Return to the Real Home: The Bittersweet Tale of Dharmendra, Hema Malini, and Prakash Kaur

Introduction

Imagine a man who waged war against society for the sake of love — saw tears in his children’s eyes, changed his religion, risked his reputation, all to hold his beloved in his arms forever. He believed his struggle would end in eternal happiness. But fate, in its unpredictable way, had something else in mind. Today, as this man lies weak and ailing at the gates of old age, the woman he fought for is not by his side. Instead, a quiet face from his past, once left far behind, re-emerges and becomes his final comfort. This is not a scene from a film, but the true story of Bollywood legend Dharmendra — a story where youthful passion fades and the shadows of the past reveal life’s deepest truths.

Humble Beginnings & Young Love

Born December 8th, 1935 in the village of Nasrali in Punjab’s Phagwara district, Dharmendra (born Dharam Singh Deol) was the son of a modest school headmaster. He grew up surrounded by the scent of Punjab’s moist fields, the ringing of school bells, and the chill of northern winds. His father wanted him to excel in studies — but cinema, not textbooks, stole young Dharam’s heart. Rural fairs, songs played at the village chaupal, and the shimmering world projected on temporary screens were his real classrooms.

But responsibilities rarely wait for dreams. In 1954, at just 19, family duties forced him to abandon school for an arranged marriage to Prakash Kaur, a simple village girl with little interest in glamour or city dreams. She was a dutiful wife: caring, self-sacrificing, and fiercely loyal — a stark contrast to the ambitious world her husband secretly desired.

Leap into Bollywood

Dharmendra’s heart remained restless. In 1958, he entered the Filmfare Talent Hunt contest — among thousands of applicants, his innocent charm and impressive physique caught the judges’ eyes. Winning earned him a ticket to Mumbai. He left for the city of dreams, while Prakash stayed back in Amritsar. Hiding his marital status, Dharmendra struggled: taking tiny roles, facing hunger, sleeping in cramped rooms, and returning to Punjab during lonely, homesick moments — always welcomed without judgment by Prakash.

Mumbai was no easy city. But in 1960, he got his first leading role in “Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere.” While not a major hit, Dharmendra’s on-screen sincerity quickly made directors take notice. Movies like “Anpadh” and “Haqeeqat” proved he wasn’t just a handsome face but an actor with real emotional depth.

Family, Stardom, and the Double Life

Mid-60s, Dharmendra’s family with Prakash grew. Two sons were born: Ajay Singh Deol (Sunny Deol) and Vijay Singh Deol (Bobby Deol). By the time Bobby was born, Dharmendra was already an industry favorite — known as a “one-take artist,” his natural acting and ease in action scenes were lauded. The turning point came with “Phool Aur Patthar” (1966), making him a superstar and a Filmfare Best Actor nominee.

But as his star rose, so did his circle of admirers — especially women. By the 1970s, Dharmendra was not just an action hero but Bollywood’s lover boy, his romantic image shining on-screen and gossip columns alike.

The Dream Girl Effect — Hema Malini Enters

Enter Hema Malini: a classical dancer and actress from a Tamil Brahmin family, soon crowned Bollywood’s “Dream Girl”. Their first meetings on set were strictly professional. But during films like “Tum Haseen Main Jawan” and the especially iconic “Seeta Aur Geeta,” their chemistry sizzled both on and off screen.

Backstage, Dharmendra found excuses to spend time with Hema — botching lines for re-takes, sending bouquets, waiting by her car. Slowly, Hema responded to his sincerity, and a remarkable love story began.

Yet a significant obstacle remained: his devotion to his first wife and children, and Prakash’s refusal to divorce. Still, their relationship intensified, especially during the “Sholay” shoot — Dharmendra would intentionally call for repeated takes just to hold Hema’s hand on camera.

Controversy: Changing Religion for Love

Eventually, both took a drastic step to legalize their union: in 1979, Dharmendra and Hema Malini converted to Islam (becoming Dilawar Khan and Ayesha Bi) so they could marry under Muslim personal law, allowing a second wife. For years the marriage was kept secret, shielded from public uproar.

Critics claimed Dharmendra switched faiths for convenience. Hema, in later interviews, said religion was just legal necessity, that love was the real faith that bound them.

One Man, Two Families

From here, Dharmendra’s life split: glamour, parties, and society events with Hema and their two daughters (Esha and Ahana) in Juhu; earthy simplicity in Punjab with Prakash, Sunny, and Bobby. He tried hard to balance: launching both sons as heroes, being present as a father and husband on both fronts. The children never harbored public resentment; Hema’s girls expressed pride in their brothers, while Sunny once said, “Our father’s heart is big enough for two families.”

But the cracks appeared. As Dharmendra aged, balancing candids, careers, and commitments grew tougher. By his nineties, health issues loomed large, and so did questions of who would stand by him in his weakest moments.

Final Years: Returning to Prakash

Amid eye surgeries and hospital stays in 2025, a pattern emerged the public couldn’t ignore: while Hema Malini’s visits were formal and fleeting, it was Prakash Kaur and her sons who stayed through the ordeal — tending to medicine, sharing memories, holding hands through the pain.

In interviews, Sunny openly credited his mother: “Mum is always there for Dad, no matter what.” Prakash, who never aired grievances in the press, now became the steady, silent companion Dharmendra perhaps never realized he’d need most.

Conclusion: Time’s Ultimate Lesson

As Dharmendra’s stardom faded and his body weakened, a truth played out that transcends cinema: fame and fiery passion pale before unconditional, everyday loyalty. The hand that cools your brow in illness, the voice whispering old stories when you feel forgotten — that’s the real safe haven.

Dharmendra’s life reveals that in the end, time decides who will remain at your side — often, it’s the one you once overlooked. Love, fame, even rebellion — all bow before the quiet power of true companionship. Perhaps that’s life’s finest twist: your real home is where you are accepted without question, especially when you need it most.