Dharmendra’s 90th birth anniversary: Hema Malini’s heartbreak, Sharmila Tagore’s grief and Deol family tributes pour in

Dharmendra’s 90th birth anniversary on December 8 turned into a collective moment of grief and remembrance for the film fraternity and fans worldwide, as Hema Malini, Sharmila Tagore, and the Deol family shared deeply emotional tributes to the legendary star.

Hema Malini marked the day with one of her most personal messages yet, opening up about navigating life after Dharmendra’s passing.

Calling him her “dear heart,” the actress-politician shared two pictures with the late actor on X and wrote, “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 thanked God for their years together, for their “two beautiful girls,” and for the memories that now bring her solace. “Our joyful memories can never be erased,” she wrote, praying for “the wealth of peace and happiness” for Dharmendra on his birth anniversary, praising his humility and love for humanity.

Sharmila Tagore, who shared her birthday with Dharmendra for decades, said she no longer feels capable of celebrating December 8. Her tribute described him as a gentle, protective presence—someone who looked out for her both on set and in public. The day, she said, now carries a painful poignancy.

The Deol family, too, honoured Dharmendra in emotionally charged posts.

Sunny Deol shared that his father remains “always with him,” while Esha Deol confessed she “painfully misses” him every day.

Abhay Deol recalled a cherished childhood moment that captured the actor’s warmth and wit. Across Punjab, especially in Ludhiana, fans gathered to recount stories of “Garam Dharam,” celebrating a charisma that transcended generations.

Dharmendra, who passed away on November 24 at age 89, leaves behind one of Indian cinema’s richest legacies—over 300 films, iconic blockbusters, and a reputation as one of the most handsome, humble, and commercially successful stars in Hindi film history.

From ‘Phool Aur Patthar’ and ‘Sholay’ to ‘Chupke Chupke’ and ‘Dillagi’, and later roles in ‘Life in a… Metro’, ‘Apne’, ‘Johnny Gaddaar’, and ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’, his journey spanned over six decades.

He will be seen posthumously in Sriram Raghavan’s upcoming film Ikkis, releasing in December.

This year, Dharmendra’s birth anniversary transformed into a unified remembrance—Hema Malini’s grief, Sharmila Tagore’s heartbreak, and the Deol family’s tributes painting a portrait of a man whose love, goodness, and cinematic brilliance remain irreplaceable.