Romantic affairs among celebrities are nothing new. Over the decades, countless love stories have captivated the public’s imagination, with some stars openly sharing the joys and complications of their
relationships.
One of the most talked-about and controversial romances in Indian cinema history was that of veteran actor Dharmendra and Bollywood’s ‘Dream Girl’ Hema Malini.
A Love That Shocked The Film Industry
The Hindi film industry was left stunned when Dharmendra decided to marry Hema Malini, despite already being married and the father of four children. His decision to marry Hema Malini without divorcing his first wife, Prakash Kaur, sparked nationwide headlines and public debate.
From the outside, their relationship seemed like a fairy tale romance, but beneath the surface, it was filled with emotional turmoil, complex dynamics, and silent sacrifices.
A Marriage Without Divorce: Pain On All Sides
Dharmendra’s decision not to divorce Prakash Kaur meant that his second marriage to Hema Malini was not just controversial but also deeply unconventional. The situation placed emotional strain on both wives, as well as Dharmendra himself.
In her authorised biography, Hema Malini: Beyond the Dream Girl by Ram Kamal Mukherjee, Hema Malini revealed that while she had briefly met Prakash Kaur at social events prior to marriage, they never met again after that. Hema Malini lives only a short distance from Dharmendra’s bungalow in Juhu, Mumbai, but has never visited it.
‘I Didn’t Want To Trouble Anyone’
In the book, Hema Malini writes: “I did not want to trouble anyone. I am happy with what Dharam ji did for me and my daughters. He played the role of a father, like any father would. I think I am satisfied with it.”
‘Sometimes Circumstances Are Such…’
Speaking to Lehren, Hema Malini elaborated further: “I do not feel bad about it, nor am I sad. I am happy with myself. I have two children and I have raised them very well. Of course, he (Dharmendra) was always with me. No husband and wife like to live separately, but sometimes circumstances are such that a person has to accept it.”
Though many actors admired Hema Malini, she fell deeply in love with Dharmendra, despite him being a married man with a family.
Respect For The First Family
In her biography, Hema Malini also expressed deep respect for Prakash Kaur and Dharmendra’s first family: “Today I am a working woman and I maintained my dignity because I dedicated my life to art and culture. If the situation had been slightly different, I might not be what I am today. Although I never spoke about Prakash, I respect her greatly. My daughters also respect Dharam ji’s family. The world wants to know everything about my life, but that is not for others to know. It is no one’s business.”
Why Did Prakash Kaur Support Dharmendra?
At the peak of the controversy, Dharmendra faced public criticism for his second marriage. Surprisingly, his first wife Prakash Kaur publicly defended him in an interview with Stardust magazine in 1981: “Why only my husband? Any man would choose Hema over me. Half the industry is doing the same, so how dare anyone call my husband a womaniser? He may not be the best husband, although he is very good to me, but he is definitely the best father. His children love him dearly. He never ignores them.”
When Prakash Spoke About Hema Malini
In the same interview, Prakash also reflected on Hema Malini’s position: “I can understand what Hema is going through. She has to face the world, relatives, and friends. But if I were in Hema’s place, I wouldn’t have done what she did. As a woman, I understand her feelings, but as a wife and mother, I couldn’t have accepted it.”
Her comments came during a time when emotions were running high, and public opinion was sharply divided over Dharmendra’s personal choices.
The Question Of Legality And Religion
Under Hindu law, bigamy is illegal, which raised further questions about how Dharmendra and Hema Malini could legally marry. Rumours began to circulate that the couple had converted to Islam, where polygamy is permitted. This theory persisted for decades.
However, in an interview with Indian Express in 2024, Dharmendra firmly denied the speculation: “I never changed my religion.”
A Love That Endures, Despite The Odds
There is a 13-year age gap between Dharmendra and Hema Malini. Despite the unconventional circumstances, the couple’s bond has stood the test of time. Their love story, while controversial and often judged, has been marked by commitment, compromise, and quiet endurance.
While the world continues to analyse and question their choices, Hema Malini and Dharmendra have built a family, raised daughters together, and carved their own space, between tradition and rebellion, love and legacy.
