Hema Malini Recalls Dharmendra’s “Unfinished Work” as Emotions Run High

A solemn prayer gathering held in the capital to honour legendary actor Dharmendra turned deeply emotional on Sunday when his wife, Hema Malini, broke down while addressing attendees. The 89-year-old star, a towering figure in Hindi cinema, passed away on November 24.

The memorial drew a blend of political leaders and film personalities, reflecting Dharmendra’s wide-ranging influence. Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP president J.P. Nadda, and several senior parliamentarians attended the ceremony to pay their respects. Members of the film fraternity also stood by Hema Malini and her daughters, Esha and Ahana, as the family received condolences.

Speakers remembered Dharmendra’s warmth, sense of humour, and long list of memorable performances, but it was Hema Malini’s heartfelt tribute that became the emotional centre of the event. Taking the stage with visible difficulty, she thanked everyone for gathering, admitting that she never imagined she would be hosting a prayer meet for her “Dharam ji.” Her voice quivered as she spoke about the irreplaceable void his absence had created.

She reminisced about the life they built together — one that began with on-screen romance and eventually grew into a partnership marked by mutual trust and steadfast support. Hema Malini described him as her “anchor,” someone whose encouragement allowed her to face challenges with confidence.

The actress also revealed a lesser-known facet of Dharmendra’s personality: his passion for poetry. In his later years, he often penned spontaneous verses in Urdu, a craft he had hoped to shape into a book. According to her, he had been planning the project seriously, but “that dream remained incomplete.”

Dharmendra’s death has been widely mourned across the country, with fans, colleagues, and public figures celebrating his contribution to Indian cinema. Known for seamlessly transitioning between action, drama, and romance, he carved a place in film history that few could rival.

Sunday’s gathering served as both a tribute and a reminder — not just of the star the world admired, but of the poet, partner, and gentle soul his family remembers.