How Hema Malini defied society’s judgment to find true love with Dharmendra
Hema Malini and Dharmendra, two legendary figures of Bollywood, have long been at the center of public fascination, not just for their cinematic contributions but for their complex personal lives. Their marriage in 1980 became a topic of significant discussion, primarily because Hema was Dharmendra’s second wife, a fact that brought with it a flurry of scrutiny and judgment.
In her autobiography, Hema Malini: Beyond the Dream Girl, Hema opens up about the challenges they faced, acknowledging that “fingers were pointed” and accusations were hurled at them. Despite the gossip, she found solace in her love for Dharmendra, stating, “I just knew that he made me happy. And all I wanted was happiness.”
Hema’s journey to love was not without its obstacles. When her parents learned about her feelings for Dharmendra, who was still married to Prakash Kaur at the time, they urged her to consider other suitors. However, Hema was resolute. “I called him and I said, ‘You’ll have to marry me now.’ He said, ‘Yeah, I’ll marry you.’ So that is how it happened,” she recalls, highlighting her determination and the love that fueled her decision.
Reflecting on her role as Dharmendra’s second wife, Hema acknowledged the societal stigma that accompanied it. “Nobody wants to be like that; it happens. Automatically, what happens, you have to accept,” she explained. Yet, she has never allowed that label to define her happiness. “I am happy with myself. I have my two children, and I have brought them up very well,” she asserts, emphasizing her pride in her family.
Hema is aware that many people discuss her life with a sense of pity, imagining her as a woman left to mourn her husband’s absences. “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,” she states. She quickly dismisses this notion, asserting her independence and confidence. “I am not a police officer who needs to keep tabs on him. He knows his duty as a father, and I’ve never had to remind him of it.”
Through her candid reflections, Hema Malini not only sheds light on her personal struggles but also celebrates the love that has endured the test of time. With Dharmendra still treating her with the same affection as in the early days of their relationship, Hema’s story is one of resilience, strength, and an unwavering commitment to her happiness and family.
Written by Sakinat Musa Abubakar, Editor at Neptune Prime
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