Veteran film star Dharmendra's love story with his longtime co-star and second wife Hema Malini remains one of Bollywood's most-talked-about relationships.
After years of working together in films such as Tum Haseen Main Jawaan, Seeta Aur Geeta, Sholay, Jugnu, and Dream Girl, Dharmendra and Hema Malini married in 1980. They are parents to daughters Esha Deol and Ahana Deol.
A Love Story That Began On The Silver Screen
Dharmendra and Hema Malini first met in 1970 on the sets of Tum Haseen Main Jawaan. At the time, the actor was already married to Prakash Kaur and was the father of four children - Sunny, Bobby, Vijeta, and Ajeeta.
Despite the odds, the couple decided to marry in 1980. Dharmendra and Hema Malini reportedly converted to Islam to solemnise their marriage in a private nikah ceremony, a claim Dharmendra later denied in an interview. Later, the couple also tied the knot in a traditional Iyengar wedding to honour Hema Malini's roots.
While the union was controversial, it has endured the test of time.
Living Life On Her Own Terms
In recent years, Hema Malini has spoken candidly about her unconventional marriage and the life she chose. In a 2023 interview with Lehren Retro, the actress reflected on her situation with striking honesty.
"Nobody wants to be like that; it happens. Automatically, what happens, you have to accept. Otherwise, nobody will feel like they want to live their life like this," she said.
Hema added that while every woman dreams of a complete family, she found contentment in her circumstances.
"Every woman wants to have a husband, children, like a normal family. But somewhere, it went out of the way... I am not feeling bad about it, or sulking about it. I am happy with myself. I have my two children, and I have brought them up very well."
A Relationship Built On Respect And Independence
In her authorised biography Hema Malini: Beyond the Dream Girl by Ram Kamal Mukherjee, the actress gave an insight into her personal life. She revealed that she met Dharmendra's first wife, Prakash Kaur, only a few times before they got married.
Here are a few more spanning our years together💕🙏 pic.twitter.com/wtTQSw9m7b
— Hema Malini (@dreamgirlhema) May 2, 2023
"I did not want to trouble anyone. I am happy with what Dharam ji did for me and my daughters. He played the role of a father, like any father would. I think I am satisfied with it," Hema says in the book.
Despite living close to Dharmendra's Juhu residence, Hema Malini has reportedly never visited his first family's home.
Dharmendra Lives With First Wife Prakash Kaur
In a recent interview, Dharmendra's son Bobby Deol revealed that Dharmendra lives with Prakash Kaur.
"My mum is also there. They're both at the farm in Khandala right now. Papa and Mummy are together; he just gets a little dramatic. They love being at the farmhouse. They're also old now, and being at the farmhouse is relaxing for them. The weather is nice, the food is nice. Papa has made a paradise out there," Bobby said.
Dharmendra and Hema Malini's love story is a rare blend of filmdom and reality.
Also Read: Dharmendra And Prakash Kaur, The Story Of A 71-Year Marriage
