Hema Malini turns emotional as BAFTA honours Dharmendra in ‘In Memoriam’ tribute: ‘When will I meet him again?’

Hema Malini turns emotional as BAFTA honours Dharmendra in ‘In Memoriam’ tribute: ‘When will I meet him again?’

• Dharmendra honored in BAFTA's "In Memoriam" segment
• Hema Malini recalls his global appeal and shared memories
• She revisits his films like Sholay to cherish their moments

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Veteran actor and politician Hema Malini recently opened up about her deep emotional response after her husband, the legendary Dharmendra, was honoured at the 79th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) in the “In Memoriam” segment.

The tribute at the prestigious ceremony recognised the late icon alongside global cinema greats, leaving fans and peers deeply moved.

Hema Malini described seeing Dharmendra’s tribute as “heartening,” emphasising that his appeal and presence extended “beyond borders” with fans all over the world.

She fondly recalled how the two didn’t often travel together outside India — their shared time was mostly during film shoots, where they made the most of precious moments together.

Speaking with Variety India, Hema Malini said candidly, He was someone whose presence went beyond borders. He had fans in every part of the world. My God, the way he would be mobbed in foreign countries. We didn’t travel together much, except for shootings when we got to spend time together. We would sign lots of films together so we could spend time together.”

Remembering the superstar fondly, Hema ji went on to state, “I miss him every single minute. I keep asking myself, is he really gone? When will I meet him again?”

The couple shared a rich personal and professional life, starring together in numerous classics including Seeta Aur Geeta, Sholay and Dream Girl.

Hema also spoke about revisiting his films as a way to relive memories, naming Chupke Chupke and Sholay among her favourites due to the joyful moments they represent.

Also read: When Hema Malini revealed why she lives separately from Dharmendra: 'No husband and wife like to live separately but sometimes...'

The BAFTA honour — part of the ceremony’s tribute to artists the world lost over the past year — placed Dharmendra alongside international legends, further cementing his legacy as an actor whose impact transcended Indian cinema and reached global audiences.