Long before he became Bollywood’s ‘He-Man’, Dharmendra was a young man of 19, deeply in love with a woman named Prakash Kaur. In 1954, they tied the knot, building a quiet, traditional family life away from the camera flashes. Together, they had four children, including Sunny and Bobby Deol, and for years, their world was far removed from the glitter of films.
But destiny had something else planned. When Dharmendra entered the film industry in the 1960s, success came quickly, and along with it, a connection that would rewrite his personal story forever.
How did Hema Malini enter Dharmendra’s life?
It was during his rise to stardom that Dharmendra met the dream girl of India(BHARAT)n cinema, Hema Malini. Their chemistry on screen in films like Sholay and Seeta Aur Geeta soon turned into something deeper off-screen. Love blossomed quietly, away from public eyes, but when their marriage became known in 1980, it took everyone by surprise.
Dharmendra married Hema Malini without divorcing his first wife, Prakash Kaur. It was a decision that shocked many but also became one of the most enduring love stories in Bollywood history.
What did Hema Malini say about meeting Prakash Kaur?
Hema once revealed in interviews that she met Prakash Kaur only once, before her marriage to Dharmendra, at a public event. “After my marriage, I never met her again,” she shared in her autobiography Hema Malini: The Dream Girl.
She also added that she never visited Dharmendra’s Juhu bungalow, where his first family lived. “I didn’t want to disturb anyone. Dharamji has always been there for me and our daughters. I am happy with that,” she said, reflecting her grace and maturity in handling a complicated situation.
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When the two women appeared together
There exists a rare, iconic photograph where Dharmendra is seen with both his wives, Hema Malini and Prakash Kaur. Dressed elegantly in saris, both women stood with quiet dignity beside the actor. The image remains one of the most talked-about and graceful moments in Bollywood’s long history of love and heartbreak.
What did Prakash Kaur say about Dharmendra and Hema?
In a candid old interview with Stardust, Prakash Kaur opened up about her emotions. “He (Dharmendra) is my first and last love. He’s the father of my children. I love and respect him deeply. Whatever happened, happened,” she said.
She added with remarkable strength, “I’ve never lost faith in him. No matter how far he goes, I know that if I ever need him, he’ll be there. After all, he’s my children’s father.”
Hema’s honest reflections on living apart
Years later, speaking to Lehren, Hema opened up about living separately from Dharmendra. “I am not bitter about it. I’m happy with my life. I have two wonderful daughters, and Dharamji has always supported me. Sometimes life puts you in situations you just have to accept,” she said.
Highlights:
- Dharmendra married Prakash Kaur in 1954 and later Hema Malini in 1980 without a divorce.
- Hema Malini never visited Dharmendra’s Juhu home, out of respect for his first family.
- Prakash Kaur once said she never lost faith in Dharmendra, calling him her “first and last love.”
