'He was everything to me': Hema Malini in first post since Dharmendra's death

'Dream Girl' Hema Malini paid an emotional tribute to her husband, Dharmendra, recalling his warmth and simplicity after the veteran actor passed away at 89 in Mumbai.

Three days after the demise of Bollywood’s OG ‘He-Man’ Dharmendra, his wife, actress and politician Hema Malini, made a heartfelt post on social media. Calling the late actor “everything” to her, Bollywood’s ‘Dream Girl’ remembered the veteran actor in an emotional public statement, who died on November 24 at his residence in Mumbai at the age of 89.

Taking to social media, Hema Malini wrote, “Dharam ji (heart emoji). 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" (sic).

Describing how Dharmendra formed deep bonds with everyone around her, "He endeared himself to all my family members with his easy, friendly ways, always showing affection and interest in all of them,” said Hema Malini.

Beyond the personal connection, Hema Malini also recalled his stature as a public figure and wrote that his legacy in cinema is permanent as his humility and universal appeal made him 'a unique icon unequalled among all the legends'. “His enduring fame and achievements in the film industry will last forever”.

Talking about the profound personal loss she now faces, Hema said, “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." Malini has acted alongside Dharmendra in several blockbusters, including Sholay, Seeta Aur Geeta, and Pratigya.

The Deol family is hosting a special memorial event today, titled 'Celebration of Life,' at Taj Lands End in Mumbai, where the film fraternity is expected to gather to pay their final respects to the iconic star.

Dharmendra was cremated in a private ceremony on November 24 afternoon at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Juhu, in contrast to the public funerals of celebrities like Sridevi, Yash Chopra, and others who were accorded full state honours.

Born as Dharam Singh Deol in Punjab in 1935, the star featured in more than 300 films in a career spanning six decades. Widely celebrated for his versatility across action, romance and comedy and some of Dharmendra’s classics include Sholay, Chupke Chupke, Satyakam, Anupama, Seeta Aur Geeta and many others.