“He Was Everything to Me”: Hema Malini’s Heartbreaking Tribute After Dharmendra’s Passing Leaves Nation in Tears

Veteran actress shares emotional first post three days after husband’s death, calling loss ‘indescribable’ as she vows to live on memories; Prayer meet scheduled for today in Mumbai

Mumbai, November 27, 2025 – Veteran actress and politician Hema Malini broke her silence three days after the passing of her husband, Bollywood legend Dharmendra, sharing a deeply emotional tribute that has moved millions across the nation. Describing Dharmendra as everything to her whose presence had shaped her life, Malini reflected on their decades together in her first social media post since the actor’s death on November 24.

“He Was Everything to Me”

Taking to social media platform X on Thursday, Malini wrote alongside a cherished photograph: “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! And always has been, through good times and bad”.

The 77-year-old actress, known as Bollywood’s “Dream Girl,” recalled how Dharmendra endeared himself to all her family members with his easy, friendly ways, always showing affection and interest in everyone.

“This Vacuum Will Last Through My Life”

In a poignant conclusion to her tribute, Malini called her loss indescribable, stating that the vacuum left behind will remain for the rest of her life. “After years of togetherness, I am left with myriad memories to relive the many special moments,” she wrote.

Malini also praised Dharmendra as a public personality, saying his talent, humility despite his popularity, and universal appeal set him apart as a unique icon unequalled among all the legends, adding that his enduring fame and achievements in the film industry will last forever.

Cherished Memories Shared

Hours after her initial post, Malini shared another carousel of previously unpublished photographs capturing intimate moments from their life together. “I know it is a surfeit of photos but these have not been published and my emotions are unfolding as I see these,” she explained in the caption.

The images depicted the couple through various phases of their decades-long relationship, showcasing moments with their daughters Esha and Ahana Deol, and candid glimpses of their life together away from the spotlight.

Dharmendra’s Final Days

Dharmendra died on November 24, 2025, at his residence in Mumbai at the age of 89 following age-related illness, just two weeks before his 90th birthday on December 8. In recent weeks he had been admitted to a hospital in Mumbai due to respiratory issues and was later discharged.

The actor’s death came after a controversial episode earlier in November. On November 11, rumours began circulating on social media and several news channels claiming that Dharmendra had died, with reports spreading rapidly and even Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and lyricist Javed Akhtar mourning his death. Hema Malini and daughter Esha Deol dismissed the rumours through their social media accounts, confirming Dharmendra was alive and in stable condition, condemning the spread of such false information as completely unacceptable and irresponsible.

Quiet Farewell, Public Grief

Dharmendra’s last rites were held at the Pawan Hans crematorium in the Vile Parle area of Mumbai, with family members and numerous film-industry colleagues in attendance. The death was confirmed around 1:30 PM, and by 3 PM the last rites were completed, with Hema Malini leaving the crematorium shortly after.

The funeral was conducted quietly, with the family maintaining silence about his death right till the end. Many fans expressed disappointment at not being able to pay their final respects to the beloved star.

Among those who attended were Bollywood stalwarts including Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor, and numerous other celebrities.

Industry Mourns a Legend

Amitabh Bachchan penned a heartfelt note bidding an emotional farewell to his “Veeru,” writing: “Another valiant giant has left us… left the arena… leaving behind a silence with an unbearable sound. Dharam ji… the epitome of greatness, ever linked not only to his renowned physical presence, but to the largeness of his heart and its most endearing simplicity”.

Shah Rukh Khan wrote: “Rest in Peace Dharam ji. You were nothing short of a father figure to me… thank u for showering me with blessings and love the way you did. An inconsolable and irreplaceable loss to not just his family, but to cinema and film lovers world over”.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his condolences, saying the actor’s death marks the end of an era in Indian cinema, calling him an iconic film personality and phenomenal actor who brought charm and depth to every role he played.

Prayer Meet Today

A prayer meet titled “Celebration of Life” will take place today, November 27, from 5 pm to 7:30 pm at Taj Land’s End in Mumbai, allowing industry colleagues, family, and friends to pay their final respects to the legendary actor.

An Illustrious Legacy

Known as the He-Man of Hindi cinema, Dharmendra worked in over 300 films in a career spanning 65 years, holding the record for starring in the highest number of hit films in Hindi cinema. He is remembered for iconic films including Sholay, Phool Aur Patthar, Satyakam, Chupke Chupke, Seeta Aur Geeta, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Loafer, Blackmail and Jugnu.

Dharmendra was married to Prakash Kaur in 1954, with whom he had four children including actors Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol. In 1980, he married Hema Malini, with whom he had two daughters, Esha and Ahana Deol.

The war drama Ikkis, based on the life of Arun Khetarpal, was the final film of his illustrious career, though he died before its release.

As India mourns the loss of one of its greatest cinematic icons, Hema Malini’s emotional tribute serves as a poignant reminder of the personal loss behind the public legend—a love story that spanned decades and a partnership that endured through all seasons of life.

— NewsArc Bureau