In a world that often romanticised perfection, Dharmendra and Hema Malini’s love story stood apart: imperfect, layered, and profoundly human. Their relationship, which began in the 1970s and culminated
in marriage in 1980, wasn’t wrapped in the comfort of convention. Yet, decades later, it continues to evoke admiration – not for its grandeur, but for its grace.
At a time when public perception dictated a woman’s worth, Hema Malini chose happiness on her own terms. “I knew people talked behind my back. Fingers were pointed, accusations were flung. But I just knew he made me happy — and all I wanted was happiness,” she once admitted in her biography, Hema Malini: Beyond the Dream Girl.
When Love Challenged Expectations
Their romance faced every conceivable roadblock – societal judgment, family disapproval, and moral scrutiny. Hema’s mother, Jaya Chakravarthy, had once tried to persuade her to marry actor Jeetendra, a “more suitable” match by traditional standards. Dharmendra, after all, was already married to Prakash Kaur and a father of four.
But destiny had other plans. From their first meeting on the sets of Tu Haseen Main Jawan in 1970, sparks flew, and the two found in each other a rare understanding that defied reason or rule.
Even after marriage, Hema made the unconventional choice to live separately. “I didn’t want to disturb anyone. I am happy with whatever Dharam ji did for me and my daughters,” she explained. Her words reflected the quiet strength of a woman who accepted her circumstances with remarkable maturity. “I’m not a police officer who needs to keep tabs on him. He knows his duty as a father, and I’ve never had to remind him,” she once said.
Acceptance Over Idealism
In interviews, Hema spoke candidly about her reality – neither idealised nor bitter. “Nobody
wants to live like this. But you accept. I am not sulking. I have my two children, and I’ve brought them up well,” she confessed.
Her life became a testament to self-respect and resilience. She raised her daughters, Esha and Ahana, with warmth and independence, while maintaining a dignified bond with Dharmendra – one built on respect rather than proximity.
A Legacy Of Love Beyond Convention
Today, the Deol family, from Sunny and Bobby to Esha and Ahana, stands as a quiet symbol of harmony despite its complex roots. Dharmendra and Hema’s marriage may not fit the fairytale mould, but it endures because it was real.
Their story remains a reminder that love doesn’t always arrive in perfect form – sometimes, it thrives in spaces defined by acceptance, patience, and the courage to simply choose happiness.
