Veteran Bollywood actress Hema Malini, fondly known as the ‘Dream Girl’ of Indian cinema, celebrates her birthday today. Her beauty, grace, and stellar career have long captivated audiences, but her personal life, especially her relationship with Dharmendra, has equally garnered attention.
Hema and Dharmendra’s love story began on the sets of Tu Haseen Main Jawan in 1970. Though sparks flew, their romance was far from simple. Dharmendra was already married to Prakash Kaur and a father of four children—Sunny, Bobby, Vijeta, and Ajeita. Despite these circumstances, Hema was firm in her decision to stand by Dharmendra. In her biography, Hema Malini: Beyond the Dream Girl, she revealed, “I didn’t want to disturb anyone. I am happy with whatever Dharamji did for me and my daughters.”
Despite their love, Hema and Dharmendra chose to live separately, a decision often scrutinised by the public. Hema faced accusations and was labelled the “other woman” in Dharmendra’s life. Reflecting on this judgment, she shared, “Fingers were pointed. Accusations were flung at us. I knew people discussed me behind my back. I just knew that he made me happy. And all I wanted was happiness.”
Her unconventional life choices did not go unnoticed. Hema candidly acknowledged that many saw her with pity, assuming she lived in regret. She dismissed such assumptions, saying, “I know there are sections of people who discuss me with pity. They make me out to be someone who is weeping and mourning at home, pining for my man who is not around. I am not a police officer who needs to keep tabs on him.”
Hema emphasised that Dharmendra has always fulfilled his duties as a father to their two daughters, Esha and Ahana. “He knows his duty as a father, and I’ve never had to remind him of it. Dharam-ji still treats me like he did in the initial days,” she added.
In an interview with Lehren Retro, Hema further addressed her unique life, stating, “Nobody wants to live like this. But automatically, what happens, you have to accept. I am not sulking about it. I have my two children, and I have brought them up well.”
While her life has been unconventional, Hema Malini’s unwavering strength and contentment have remained constant, making her a true icon, both on and off the screen.
