Hema Malini Reflects on Dharmendra's Life with His First Wife

It is widely recognized that Bollywood icons, Hema Malini and Dharmendra, currently maintain separate residences. The veteran actor, who has recently recovered from an hospital stay, chooses to live with his first wife, Prakash Kaur, with whom he has four children, including famous actors Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol.

In a recent statement, Hema Malini refuted rumors surrounding Dharmendra's mortality. In an interview, the 77-year-old actress and BJP Member of Parliament candidly discussed her relationship with Dharmendra and their living circumstances.

“I do not feel sorrowful about it, nor am I unhappy. I take pride in who I am. I have two children whom I have nurtured well. Naturally, he (Dharmendra) has always supported me. No couple enjoys living apart, but sometimes life forces such arrangements to be accepted,” Hema Malini revealed to Lehren.

She also spoke fondly of her rapport with Prakash Kaur in her authorized biography, Hema Malini: Beyond the Dream Girl, penned by Ram Kamal Mukherjee.

Hema disclosed that she and Prakash had crossed paths at social events prior to her marriage to Dharmendra, but they never interacted afterward.

“I had no desire to cause distress to anyone. I cherish what Dharam ji has done for me and my daughters. He has been a father figure in every sense. I consider myself content with that,” she mentioned in her book.

Sharing her daughters Esha Deol and Ahana Deol with Dharmendra, Hema also expressed deep respect for Prakash Kaur.

“While I never publicly discussed Prakash, I hold her in high esteem. My daughters equally respect Dharam ji’s family. Though many are curious about my life, it's not anyone's right to know. Such matters are personal,” she emphasized.

Dharmendra and Hema Malini wed in 1980, even though he was already married to Prakash Kaur, whom he had tied the knot with six years prior to his acting debut in the 1960 film, Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere, at the young age of 19.