Bollywood’s Iconic Romance: Dharmendra-Hema Malini love story against all odds

The love story of Dharmendra and Hema Malini remains one of Bollywood’s most iconic and controversial romances. Despite Dharmendra being married with four children, the two stars fell deeply in love while working together in multiple films.

Post Published By: Sona Saini

Updated : 24 November 2025, 2:05 PM IST

The Unforgettable Dharmendra–Hema Malini Story

New Delhi: Love is an emotion that often transcends the boundaries of age, society, and relationships. Bollywood has also seen many relationships that were questioned by the world, yet love still brought them together. One such story is that of Dharmendra and Hema Malini, a couple who, while creating magic on the big screen, faced as many challenges in real life.

First Meeting and Love Begins

Hema Malini, who began her career in 1963, first met Dharmendra during a film premiere. In her biography, "Hema Malini: Beyond the Dream Girl," Hema writes that during the premiere's interval, Dharmendra saw her for the first time and said in Punjabi, "The girl is very good."

Hema may not have responded at the time, but Dharmendra was already smitten.

35-Year-Old Dharmendra and 22-Year-Old Hema: An Untold Love

Dharmendra was 35 at the time and at the peak of his career, while 22-year-old Hema was establishing herself. The difficulty was that Dharmendra was already married to Prakash Kaur and the father of four children, Sunny, Bobby, and two daughters.

Despite this, nothing could stop the growing affection between the two.

Relationship Changed During the Shooting of 'Pratigya'

It is believed that Hema Malini also fell in love with Dharmendra during the shooting of the film 'Pratigya'. Hema's father was against this relationship and arranged her marriage with actor Jeetendra. Under pressure, Hema agreed.

But when this news reached Dharmendra, he immediately went to Hema's house and pleaded with her not to marry Jeetendra. Ultimately, Hema broke off the relationship.

Obstacles Standing in the Way of Their Marriage

Dharmendra's marriage was the biggest obstacle to their relationship. After Hema's father's death in 1978, Hema was left emotionally isolated. Dharmendra couldn't understand this loneliness. But Dharmendra couldn't legally remarry, so they converted to Islam and married in 1980. Dharmendra changed his name to Dilawar Khan, and Hema's name was Ayesha B.

Both Their Successful Careers Continued Even After Marriage

Even after marriage, Hema continued working in films, and Dharmendra delivered a string of superhit films. Despite social opposition and family tensions, the two maintained their relationship beautifully.

Today, their love story is considered one of Bollywood's most celebrated and iconic stories.