It’s been three emotional months since Bollywood lost one of its most iconic stars, the legendary Dharmendra, lovingly known as Bollywood’s “He-Man.” The evergreen actor passed away on November 24, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable performances and a family that continues to grapple with his absence. While Dharmendra’s first wife, Prakash Kaur, has chosen to stay away from the media, his second wife Hema Malini, who is both an acclaimed actress and Member of Parliament, has candidly shared her feelings in a recent heartfelt interview revealing the depth of her grief and love even months after his departure.
Dharmendra’s contributions to Indian cinema were celebrated globally when he was honored at the BAFTA Awards earlier this year, a moment that brought both pride and emotion to his family. When asked about this tribute by Variety India, Hema Malini called the recognition heartwarming, explaining how meaningful it was for her and Dharmendra.
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The veteran actress went on to share sweet memories of their life together, highlighting how their busy shooting schedules often meant they found creative ways to spend time together. “We were among the busiest actors of our time. We couldn’t travel much during shoots, so we signed many films together just so we could be near each other,” Hema said. When questioned about the personal void Dharmendra’s absence has left behind, Hema Malini didn’t hold back her emotions.
With poignant honesty, she revealed, “I miss him every moment. I keep asking myself, ‘Is he really gone? When will I see him again?’” Their journey together was unconventional yet deeply rooted in love. After Dharmendra’s first marriage, Hema Malini chose to walk a new path with him converting to Islam and marrying him in 1980. Together, they raised two daughters, Ahana and Esha, while Dharmendra was already a father to four other children.
The veteran actress shared some delightful reminiscences of Dharmendra’s films. Although she admits she hasn’t watched all his movies, Hema Malini revealed that she plans to watch every one as time permits. She fondly spoke of her love for Chupke Chupke, but also confessed that both she and Dharmendra held a special place in their hearts for Sholay, not just as a cinematic masterpiece, but as a film filled with personal memories from its shoot.
The Social Dig 