Argus News - This Is How Dharmendra's First Wife Reacted When Asked About Hema Malini

Mumbai, Nov 24: In a profound loss to Indian cinema, Dharmendra Deol, the legendary actor known for his on-screen intensity and unwavering dignity, passed away on Monday at his Mumbai residence. He was 89.

While his on-screen life was defined by heroism and emotion, Dharmendra’s personal world was equally layered. At the centre of it was a marriage that defied conventions and a first wife who chose stoic grace over bitterness.

Dharmendra married Prakash Kaur in 1954, well before he entered films. The couple went on to have four children — Sunny, Bobby, Vijeta and Ajeeta and led a quiet and traditional family life. But everything changed when he met Hema Malini in 1970 during the filming of Tum Haseen Main Jawan. Their connection deepened through the 1970s, including the making of Sholay, and in 1980 the two married, even though Dharmendra never divorced Prakash Kaur.

What made this relationship extraordinary was Prakash Kaur’s response. Instead of lashing out publicly, she displayed remarkable strength. In a 1981 interview, she even defended Dharmendra, stating that “any man would have preferred Hema over me.”

Hema Malini, for her part, maintained her distance from Dharmendra’s original family, saying she never wanted to “disturb anyone.” She built a life with daughters Esha and Ahana separately, raising them with independence and dignity. Hema has said she respects Prakash Kaur greatly, though the two have met only a handful of times.

Also Read: This Is Why Hema Malini Chose Married Dharmendra Over These Bachelor Superstars

Dharmendra and Hema’s partnership was unconventional but enduring. As India mourns the passing of one of its greatest screen icons, his personal life stands as a reminder that real relationships -- like great cinema -- rarely follow a predictable script.