Decades of togetherness came to an abrupt halt, as Hema Malini lost Dharmendra, her husband of 45 years and co-star of over 25 films on November 24. The legendary actor was battling respiratory issues and was in and out of the hospital for the past few months. The popular couple of Sholay fame, tied the knot, after a passionate affair. Though they never stayed together and had a age gap of 13-15 years, their love story is among the most memorable ones in the film industry.
Three days after Dharmendra’s death, Hema Malini took to X to open up on the huge vacuum the actor’s passing has created in her life and the one that will last through the rest of her life.
In the emotional note, Malini mentioned how Dharmendra was more than a husband to her, and a ‘go to’ person in all times of need.
“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!” the actress wrote in a heartwarming post.
Dharam ji❤️
— Hema Malini (@dreamgirlhema) November 27, 2025
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. He endeared himself… pic.twitter.com/WVyncqlxK5
‘Always showed affection and interest…’
Giving a glimpse into the person Dharmendra was, Malini wrote how “he endeared himself to all my family members with his easy, friendly ways, always showing affection and interest in all of them.”
Opening up for the first time after Dharmendra’s death, Malini shared the deep pain she felt after his demise, and calls her personal loss indescribable.
‘Personal loss indescribable’
“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..,” she wrote.
Finally, the actress reflected on the late actor’s cinematic legacy and many achievements that the film industry will remember forever.
“As a public personality, his talent, his humility in spite of his popularity, and his universal appeal set him apart as a unique icon unequalled among all the legends. His enduring fame and achievements in the film industry will last forever,” she wrote.
Dharmendra passed away days before 90th birthday
Dharmendra passed away on Monday, November 24 at his residence. The news was heartbreaking considering the actor was set to turn 90 in just a few days, on December 8. The actor was discharged from Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital on November 12, 2025, and recovering at home.
After the death, Hema Malini looked distraught as she walked into the Pawan Hans Crematorium to bid adieu to her husband. Her first note on social media says a lot about the bond the two shared.
