Veteran Hindi film icon Dharmendra, revered for his six-decade-long career, is currently undergoing treatment at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital. His family has firmly dismissed the false rumours of his demise circulating earlier in the day.
As concern around the actor’s health continues, News18 takes a peek into an often overlooked chapter of his life, the story of his first wife, Prakash Kaur, who has long stayed away from the spotlight yet remains the quiet pillar on which the Deol family stands.
In 1954, before he entered Bollywood or gained any fame, Dharmendra Singh Deol, a simple Punjabi boy, married Prakash Kaur. While Dharmendra chose the limelight, Prakash Kaur remained in the background, becoming the heart of the home and mother to four
children. She has given only one interview about her relationships, which was both her first and last. Although her husband was one of the most handsome heroes of his time and both her sons became stars, Prakash Kaur quietly took care of the family.
A Love Story That Began 70 Years Ago
Dharmendra’s journey to Bollywood began after his marriage. This love story dates back 70 years, with Dharmendra being just 19 at the time. Born into a Jat Sikh family in Phagwara, Punjab, he won the Filmfare Talent Hunt but was already married through an arranged marriage with Prakash Kaur.
Known for her simplicity, dignity, and patience, Prakash Kaur was a graceful Punjabi woman. Dharmendra himself once said, “I got married before joining films. Prakash is the first and real heroine of my life.”
A Life Devoted Entirely To Family
Prakash Kaur never blamed Hema Malini for Dharmendra’s second marriage and spent her life devoted to her children without seeking a divorce. Dharmendra and Prakash had four children: two sons, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, and two daughters, Ajita and Vijeta.
While Sunny and Bobby followed in their father’s footsteps to become Bollywood superstars, their daughters chose private lives, with one becoming a psychologist and the other a director.
The Bond Endured Even After The Second Marriage
Even after his second marriage in 1980 to actress Hema Malini, his relationship with Prakash Kaur remained intact. The news of this marriage was a sensation across the country, with some reports suggesting Dharmendra converted to Islam to avoid divorcing his first wife. Through it all, Prakash Kaur never made negative public statements.
In an old interview with ‘Stardust,’ she remarked, “Dharmendra is not a perfect husband, but he is a wonderful father. Hemaji is very beautiful; any man could be attracted to her.” This statement showcased her dignity.
A Life Of Simplicity
Even after decades, Prakash Kaur has maintained her dignity and privacy, maintaining a close relationship with her children and grandchildren. Sunny Deol is often seen online with his mother and sisters, reflecting the family’s strong bond.
Today, Dharmendra’s legacy continues through his children and grandchildren. From Sunny and Bobby’s successful careers to Karan Deol in the third generation, the Deol family name shines in Bollywood, and the real foundation of this enduring legacy is Prakash Kaur. She is the woman who managed this legacy while staying away from fame.


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