Bollywood dream girl Hema Malini turned 78. Veteran actress Saira Banu penned a heartfelt note for the now-politician diva, acknowledging that this birthday may feel different after her late husband and superstar actor Dharmendra’s passing.
On October 16, 2026, Saira shared four pictures, evoking nostalgia and sharing the story behind each.
The first image shows Saira Banu with Hemal Malini and Dilip Kumar, and expressing her feelings, she wrote, “As I sit down to write this birthday note for you, Hema, my heart is filled with memories of the wonderful years we have shared. This year, I find myself thinking of Dharam ji too, who was such an inseparable part of so many beautiful moments in your life. I know this birthday will feel different, but the love and memories of a lifetime have a beautiful way of staying with us.”
The second image shows a rare red-carpet frame of Hema Malini and Rekha, and Saira reminisced about the unique camaraderie shared by the era’s leading ladies. She wrote, “The three of us, Hema, Rekha and I, have always shared a rather special bond. Of course, age-wise, I am the senior of the three! Hema entered Hindi films with Sapno Ka Saudagar in 1968, followed by Rekha with Saawan Bhadon in 1970. Through the 70s, we would often meet at film gatherings, premieres and functions, sharing stories, laughter and our many common interests.”
“One such interest was exercise! We were all rather dedicated to fitness and yoga, perhaps among the first heroines of our time to take it so seriously. I remember Hema and I once trying an exercise instrument meant to broaden our shoulders,” Saira shared.
She humorously recalled an incident where she and Hema tried a specialized exercise instrument designed to broaden their shoulders: “We were so enthusiastic that we literally puffed them up! One look at each other and we burst into laughter, realizing we had certainly overdone it.”
The third image shows Saira showcasing a pic of the Mahurat party from the 1970s with Hema and Dharmendra by their side and wrote, “Hema has always been wonderfully vivacious in the company of friends. I remember her visiting my home with an Uncle who failed to notice a large transparent glass door and walked straight into it, bringing the entire thing crashing down! While we were all alarmed, Hema broke into such uncontrollable laughter that soon we were laughing along with her.”
“Another memory I treasure is of a Mahurat Shot for Ramanand Sagar ji, where Hema, Dharam ji, Shashi Kapoor and I were together. Hema was teasing Shashi with her usual mischief, and even as the camera was ready to roll, we simply couldn’t stop laughing. That was Hema, full of life, laughter and delightful spontaneity! Behind the magnificent artiste, the graceful dancer and the Dream Girl adored by millions, I have always known a warm, affectionate and wonderfully playful woman,” she said.
Concluding her tribute with an iconic picture of Hema as Basanti from Sholay, Saira wrote: “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.”
“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 further added.
