Mumbai: Actor-politician Hema Malini says she is still trying to cope with the death of her husband, superstar Dharmendra.
Malini on Thursday graced the inauguration of ‘Lens and Legacy: Bollywood in Focus’, an expansive and evocative exhibition celebrating the enduring visual culture of Indian cinema, presented by the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) in association with the Union Ministry of Culture.
A special section of the exhibition features two tribute walls dedicated to Dharmendra and Asha Bhosle.
Dharmendra, who passed away last November, continues to live on through his films and the countless memories he created over decades. But for his family, especially Hema Malini, the loss is far more intimate. In the video shared by Viral Bhayani, the ‘Dream Girl’ actress spoke with visible emotion, reflecting on his journey and the void his absence has created.
“His journey was filled with passion, dedication, and immense love for the audience. Woh hamesha yehi kehte hai, film is the way to connect to the heart,” she said. Her words painted a picture of a man who saw cinema not just as a profession, but as a powerful emotional bridge with people.
She went on to describe the depth of his commitment to his craft. “He was passionate about films, camera. As his life partner, I saw how passionate he was. And he has touched the hearts of millions of people and his behaviour with everyone,” she shared, highlighting both his professional brilliance and personal warmth.
What stands out in her recollection is not just Dharmendra the superstar, but Dharmendra the human being. “He has inspired so many people, even youngsters, as an actor, as a friend, as a father. He was a great man, and I was blessed to be with him,” she added, her voice carrying both pride and grief.
The emotional weight of her loss was evident when she admitted, “I miss him. I don’t know how I will cope up in life without him, but that’s another thing.” It is a rare moment of vulnerability from an icon who has always maintained grace in the public eye.
Earlier, Hema Malini had also spoken about Dharmendra being honoured with the posthumous Padma Vibhushan. Reacting to the recognition, she had said, “It makes us very happy, the entire country is happy. Had it come earlier, Dharam ji would have been extremely happy, and seeing him, his fans would have been even happier.”
She further described the honour as long overdue, saying, “So proud that the government has recognised Dharam ji’s immense contribution to the film industry by bestowing on him the prestigious Padma Vibhushan award,” expressing gratitude for the acknowledgement of his legacy.
For fans, these moments serve as a reminder of Dharmendra’s enduring influence. For Hema Malini, they are fragments of a life shared, now carried forward through memory, love, and the stories she continues to tell about the man behind the legend.
