Hema Malini Opens Up on Dharmendra's First Wife and Family: “Who I Am Today Is Because of…”

Love stories in Bollywood have always fascinated audiences, but some romances stand out for their intensity, controversy, and the way they defied societal norms. One such story is that of veteran superstar Dharmendra and Bollywood’s eternal “Dream Girl” Hema Malini. Their relationship made headlines in the 1970s and 80s, not just because of their stardom but because Dharmendra was already married and the father of four children when he chose to marry Hema.

Dharmendra’s Bold Decision Sparked Debate

At the time, the Hindi film industry and fans alike were stunned when Dharmendra decided to marry Hema Malini despite not divorcing his first wife, Prakash Kaur. The move was unconventional and controversial, making front-page news across the country. Unlike many love stories in Bollywood, this one was layered with complexities—emotional, cultural, and personal.

Dharmendra and Hema Malini’s love story may have appeared glamorous from the outside, like a fairy tale, but behind the scenes, the relationship came with its own challenges. Both stars had to navigate emotional turbulence. While Dharmendra balanced his responsibilities towards his first wife and children, Hema Malini had to cope with public scrutiny and the unusual dynamics of being a second wife.

Hema Malini’s Graceful Silence Over the Years

For years, Hema Malini refrained from speaking publicly about Dharmendra’s first wife or his family. However, in her biography “Hema Malini: Beyond the Dream Girl” penned by Ram Kamal Mukherjee, she finally shared her thoughts.

Hema revealed that she had briefly met Prakash Kaur at social events before her marriage, but after that, they never met again. Despite living close to Dharmendra’s Juhu bungalow in Mumbai, she never visited his family home. Explaining her decision, Hema wrote:
“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 as any father would. I think I am satisfied with it.”

Her words reflected maturity, acceptance, and gratitude, highlighting how she prioritized peace and dignity over conflict.

Respect for Prakash Kaur and Dharmendra’s First Family

In her biography, Hema Malini also expressed respect for Prakash Kaur and Dharmendra’s children from his first marriage. She acknowledged the emotional complexity of the situation but emphasized that she never wished to hurt or disrespect anyone.

She wrote:
“Today I am a working woman and I have maintained my dignity because I have dedicated my life to art and culture. If circumstances were a little different, I would probably not have been what I am today. Although I have never spoken about Prakash Kaur, I respect her a lot. My daughters also respect Dharmendra ji’s family.”

This statement showed her ability to embrace her life with grace, without bitterness or negativity.

A Love Story That Redefined Norms

Even decades later, the Dharmendra-Hema love story remains one of Bollywood’s most discussed relationships. It challenged societal expectations and brought forward questions about love, commitment, and unconventional family structures.

For Hema Malini, the journey was not just about romance but also about finding her identity as an independent woman, respected actress, and devoted mother. Her reflections in her biography highlight that despite the controversies, she chose to focus on her career, her daughters, and the positive role Dharmendra played in their lives.