Hema Malini turns 78: Esha Deol's heartfelt birthday wish for 'loveliest lady'
Synopsis
Hema Malini, the 'Dream Girl' of Hindi cinema, turns 78 — and her first birthday since the passing of husband Dharmendra in November 2025 is being marked by daughter Esha Deol with a moving tribute calling her the 'loveliest lady'. A moment that blends celebration with the quiet weight of loss.
Key Takeaways
Hema Malini celebrated her 78th birthday on 16 October 2026 .
Daughter Esha Deol posted a birthday tribute on social media, calling Hema her 'loveliest lady' .
This is Hema Malini's first birthday since the passing of husband Dharmendra on 24 November 2025 at age 89 .
Hema Malini debuted in 1963 and was awarded the Padma Shri in 2000 .
Esha Deol was most recently seen in Tumko Meri Kasam , directed by Vikram Bhatt .
Veteran actress Hema Malini celebrated her 78th birthday on 16 October 2026, with daughter and actress Esha Deol leading the tributes by posting a warm birthday note on social media, calling her mother the 'loveliest lady'. The post, accompanied by a striking photograph of Hema Malini, drew widespread attention from fans across the country.
Esha Deol's Birthday Tribute
Esha took to social media to share a glowing photograph of her mother alongside a heartfelt caption. 'My mamma Happy Birthday. Love you my loveliest lady,' she wrote. The gesture was widely received as a touching public expression of love from daughter to mother, resonating with fans of both actresses.
Hema Malini: A Legacy in Indian Cinema
Hema Malini made her acting debut in 1963 with the Tamil film Idhu Sathiyam before going on to become one of Hindi cinema's most celebrated stars. Her first lead role came in Sapno Ka Saudagar in 1968, the same period she first met her future husband, the late legendary actor Dharmendra, on the sets of Tum Haseen Main Jawaan. Renowned for both her comic and dramatic range, she earned the iconic title of 'Dream Girl' — a moniker cemented by the 1977 film of the same name. In 2000, the Government of India honoured her with the Padma Shri, the country's fourth-highest civilian distinction.
Family: Dharmendra and Their Daughters
Hema Malini and the late Dharmendra were married in 1980, having first crossed paths between 1968 and 1970 on a film set. Together, they had two daughters — Esha Deol and Ahana Deol. Dharmendra passed away on 24 November 2025, at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy as one of Bollywood's most enduring stars. This marks the first birthday Hema Malini celebrates without him.
About Esha Deol
Esha Deol made her Bollywood debut with Koi Mere Dil Se Poochhe in 2002 and went on to feature in notable films including Dhoom, Yuva, No Entry, Dus, and Cash. She was most recently seen in Tumko Meri Kasam, directed by Vikram Bhatt, inspired by the life of Dr. Ajay Murdia, founder of Indira IVF. The film also stars Anupam Kher, Ishwak Singh, and Adah Sharma. On the personal front, Esha had married businessman Bharat Takhtani in 2012; the couple, parents to daughters Radhya and Miraya, announced their separation in 2024.
As Hema Malini marks her 78th year, fan tributes and messages from the film fraternity are expected to continue through the day, reaffirming her enduring place in Indian popular culture.
Point of View
Making Esha Deol's public tribute more than a social-media ritual. The longevity of the Dharmendra-Hema Malini brand in popular memory — still evoked in film references, memes, and nostalgia content — means this moment will circulate well beyond the entertainment press. At 78, Hema Malini remains one of the few stars of her generation with an active public profile, and the industry's engagement with this birthday will be a quiet measure of how Bollywood's older guard is remembered in the streaming era.
NationPress
16 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Hema Malini in 2026?
Hema Malini turned 78 on 16 October 2026. She made her acting debut in 1963 and has had a career spanning over six decades in Indian cinema.
What did Esha Deol post for Hema Malini's birthday?
Esha Deol shared a photograph of Hema Malini on social media with the caption: 'My mamma Happy Birthday. Love you my loveliest lady.' The post was widely shared by fans of both actresses.
When did Dharmendra pass away?
Legendary actor Dharmendra passed away on 24 November 2025 at the age of 89. He was married to Hema Malini since 1980, and together they had two daughters, Esha Deol and Ahana Deol.
What is Hema Malini best known for?
Hema Malini is best known for her extensive career in Hindi cinema, particularly her iconic 'Dream Girl' persona from the 1977 film of the same name. She received the Padma Shri in 2000 and starred opposite Dharmendra in numerous blockbusters.
What is Esha Deol's latest film?
Esha Deol was most recently seen in Tumko Meri Kasam, directed by Vikram Bhatt. The film is inspired by the life of Dr. Ajay Murdia, founder of Indira IVF, and also stars Anupam Kher, Ishwak Singh, and Adah Sharma.
