Hema Malini Recalls Dharmendra's Constant Support

“I am enjoying every part of this journey. That is why you all still remember me. The moment people see me, they are reminded of Basanti. My constituents often ask me, “Please say one of Basanti’s dialogues.” Those memories are always alive, and I carry them with me wherever I go.”

Hema Malini also spoke about how Dharmendra’s constant encouragement motivated her to keep pursuing her passion beyond films. She shared that the actor never let her feel discouraged when she took fewer film projects. He always encouraged her to continue with her dance performances and other creative pursuits.

“Dharam Ji always used to tell me, 'Never think that just because you're doing fewer films, it's the end of the road. You're doing your dance performances and so many other things—just keep going. It's wonderful. He was always very encouraging and inspiring by the fact that I was constantly performing or keeping myself engaged in one activity or another. He genuinely appreciated it and would always say, 'Just keep doing all of this. Don't stop,” she said.

For the unversed, Hema Malini and Dharmendra tied the knot on August 21, 1979, in a private Nikah ceremony. The couple later got married in a traditional Iyengar ceremony in 1980, honoring Hema Malini’s family traditions and cultural roots.

Dharmendra and Hema Malini shared one of Bollywood’s most beloved on-screen pairings. They have starred together in over 25 films. Some of their memorable hits include “Tum Haseen Main Jawaan,” “Seeta Aur Geeta,” “Sholay,” “Dream Girl,” and “The Burning Train,” among others.

Dharmendra, known as the "He-Man" of Bollywood, passed away on November 24, 2025, at the age of 89 in Mumbai.