Hema Malini once spoke openly about her marriage to Dharmendra, recalling the challenges and choices she made in a relationship that began when Dharmendra was already a married man with children. The legendary actor passed away on November 24 in Mumbai at the age of 89 after battling respiratory issues, leaving behind a legacy built on iconic films and an unforgettable screen presence.
Along with being one of the most charismatic stars in Hindi cinema, Dharmendra’s personal life often drew as much attention as his movies. He and Hema Malini became one of Bollywood’s most adored on-screen pairs in the 1970s, delivering hits like Seeta Aur Geeta, Sholay, Jugnu, Raja Jani, and Pratigya. Their chemistry sparked widespread speculation about an off-screen romance as well.
Since Dharmendra was already married with four children at the time, Hema Malini’s mother reportedly disapproved of the relationship. When they eventually tied the knot, the news became a major talking point, and Hema was even labeled the “first lady of second marriages.”
In a 2022 interview with India Today’s Rajdeep Sardesai, Hema Malini recalled what drew her to Dharmendra.
“He was exceptional and good-looking. That really impressed me,” she said. “It didn’t mean I wanted to marry him instantly. But over time, I admired him deeply — and he was the one who wooed me.”
She revealed that she eventually gave Dharmendra a clear ultimatum about their future together:
“You better marry me now. You cannot go on like this… I never expected anything from him — not property, not money. I just needed love. That’s it.”
Marriage but Separate Lives
Despite being married, Dharmendra and Hema Malini maintained separate households. Hema explained that she never felt the need to monitor his time or demand more:
“I am not a police officer who needs to keep tabs on him,” she once said. “He knows his duty as a father, and I’ve never had to remind him.”
In a 2023 conversation with Lehren Retro, she acknowledged the unconventional nature of her married life:
“Every woman wants to have a husband, children — a normal family. But somewhere, it went out of the way… I am not feeling bad about it. I am happy with myself.”
Through every phase — romance, marriage, motherhood — Hema Malini has remained dignified and self-assured, honoring a love story she chose despite the odds and the criticism it brought.
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