Dharmendra’s Love Life: A Journey Through Relationships, Marriage, and Family

Dharmendra’s Love Life: A Journey Through Relationships, Marriage, and Family

Blog Article

Bollywood's original “He-Man,” Dharmendra, has long been admired not just for his powerful screen presence but also for his charismatic personality off-screen. As much as his cinematic legacy is cherished, his personal life—marked by passionate romances, a controversial second marriage, and a large family—has always been the subject of intense public fascination. In this blog post, we take a closer look at Dharmendra’s love life, his marriages, his relationships, and the complex dynamics that shaped his journey.

Early Marriage to Prakash Kaur

Dharmendra was born as Dharam Singh Deol in 1935 in Punjab. Before stepping into the limelight of Bollywood, he married Prakash Kaur in 1954, at the age of 19. This was long before he entered the film industry. Prakash Kaur was his first and legal wife, and together, they had four children—Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Vijeta Deol, and Ajeeta Deol. Unlike many star wives, Prakash Kaur remained largely away from the media spotlight. She stood by Dharmendra during his struggling years and even after he rose to superstardom. Despite the storm that followed in Dharmendra’s personal life, Prakash chose to maintain her silence and dignity throughout.

Dharmendra and Hema Malini: Bollywood’s Golden Couple

While Dharmendra’s marriage to Prakash Kaur was intact, his growing proximity to Hema Malini, the “Dream Girl” of Bollywood, soon made headlines in the 1970s. The two met on the sets of the film Tum Haseen Main Jawan (1970), and their on-screen chemistry quickly translated into a deep off-screen bond.

At the time, Hema Malini was one of the most sought-after actresses, and she had many suitors, including Jeetendra and Sanjeev Kumar. However, it was Dharmendra’s relentless pursuit and their growing emotional connection that eventually won her over.

Their love story was controversial, especially since Dharmendra was already married with children. Divorce was frowned upon in those days, and Prakash Kaur reportedly refused to separate from him. Determined to marry Hema Malini, Dharmendra took the unconventional step of converting to Islam in 1979, allegedly adopting the name Dilip Kumar (not to be confused with the actor) to legally wed her without divorcing his first wife.

Second Marriage to Hema Malini

Dharmendra and Hema Malini tied the knot in 1980. Though the union raised many eyebrows, it has stood the test of time. Hema, in her autobiography “Hema Malini: Beyond the Dream Girl”, mentioned that she chose not to interfere in Dharmendra's relationship with his first family. This understanding helped her maintain harmony, even in a complex domestic setup.

Together, Dharmendra and Hema Malini have two daughters—Esha Deol and Ahana Deol. Both daughters have pursued careers in the arts, with Esha becoming a Bollywood actress and Ahana working more behind the scenes in creative and dance projects.

Rumoured Affairs and Linkups

Throughout his prime years in Bollywood, Dharmendra was considered a heartthrob. Unsurprisingly, rumours about his romantic escapades surfaced from time to time. It was speculated that he was linked to several actresses, but none of these alleged affairs were confirmed or publicly addressed in detail. The most enduring and publicised romance remained with Hema Malini, which ultimately led to a second marriage and further cemented his place in Bollywood’s most talked-about love stories.

Children and Family Legacy

Dharmendra is a proud patriarch to six children. His sons from his first marriage, Sunny and Bobby Deol, both became successful Bollywood actors. Sunny Deol, especially, carved a niche as an action hero in the 1990s, much like his father. Esha and Ahana, daughters from his second marriage, share a close bond with their parents and have often spoken respectfully about their father's legacy. Dharmendra, in recent years, has been seen supporting his children’s endeavours and celebrating family milestones, demonstrating that despite the complexities of his personal life, he has tried to stay connected with all his children.

Conclusion

Dharmendra's life has been nothing short of a cinematic saga filled with love, passion, fame, controversy, and legacy. While his choices invited criticism at times, they also reflected the intense emotional man he was, both on and off-screen. In a world where celebrity relationships are often fleeting, his bond with both of his wives and the extended family he built stands as a testament to the complexities of human relationships. Through all the ups and downs, Dharmendra remains one of Indian cinema's most beloved icons, flawed, romantic, and unforgettable.

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