Despite 4 Children, This Superstar Converted To Islam To Marry Again, Now Lives With First Wife

Bollywood romances often blossom on film sets; some die later, while others become classics, and Hema Malini and Dharmendra’s romance turned into a real-life classic quite soon. The two first crossed paths on the sets of Tum Haseen Main Jawaan in the 1970s.

Dharmendra arrived in Mumbai from Punjab as a young, married man, dreaming of making it big in films. Fame came soon enough, transforming not just his own destiny but also the lives of his family.

His first wife, Prakash Kaur, found herself adjusting to a completely new world — from a quiet, traditional upbringing to the glamour and chaos of a superstar’s life. Their life together was soon tested when Dharmendra’s love story with actress Hema Malini began.

Hema and Dharmendra played the lead roles in the film Tum Haseen Main Jawaan, and by the time they finished filming, the two were head over heels for each other. But their story had its own challenges.

As Dharmendra was already married to Prakash Kaur and had four children — Sunny, Bobby, Vijeta, and Ajeita- this complicated situation made them both hesitant about pursuing their feelings, but Dharmendra was sure about Malini.

While Dharmendra’s complex relationships made headlines, the two fought all the battles, and while talking to Deccan Chronicle, Hema emphasised that she was always sure about not wanting to disturb his first family.

Hema Malini and Dharmendra dated for five years before marrying in 1980. Since Dharmendra’s first wife, Prakash Kaur, didn’t agree to a divorce, he faced legal issues, but he was determined to marry Hema. Finally, he decided to convert to Islam, and they had a beautiful marriage.

Hema Malini and Dharmendra celebrated the birth of their first daughter, Esha Deol, on November 2, 1981. Almost four years later, on July 28, 1985, their family grew with the arrival of their second daughter, Ahana Deol.

Dharmendra’s second marriage caused a split in the family. Their daughter Esha Deol had revealed she didn’t meet Prakash Kaur until she was 30, though both families have maintained mutual respect over the years.

In a recent interview, Dharmendra’s younger son, Bobby Deol, clarified that his father still lives with Prakash Kaur at their farmhouse in Khandala, contrary to assumptions that he lives alone. Meanwhile, Hema Malini has always spoken with grace about her unconventional marital arrangement.