Hema Malini’s journey in Indian cinema has long been celebrated and her presence on screen still carries a charm few can match. Long before she became Bollywood’s Dream Girl, audiences admired her grace, her expressive performances and the unforgettable roles she brought to life. Films like Seeta Aur Geeta and the legendary Sholay cemented her place in Bollywood history and her spirited line about Basanti and Dhanno remains etched in pop culture.
Yet, even as her films captivated the country, her personal life had its own share of drama, emotion and unexpected twists. At the centre of it was her love story with Dharmendra, a star who had already earned iconic status in Indian cinema. The two eventually married and became parents to daughters Esha and Ahana but their relationship was not as simple as it seemed from the outside. Despite being husband and wife, they chose not to live together permanently, a decision that often puzzled public.
What many people may not know is that Hema Malini’s parents had once planned a completely different future for her. They had arranged her marriage with actor Jeetendra and preparations reportedly moved ahead quickly. That was when Dharmendra appeared at Hema’s home, unable to stay silent. According to her biography, Hema Malini: Beyond the Dream Girl, the visit angered Hema’s father who confronted him and insisted he leave her life, reminding him that he was already married and could not offer her the future she deserved.
Dharmendra, however, was determined. Reports suggest he pleaded with Hema not to go through with the marriage to Jeetendra and insisted she should not make a choice that went against her heart. But his marital status remained the biggest obstacle. Dharmendra was married to Prakash Kaur and was already a father to four children, including actors Sunny and Bobby Deol.
Before choosing Dharmendra, Hema Malini had also been proposed to by her Sholay co-star Sanjeev Kumar. Deeply fond of her, he hoped she would say Yes. When she declined, it reportedly left him heartbroken and he never married, passing away as a bachelor.
Hema Malini’s life behind the scenes was filled with difficult decisions, emotional crossroads and moments that tested her strength. Much like the characters she portrayed, her real story carried its own grace, courage and complications, reminding us that even icons live lives shaped by love, sacrifice and destiny.
