Why did Hema Malini leave ailing Dharmendra alone at the last moment, his first wife became his support

Veteran actor Dharmendra, the beloved He-Man of Indian cinema, is now nearing his 90th birthday—a milestone few achieve, especially in the glittering yet unforgiving world of Bollywood. However, this celebration has been overshadowed by a health crisis that has captured both the media’s attention and the deep emotional investment of his fans across generations. What began as news of a critical illness quickly evolved into a full-blown public drama, when reports surfaced claiming that Dharmendra, now struggling with respiratory issues, had been advised to seek treatment abroad. But the most surprising and debated development in this ongoing story has been the reported refusal of his second wife, actress and politician Hema Malini, to accompany him overseas for his medical treatment.

This revelation has triggered a flurry of emotional reactions across social media. Fans are divided, commentators are buzzing, and the emotional weight of the situation grows heavier with every passing day. But what truly happened? Did Hema Malini really leave a dying husband behind, or is this yet another distorted tale crafted for public consumption?

Let’s go to the beginning.

Dharmendra’s health has reportedly deteriorated significantly over the last few weeks. Multiple sources have stated that the actor has been suffering from severe respiratory issues, possibly exacerbated by age-related conditions. While the family tried to keep the matter private, concerns began to mount when Dharmendra was admitted to a top Mumbai hospital under intensive care. Doctors allegedly declared that he needed advanced treatment, possibly only available abroad. At this point, the question arose—who would go with him?

Naturally, one might expect that Hema Malini, his wife of several decades and the public face of his modern family, would be the one to accompany him. But according to viral reports and sensationalized video content, Hema refused. Her reasons, as stated in these reports, were rooted in her commitments to her political duties and professional obligations. The news came as a shock to many who had always admired their seemingly perfect love story—one that overcame societal norms, religious differences, and decades of public scrutiny.

Hema Malini, a Member of Parliament from Mathura, has indeed been active in various government and cultural projects, including a much-discussed corridor development in Vrindavan. Additionally, she continues to pursue classical dance performances and other professional engagements. When the call came to travel abroad for Dharmendra’s treatment, these sources claim she chose her schedule over standing by her husband in his hour of need.

Enter Prakash Kaur.

Dharmendra’s first wife, the woman he married long before his rise to superstardom, before the scandals, before Bollywood transformed him into a heartthrob. Prakash Kaur, who has largely stayed out of the limelight, emerged as an unexpected pillar of support in this crisis. Despite being over 70 years old herself, and having spent most of her life away from public attention, she reportedly made the decision to travel with Dharmendra for his medical treatment abroad.

The contrast between the two women’s choices has stirred a strong debate among the public. On one hand is Hema Malini, the glamorous, high-profile second wife, who is now being criticized for “abandoning” her ailing husband. On the other hand is Prakash Kaur, often perceived as the more traditional, reserved spouse, who chose duty over distance, and stepped in during a time of critical need.

But is it fair to judge Hema Malini so harshly?

Supporters of the actress argue that she has been consistently by Dharmendra’s side for decades, raising two daughters with him—Esha and Ahana—and sharing a life that may not always have been conventional, but was deeply rooted in mutual respect. As a working politician and performer, Hema Malini’s schedule is rigorous and her responsibilities numerous. To suddenly drop everything may not have been as simple as it seems. Additionally, there has been no official confirmation from Hema Malini or Dharmendra’s daughters refuting or confirming these viral claims, leaving much of the story to speculation and hearsay.

Meanwhile, the public’s emotional attachment to Dharmendra has led many to side with Prakash Kaur, whose quiet dignity over the years has now translated into silent heroism. Her decision to accompany Dharmendra has been hailed as noble, selfless, and deeply rooted in the values of an earlier generation—a generation that believed in standing by one’s spouse, regardless of time and distance.

What complicates this situation even more is Dharmendra’s unique family dynamic. For years, the actor has walked a fine line between two families—his sons Sunny and Bobby from his marriage to Prakash Kaur, and his daughters with Hema Malini. He has, by most accounts, maintained cordial relationships with both sides, never divorcing Prakash despite marrying Hema. The current crisis, therefore, throws this delicate balance into sharp relief.

With the world watching, the family finds itself under a glaring spotlight. Every move is dissected, every silence interpreted, and every decision judged. In such an emotionally charged environment, the truth often gets lost in noise. It is important to remember that no one outside a family truly knows what goes on inside. Public figures often pay the price of fame with a complete loss of privacy—even in their most vulnerable moments.

But while fans and commentators argue over who did what and why, one thing remains heartbreakingly clear: Dharmendra is not well. Whether or not he travels abroad, whether Hema accompanies him or not, whether Prakash Kaur remains by his side—the focus should return to the man at the center of it all. The legend. The father. The husband. The human being.

Dharmendra’s journey has been one of grit, glamour, and grandeur. From a small town in Punjab to the dazzling lights of Mumbai, he has lived a life full of passion and perseverance. His films, his style, his personality—he has been a larger-than-life figure for decades. Yet today, stripped of the arc lights, makeup, and applause, he is simply a man in need of care, love, and dignity.

It is easy to point fingers. To accuse one woman of neglect and praise another for sacrifice. But the truth likely lies somewhere in between. What this moment really teaches us is the need for compassion—not just for Dharmendra, but for those around him, including both Hema Malini and Prakash Kaur. Life, especially at the tail-end of such a remarkable journey, deserves peace, not noise.

As Dharmendra continues his treatment, whether in India or abroad, he does so with the love and prayers of millions. Across India and beyond, fans are hoping for his recovery—not for another film or interview, but simply to see their hero smile again. To hear his voice. To know that he is still among us, defying age with the same charm he once brought to the silver screen.

So, while social media continues to speculate, let us take a step back. Let us offer our support not through blame, but through hope. Let us send strength not just to Dharmendra, but to his entire family. And let us remember that, beyond all the headlines, this is a story of an aging icon facing the most human challenge of all: the fragility of life.

Because no matter what the tabloids say, the legacy of Dharmendra is not defined by who stood by him in one moment—but by the decades of love, sacrifice, and brilliance he has given to his fans, his family, and his country. And that legacy deserves respect, dignity, and peace.

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