He was many things to me: Hema Malini remembers Dharmendra in emotional X post

Describing her loss as “indescribable,” she reflected on their decades-long relationship and his enduring legacy.

“He was many things to me — a loving husband, adoring father to our daughters Esha and Ahaana, friend, philosopher, guide, poet, and my ‘go-to’ person in all times of need,” she wrote.

“He endeared himself to all my family members with his easy, friendly ways, always showing affection and interest in all of them.”

Calling Dharmendra a “unique icon unequalled among all the legends,” Hema Malini said his humility, talent and universal appeal distinguished him throughout his six-decade career in Indian cinema.

“His enduring fame and achievements in the film industry will last forever,” she added.

In her message, she said the void left by his death “will last through the rest of my life,” noting that she is now left with “myriad memories” of their years together.

The actress shared several throwback photographs with Dharmendra, whose filmography includes classics such as Sholay, Chupke Chupke, Phool Aur Patthar and Satyakam.

Known as the “He-Man of Bollywood,” he remained active in films and was last seen in the 2024 romantic sci-fi drama Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya.

His upcoming film, Sriram Raghavan’s Ikkis, featuring Agastya Nanda, is scheduled for release on Dec. 25, 2025.

Dharmendra married Hema Malini in 1980, and the couple had two daughters, Esha and Ahaana.

He was already married to Prakash Kaur, with whom he had four children, including actors Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol.

Hema Malini and Dharmendra first met during the filming of Tum Haseen Main Jawaan in 1970, and their onscreen pairing led to one of Bollywood’s most talked-about off-screen relationships.

The duo starred together in several films, including Sholay, Seeta Aur Geeta, and Tum Haseen Main Jawaan.