In the glamorous world of Indian cinema, few love stories shine as brightly as that of Hema Malini, the 'Dream Girl,' and Dharmendra, the original He-Man of Bollywood. Their romance, ignited on the sets of the film Tum Haseen Main Jawan in 1970, blossomed against the backdrop of glamour, heartbreak, and societal norms.
A Forbidden Love
At the time of their meeting, Dharmendra was already married to Prakash Kaur and was a devoted father to his two sons, Sunny and Bobby. Despite his commitments, Dharmendra found himself captivated by Hema’s enchanting beauty and charisma. Conversely, Hema was not immediately receptive to his advances; she was reluctant to get involved with a married man and had previously turned down multiple marriage proposals from other prominent actors like Sanjeev Kumar and Jeetendra.
However, love has a way of finding its path, and their chemistry eventually proved irresistible. After years of courtship, they tied the knot in 1980. Their decision to convert to Islam was a significant step, especially since Dharmendra’s first wife, Prakash Kaur, was not in favor of a divorce.
Family Opposition and Secret Nuptials
Hema Malini’s father strongly opposed their union, fearing for his daughter’s future with a man who was already married. Although Hema wed Dharmendra after her father’s passing, the decision still caused heartache for her mother. Reports suggest that the couple’s love was so profound that they chose to defy family expectations and societal norms, converting to a different religion to be together.
Their nikah was conducted in secrecy, followed by a traditional Iyengar wedding, honoring Hema’s roots. This dual celebration symbolized their deep commitment to each other, blending their beliefs and backgrounds into a unique union.
The Moment of Realization
Hema once revealed that she fell for Dharmendra while filming the song Main Jat Yamla Pagla Deewana. His charming dance moves and playful spirit struck a chord in her heart, solidifying her feelings for him. Their bond grew stronger as they navigated the complexities of their families and the industry together.
A Family United
Despite speculation about their family's dynamics, Hema emphasizes the closeness of her family. "I feel very happy; it is normal for us," she remarked. The actress noted that her family is often together and that they prefer to keep their private lives out of the public eye. "We do not publish it anywhere; we are not the type to take pictures and immediately put it up on Instagram."
Hema addressed the absence of her family at Karan Deol's wedding, noting, “It’s funny how people make it look like we are separated. We are always together.” She assured fans that her family bonds remain strong, with Sunny and Bobby regularly participating in family traditions like Raksha Bandhan.
