{
  "type": "article",
  "title": "Hema Malini Shared Why She Decided to Marry Married Dharmendra",
  "summary": "Hema Malini once opened up about her relationship and marriage to Dharmendra, explaining why she chose to take that step despite the complications.",
  "content": "Hema Malini and Dharmendra formed one of the most iconic on-screen and off-screen pairs in Hindi cinema. Their first encounter took place in 1970 on the sets of the film Tum Haseen Main Jawan. Following that, they delivered several major hits together, including Sholay and Seeta Aur Geeta. Even though Dharmendra was already married with four children, Hema Malini felt a strong pull toward him. The friendship that began on set gradually blossomed into romance, a first-glance attraction that the actor later acknowledged in interviews. The two eventually tied the knot in 1980.\n\n \n\nAn Immediate Attraction and Growing Affection\n\nHema Malini later shared her feelings for the veteran actor during a television appearance, recounting when she first noticed him and how their bond progressed. When asked why she decided to marry Dharmendra despite the difficult circumstances, she explained how love guided her choices. She stated that when someone falls in love, external factors fade away, and it remains purely a case of love at first sight. While Dharmendra's striking looks initially caught her attention, her respect and affection for him only deepened over time.\n\n \n\nNavigating Conservative Family Background and Hurdles\n\nHema Malini acknowledged that she had to confront several challenges because she belonged to a traditional Tamil family. She knew that her decision would invite questions and scrutiny, particularly because Dharmendra was already married to Prakash Kaur and had four children from that marriage. Despite being fully aware of the obstacles ahead, she followed her heart, noting that true affection transcends conventional barriers.\n\n \n\nSeeking Companionship Rather Than Material Wealth\n\nAt one point, Hema Malini reached a stage where she told Dharmendra that they needed to get married, making it clear that things could not continue indefinitely in that manner. She noted that she did not want any material wealth, property, or money from him. Her only desire was his love and constant presence by her side, which mattered more to her than anything else.\n\n \n\nLiving Separately to Preserve Family Boundaries\n\nFollowing their marriage, Hema Malini chose to live separately so as not to disrupt Dharmendra's existing family life. Dharmendra had married his first wife, Prakash Kaur, in 1954 at the age of 19, long before he became a major star in Hindi cinema. From his first marriage, he had four children: Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Ajeeta Deol, and Vijeta Deol. With Hema Malini, he had two daughters, Esha Deol and Ahana Deol.\n\n \n\nMedia Attention and Defense From Prakash Kaur\n\nThe couple's marriage in 1980 attracted widespread attention. At the time, reports circulated suggesting that Dharmendra and Hema Malini had converted to Islam to marry under Muslim Personal Law, though Dharmendra later denied those conversion rumors. The pair also held a traditional Iyengar ceremony, honoring Hema's Tamil heritage. In 1981, Prakash Kaur spoke about the relationship in an interview, defending her husband against critics and questioning why people judged him when many others in the film industry engaged in similar paths. Dharmendra passed away in Mumbai on November 24, 2025, at the age of 89. Known as the He-Man of Bollywood, the legendary actor starred in over 300 films throughout his remarkable career.\n\nQuestions & Answers\n\n1. When did Hema Malini and Dharmendra first meet?\nHema Malini and Dharmendra first met in 1970 on the sets of the film Tum Haseen Main Jawan.\n\n2. In which year did Hema Malini and Dharmendra get married?\nThe two actors got married in 1980.\n\n3. What was the name of Dharmendra's first wife?\nDharmendra's first wife was Prakash Kaur, with whom he had four children.\n\n4. When did Dharmendra pass away?\nVeteran actor Dharmendra passed away in Mumbai on November 24, 2025, at the age of 89.",
  "url": "https://trendkia.com/en/bollywood/hema-malini-shared-why-she-decided-to-marry-married-dharmendra-49174",
  "category": "Bollywood",
  "publishedAt": "2026-10-18",
  "tags": [
    "Hema Malini",
    "Dharmendra",
    "Bollywood",
    "celebrity relationships",
    "cinema"
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "site": "TrendKia"
}