- By Tanya Garg
- Mon, 24 Nov 2025 02:10 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Dharmendra-Hema Malini Love Story: Romantic liaisons frequently make splashes in Bollywood, but few stories have caught the public eye as much as Dharmendra and Hema Malini's. They married in 1980, despite the fact that Dharmendra had previously married Prakash Kaur. Even while their romance was subjected to public scrutiny, it persisted for decades. Dharmendra and Hema Malini's romance, cloaked in both admiration and controversy, continues to intrigue audiences decades later. Before marrying, the couple had worked together on several films, and it was on the sets of Sholay that their friendship evolved into love.
Dharmendra and Hema Malini's real-life love story inspired their on-screen chemistry, as revealed by the latter in an interview with NDTV. The Sita Aur Geeta actor claimed that Dharmendra was very fond of her, and they had a wonderful relationship because they had worked together in many movies. She accepted that they had met during both happy and difficult times. Their friendship quickly blossomed into love.
Hema Malini said, "He was very fond of me as I was of him. We had a lovely relationship because we had worked on so many movies together. We shared so much with each other - sometimes they were problems, sometimes it was happiness. Eventually, friendship led to love, maybe that's what was reflected on the big screen too, in the film. It's natural, isn't it? A lovely friendship ultimately leads to love and care for each other (sic)."
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For those who are unaware, Dharmendra played the character 'Veeru' and Hema Malini played 'Basanti' in Sholay. Her character became well-known, and many people still admire her ability to perform the chulbuli tangewali.
Dharmendra and Hema Malini's romance began around 1970 when they were working on the film Tum Hassen Main Jawan. Since then, they've appeared in other films, including Sholay, Seeta Aur Geeta, and Alibaba Aur 40 Chor. The duo's relationship lasted through life's ups and downs because they constantly tried to understand each other.
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Dharmendra married Hema Malini but did not divorce his first wife, Prakash Kaur. He continued to fulfil his responsibilities as a husband and father to Sunny and Bobby Deol. Previously, during an appearance on Kapil Sharma's comedy show alongside her daughter Esha Deol, Hema Malini discussed the importance of cooking. She revealed that in the early years of her marriage, she never cooked for Dharmendra.
Dharmendra and Hema Malini's willingness to marry without Dharmendra divorcing his first wife triggered a national debate, violating traditional norms and attracting significant media attention. However, the couple never focused on the backlash but continued to live their lives with their families.
On November 24, the He-Man of Bollywood, Dharmendra, breathed his last at his Mumbai residence. Earlier this month, he was admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy hospital for a regular check-up, but his health deteriorated. Eventually, he was discharged and returned home to continue his recovery at home. After 12 days of his discharge, Dharmendra passed away at his home. The actor's death has left a void in the hearts of his fans. May his soul rest in peace!





