Mumbai: Veteran actress Saira Banu took to social media to wish Hema Malini on her birthday, recalling cherished memories from their years in the film industry. From laughter-filled moments with Rekha to a memorable mahurat shot with Dharmendra and Shashi Kapoor, Saira celebrated Hema’s playful personality and their longstanding friendship. Her note also carried an emotional sentiment as she remembered Dharmendra, who was an inseparable part of many beautiful moments in Hema’s life.
Recalling her friendship with Hema Malini and Rekha, Saira remembered their meetings at film gatherings during the 1970s and their shared love for fitness and yoga. She also recalled a hilarious attempt by Hema and her to use an exercise instrument to broaden their shoulders.
Saira Banu wrote:
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Oct 17, 2026“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. We were so enthusiastic that we literally puffed them up! One look at each other and we burst into laughter, realising we had certainly overdone it.”
Sharing another amusing memory, Saira recalled an incident at her home when an uncle accompanying Hema accidentally walked straight into a large transparent glass door, bringing it crashing down. While everyone was initially alarmed, Hema’s uncontrollable laughter soon had them laughing along with her.
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Oct 16, 2026Recalling the incident, she 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.”
Saira also revisited a memorable mahurat shot for Ramanand Sagar Ji, where Hema Malini, Dharmendra, Shashi Kapoor and she were together. Recalling Hema’s playful teasing just as the camera was ready to roll, she wrote:
“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.”
Saira’s birthday note also carried an emotional sentiment as she remembered Dharmendra and the beautiful memories he and Hema had created together. Expressing her affection for Hema, 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.”
Concluding her note, Saira wished Hema good health, happiness and peace, expressing hope that the love surrounding her would bring comfort on her birthday.
“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.”
Check out Saira Banu’s post on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/p/DeiziMwDJyj/?hl=en&img_index=1
Through her heartfelt birthday note, Saira Banu celebrated Hema Malini not only as an accomplished artiste and graceful dancer, but also as a dear friend whose warmth, humour and vivacious spirit have made their shared memories unforgettable.
