Saira Banu's birthday note to Hema Malini: 'This day may feel different' without Dharmendra
Synopsis
Saira Banu's birthday post for Hema Malini was more than a routine film-fraternity greeting — it was a gentle acknowledgement that this year's celebration carries the quiet weight of Dharmendra's absence. With nostalgic photographs, a tribute to decades of friendship, and a message steeped in shared memory, it offered a rare, unfiltered glimpse into one of Bollywood's most enduring off-screen bonds.
Key Takeaways
Saira Banu posted a heartfelt birthday message for Hema Malini on 16 October , noting the day 'may feel a little different' without Dharmendra .
Saira shared a carousel of photographs on Instagram capturing decades of their friendship, including images with the late Dilip Kumar and actress Rekha .
Actor and politician Shatrughan Sinha called Hema 'a lovely, beautiful actress, a star, and an outstanding danseuse' in his social media tribute.
Actor Jackie Shroff also extended birthday wishes to the veteran actress on social media.
Hema Malini is widely known by her iconic screen title, 'Dream Girl' , a moniker Saira invoked in her tribute.
Veteran actress Saira Banu penned a deeply moving birthday tribute for fellow screen legend Hema Malini on 16 October, acknowledging that the milestone might carry a different emotional weight this year in the absence of Hema's husband, veteran actor Dharmendra.
The Birthday Message
Taking to Instagram, Saira shared a carousel of photographs alongside a heartfelt note. 'My dear Hema, this birthday may feel a little different, but I hope you find comfort in the love surrounding you and the countless beautiful memories you and Dharam ji created together. Some bonds are far too precious for time or distance to ever diminish,' she wrote.
She also reflected on the decades-long bond the two actresses have shared, writing, 'From the golden days of our cinema to the little moments away from the cameras, our friendship has given me memories I shall always treasure.'
'On your birthday, I send you all my affection and prayers for good health, happiness, and peace. May that beautiful, infectious laughter of yours continue to fill every room you enter. Stay blessed, my dearest Hema. You will always be our Dream Girl, not just on screen, but in the hearts of those fortunate enough to know you,' she added.
A Window Into Shared Memories
The photographs shared alongside the message offer a warm glimpse into a friendship that spans the golden era of Hindi cinema. One image captures Saira Banu, Hema Malini, and veteran actress Rekha together, all three smiling for the camera. Other frames document Saira and Hema at various moments across the years, underscoring a bond built far beyond the arc lights. Several pictures also feature the late actor Dilip Kumar, evoking a bygone era of Bollywood royalty.
Film Fraternity Joins the Celebration
Several members of the film fraternity also extended their birthday wishes to Hema Malini. Actor and politician Shatrughan Sinha took to social media to describe her as 'a lovely, beautiful actress, a star, and an outstanding danseuse.' He wrote, 'Many many happy returns of the day for a very dear family friend, a lovely, beautiful actress, a star, and an outstanding danseuse @dreamgirlhema Wishing you joy, peace, love, happiness and great well-being always. God's infinite blessings #BirthdayWishes.'
Actor Jackie Shroff also extended his wishes on social media, adding to an outpouring of affection from the industry for the veteran actress and politician.
A Friendship That Outlasted the Spotlight
The bond between Saira Banu and Hema Malini is rooted in Hindi cinema's most iconic era, when both were among its brightest stars. Saira, long known as the devoted partner of the late Dilip Kumar, and Hema — forever associated with the title 'Dream Girl' — have remained close through personal milestones and professional transitions alike. As Hema Malini steps into another year, the warmth of this message underscores that some friendships, much like great cinema, endure.
Point of View
This message reads as genuinely personal, referencing specific shared memories rather than generic praise. It also serves as a cultural reminder: these women are not merely film legends but custodians of a lived history of Hindi cinema that younger audiences only encounter in archives. The real story here is longevity — of friendship, of identity, and of what the 'Dream Girl' sobriquet still means to those who witnessed its making.
NationPress
16 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Saira Banu write in her birthday message for Hema Malini?
Saira Banu wrote that Hema Malini's birthday 'may feel a little different' this year, expressing hope that she would find comfort in cherished memories shared with Dharmendra. She reflected on their decades of friendship and referred to Hema as 'our Dream Girl, not just on screen, but in the hearts of those fortunate enough to know you.'
Why did Saira Banu say Hema Malini's birthday may feel different?
Saira Banu's message alluded to the absence of Hema Malini's husband, veteran actor Dharmendra, suggesting the celebration might carry a different emotional tone this year. She expressed hope that Hema would find comfort in their shared memories and the love surrounding her.
Who else wished Hema Malini on her birthday?
Actor and politician Shatrughan Sinha described Hema as 'a lovely, beautiful actress, a star, and an outstanding danseuse' on social media. Actor Jackie Shroff also extended his wishes, reflecting a broader outpouring of affection from the film fraternity.
What photographs did Saira Banu share with her birthday message?
Saira Banu posted a carousel of images on Instagram capturing various moments from their friendship, including a photo featuring veteran actress Rekha and pictures with the late actor Dilip Kumar, evoking memories of Hindi cinema's golden era.
Who is Hema Malini and why is she called the 'Dream Girl'?
Hema Malini is a veteran Hindi film actress, classical dancer, and politician who became one of the biggest stars of Hindi cinema in the 1970s and 1980s. The title 'Dream Girl' originates from her iconic 1977 film of the same name and has remained synonymous with her identity ever since.
