Is Hema Malini planning an acting comeback after Dharmendra’s death? Veteran actress reacts, opens up about rift rumours with his first family

Hema Malini has spent decades in the spotlight, but her personal life has often attracted as much attention as her illustrious film career. Her marriage to Dharmendra, in particular, has remained a subject of public discussion over the years. Now, following the actor's death, Hema has opened up about her life, her memories of her husband, rumours surrounding their family and whether she has plans to return to acting.

Dharmendra passed away on November 24, 2025, leaving Hema and their family to deal with his loss. In a recent conversation with Times of India, the veteran actress spoke about how she is spending her time now and whether acting remains part of her plans. She also addressed reports about an alleged rift between her and Dharmendra's first family.

Hema Malini on whether she will return to acting

Hema Malini has remained associated with films, dance and public life for several decades. However, when asked if she would consider making an acting comeback, the actress admitted that she does not really think about it anymore.


Hema explained, "I never expected to become a star. My only aim was to prove that I am good, so I worked hard. At that point, there was no time to think much, I simply started enjoying what I was doing. Returning to acting isn’t something I think about anymore. I’m happy with whatever I’m doing."

The actress also said that her memories of Dharmendra have become an important part of her life. With his passing, she is still coming to terms with his absence and is choosing to focus on the people and responsibilities closest to her.

Hema Malini addresses rift rumours with Dharmendra's first family

Hema Malini and Dharmendra married in 1980. Before his marriage to Hema, Dharmendra had married Prakash Kaur in 1954. He has four children from his first marriage, including actors Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol.

Over the years, rumours and reports about Hema's equation with Dharmendra's first family have repeatedly surfaced. The actress has now responded to the speculation once again, particularly in the context of claims circulating online.

Hema said that people should be careful about believing everything they see on the internet, especially content that may have been created or manipulated using artificial intelligence. She described her family as united and dismissed the idea that people should accept every rumour about their relationships as fact.

The actress also spoke about how she and Dharmendra dealt with public scrutiny throughout their relationship. According to Hema, the couple never allowed criticism or outside opinions to dictate how they lived their lives.

She said they chose to live according to their own understanding of their relationship rather than worrying about what others thought. Hema maintained that their bond was based on genuine love and that, from the beginning, they felt they were meant to be together.

Hema Malini remembers Dharmendra and his support for her dance

While discussing her life after Dharmendra, Hema spoke emotionally about the impact he had on her. She described him as a wonderful soulmate and said the memories they created together will remain with her for the rest of her life.

Hema also remembered the way Dharmendra supported her passion for classical dance. She said he always encouraged her to continue dancing and believed that the art form had a spiritual quality. He also felt that dance brought her happiness and helped her remain healthy.

According to Hema, much of what she continues to do today was possible because of Dharmendra's encouragement and strength. His absence, therefore, has been particularly difficult for her. The veteran actress admitted that the void left by Dharmendra cannot be filled. She said she continues to think about him constantly and does not believe that grief simply disappears with time.

For now, Hema appears focused on her family, public responsibilities, dance and the memories of Dharmendra.