Veteran Bollywood legend Dharmendra, who died at 89, leaves behind a rich legacy on screen — and a complex personal life that deeply interested the public. He was married to two women: Prakash Kaur, his first wife, and actress Hema Malini.
Prakash Kaur: The First Wife
- Dharmendra married Prakash Kaur in 1954, when he was just 19—years before he even entered films.
- Together, they had four children: two sons, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, both of whom became actors, and two daughters, Vijeta and Ajeeta.
- According to Bobby Deol, Dharmendra lived with Prakash Kaur later in life at their farmhouse in Khandala.
- In a 1981 interview, Prakash defended her relationship with Dharmendra, saying: “He may not be the best husband, though he is very good to me, but he is certainly the best father … His children love him a lot. He never neglects them.”
Hema Malini: The Second Marriage
- Dharmendra’s on-screen pairing with Hema Malini blossomed into a real-life relationship. They starred together in many films, such as Seeta Aur Geeta, Raja Jani, Jugnu, and Sholay.
- They got married in 1980, even though Dharmendra was legally still married to Prakash Kaur.
- There were reports that Dharmendra and Hema converted to Islam to solemnize their marriage under Muslim personal law, but both of them denied this.
- Hema Malini has spoken about their living arrangement: she chose not to live in the same home as Dharmendra and Prakash Kaur out of respect.
- She has expressed deep respect for Prakash Kaur, saying she holds her in very high regard.
- Dharmendra and Hema had two daughters: Esha Deol (born 1981) and Ahana Deol (born 1985).
Their Relationship Over the Years
- While their marriage was unconventional and often scrutinized, both women maintained grace. Hema said she is “happy with what Dharam ji did for me and my daughters … I think I am satisfied with it.”
- According to Hema, despite public curiosity, some parts of their personal life were private by choice: “The world wants to know everything about my life, but that is not for others to know. It is no one’s business.”
- Bobby Deol (Dharmendra’s son) described his father as “very emotional” and recalled how his parents (Dharmendra and Prakash) chose a peaceful life together at their Khandala farmhouse.
Legacy
Dharmendra is survived by:
- Prakash Kaur, his first wife, and their four children: Sunny, Bobby, Vijeta, and Ajeeta.
- Hema Malini, his second wife, and their two daughters: Esha and Ahana.
His relationships reflected both traditional family bonds and unconventional choices — yet both women played important roles in his life and legacy.