Hema Malini Recalls Dharmendra’s Unwavering Support Throughout Her 60-Year Film Journey

July 10, 2026

Mumbai: As she celebrates 60 years in Indian cinema, veteran actress Hema Malini has reflected on the unwavering support she received from her late husband, actor Dharmendra, throughout her illustrious career.

Speaking ahead of ‘Hema Malini: Live in Concert,’ the actress shared that Dharmendra always motivated her to keep moving forward, even when she reduced the number of films she was doing.

‘He always told me to keep going’

Hema Malini said Dharmendra never allowed her to feel that her journey had come to an end simply because she was taking on fewer film projects.

According to the actress, he constantly encouraged her to continue with her dance performances and other creative pursuits, reminding her that every phase of life offered new opportunities.

“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.’ He appreciated that I was always engaged in one activity or another and would always say, ‘Don’t stop,'” she said.

Looking back on six decades in cinema

Reflecting on her journey, Hema Malini said her career has evolved naturally over the decades. After enjoying immense success during the 1970s and 1980s, she returned with films such as Baghban while continuing to devote herself to classical dance performances.

She also spoke about her transition into public life as a Member of Parliament, saying she now considers serving the people of Mathura another meaningful chapter of her journey.

‘People still remember me as Basanti’

Hema Malini said audiences continue to associate her with her iconic role of Basanti from the classic film Sholay.

She revealed that people in her constituency often request her to recite Basanti’s famous dialogues, adding that those memories remain close to her heart and continue to connect her with audiences across generations.

A celebrated on-screen and real-life partnership

Hema Malini and Dharmendra married in 1980 after first solemnising their union through a private Nikah ceremony in 1979. Together, they became one of Bollywood’s most loved couples, sharing screen space in more than 25 films, including Sholay, Seeta Aur Geeta, Dream Girl, Tum Haseen Main Jawaan, and The Burning Train.

Dharmendra, widely known as Bollywood’s ‘He-Man’, passed away in Mumbai on November 24, 2025, at the age of 89. Remembering him, Hema Malini’s words reflected the lasting encouragement and confidence he gave her throughout her remarkable six-decade journey in Indian cinema.