Dharmendra Met Hema Malini On The Sets Of Tum Haseen Main Jawaan: A Love Story

Bollywood icon Dharmendra had a love story which is as cinematic as was his life. The icon breathed his last today. He was 89 years old. Hospitalised for a few days now, Dharmendra ruled the entertainment industry between the 1960s and 1970s before evolving with passing years and remaining relevant in changing times. While he was known to be one of the most handsome actors who ever graced the Indian silver screen, Dharmendra himself lost his heart to the OG Dream Girl - Hema Malini.When Dharmendra first entered Bollywood in the 1960s, he was already a married man. Married to Prakash Kaur at the time and with children (including actors Sunny and Bobby Deol), cupid struck the actor once again and he fell in love with the beautiful Hema Malini.

While their first official collaboration was on the 1970 film Tum Haseen Main Jawaan, some reports suggest their story began earlier. Some suggest the two met at the premiere of Asmaan Mahal, where Dharmendra was instantly struck by Hema’s beauty and found her “very pretty.”Also Read: Remembering Dharmendra: The Eternal He-Man Of BollywoodHowever, it was during the filming of Tum Haseen Main Jawaan that they truly got to know each other. Playing the lead pair, reports allege that the two spent long hours together on set, and what began as professional camaraderie soon turned into genuine affection. Their chemistry was undeniable, both on and off the screen.Audiences too sensed their connection. Their pairing became an instant success, leading to a string of memorable films - Seeta Aur Geeta, Raja Jani, Dream Girl, and of course, the all-time classic Sholay. It was during the making of Sholay (1975) that their love story is said to have deepened further. Even amid challenges, the two remained inseparable.Those challenges were significant. Dharmendra was already married and Hema Malini, meanwhile, was one of the most sought-after actresses of her time, with many suitors, including Jeetendra and Sanjeev Kumar, expressing interest in her. Despite societal pressure, media scrutiny, and family opposition, Dharmendra and Hema’s bond endured.After nearly a decade of companionship, the couple finally tied the knot in 1980, sealing one of Bollywood’s most enduring love stories.