Hema Malini Shares Emotional Note Remembering Dharmendra On His Birth Anniversary, Bobby Deol Calls Him His "Hero"
Dharmendra died just weeks before his 90th birthday. His family members penned emotional tributes for the actor.
Today, December 8, marks what would have been the 90th birthday of veteran Bollywood icon Dharmendra. The ‘He-Man’ of Indian cinema passed away on November 24, 2025, leaving a void that continues to ache for his family and millions of fans. On his first birth anniversary since his departure, his wife Hema Malini, sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, daughter Esha Deol and nephew Abhay Deol have shared heart-wrenching tributes, remembering the man who was the emotional core of their lives.
In a deeply moving note on X (formerly Twitter), Hema Malini poured her heart out, addressing her late husband directly. “Dharam ji, happy birthday, my dear heart,” she wrote, sharing pictures of their happier times together.
Opening up about her grief, the actress-politician confessed, “More than two weeks have passed since you left me heartbroken, slowly gathering up the pieces and trying to reconstruct my life, knowing that you will always be with me in spirit.” She added that reliving their joyful memories brings her “great solace and happiness”.
Hema Malini also expressed gratitude for their journey, writing, “I thank God for our lovely years together, for our two beautiful girls, who reaffirm our love for each other”. She concluded with a prayer for his peace: “My prayers for God to grant you the wealth of peace and happiness that you richly deserve for your humility and goodness of heart.”
Dharam ji
— Hema Malini (@dreamgirlhema) December 8, 2025
Happy birthday my dear heart❤️
More than two weeks have passed since you left me heartbroken, slowly gathering up the pieces and trying to reconstruct my life, knowing that you will always be with me in spirit. The joyful memories of our life together can never be… pic.twitter.com/zY3QBJN0YE
The couple, who defied societal norms and family opposition to marry in 1980 after a seven-year courtship, remained together until his last breath. They share two daughters, Esha and Ahana Deol.
Dharmendra and his first wife Prakash Kaur’s son, Sunny Deol, chose to celebrate his father’s love for nature. He posted a touching video on Instagram featuring Dharmendra enjoying the serenity of the mountains. In the clip, Sunny lovingly asks, “So, Papa, enjoying?” to which a laughing Dharmendra replies, “I am really enjoying, my son. It’s lovely.”
In his caption, written in Hindi, Sunny expressed his deep yearning: “Today is my father’s birthday. Papa is always with me, inside me. Love you, Papa. Miss you.”
Dharmendra’s younger son Bobby Deol also honoured his father with a lovely photo and a heartfelt caption.
Esha Deol also took to Instagram and shared several photos of herself with Dharmendra along with a lengthy, emotional note.
Dharmendra’s nephew Abhay Deol shared a rare and intimate childhood photograph with his uncle. He recalled a moment when he was upset after being scolded, and Dharmendra had gently sat him down and told him, “Look at the light,” before asking a photographer to capture the moment.
Dharmendra, who passed away at his Juhu home after battling health issues, was cremated at Pawan Hans Crematorium in the presence of industry stalwarts like Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Salman Khan.
While he may be gone, his work continues to speak for him. The actor’s final performance will be seen in Sriram Raghavan’s upcoming war drama ‘Ikkis’, co-starring Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan’s grandson Agastya Nanda. Set for a release on December 25, the highly anticipated film will serve as a fitting cinematic farewell to the legend who entertained generations for over six decades.
