiness is impossible to put into words,” she wrote, adding that she now holds on to a lifetime of memories to cope with the silence his absence has created.
Malini accompanied her message with a series of old photographs documenting their journey together—family moments, candid snapshots and images reflecting their long association both on and off screen. She recalled Dharmendra not just as a star adored by the masses but as a gentle presence at home, deeply devoted to their daughters Esha and Ahana.
Reflecting on his legacy, the 77-year-old actor-politician said Dharmendra’s humility, warmth and rare versatility made him stand apart in an industry crowded with icons. The couple’s on-screen pairing produced some of Hindi cinema’s most memorable films, including Sholay, Seeta Aur Geeta and Pratigya. “His stardom may belong to the world, but the man behind the star was mine,” she wrote, calling him a figure “unmatched among legends”.
Dharmendra, who would have turned 90 next month, had been battling health complications for some time. The family maintained strict privacy around his condition, cremating him quietly at Pawan Hans crematorium in Vile Parle. Their discretion followed an incident earlier this month when several media outlets prematurely reported his death, prompting Malini to chastise news channels for spreading misinformation and causing distress.
After a brief hospitalisation, the actor was brought home to Juhu, where he passed away. A prayer meeting has been scheduled for Thursday at a Bandra hotel, with members of the film industry expected to gather to pay their respects to the beloved star.
For Malini, the days ahead will be shaped by memories—cherished moments, shared triumphs and the companionship that defined her life for decades. “He was everything to me,” she wrote, “and always will be.”
