When Hema Malini confessed 'love at first sight' with ‘married’ Dharmendra; ‘can't see right or left’

Dharmendra's passing on November 24, 2025, at the age of 89, didn't just end an era, it reopened the pages of one of Hindi cinema's most enduring romances. As tributes poured in from fans and stars alike, the spotlight certainly turned back to his love story with Hema Malini, a tale of sacrifice and stardom that captivated generations.During an old interview with ITMB Shows, Hema got candid about the spark that confirmed Dharmendra was her soulmate, she laid it out plainly. Responding to how she defied conventions to marry him, she shared, “Love means you can’t see any right, left. You’re just simply in love with somebody and you go ahead. This is just a love at first sight, that’s it." Dharmendra's personal life was anything but straightforward. At 19, in 1954, he entered an arranged marriage with Prakash Kaur, steeped in Punjabi traditions, well before his rise to fame. The couple welcomed four children: Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Vijeta Deol, and Ajeita Deol. In 1970, he met Hema Malini on a film set, and they fell deeply in love, despite him being a married father of four. Their bond flourished amid Bollywood classics like ‘Sholay’. In 1980, Dharmendra converted to Islam to wed Hema, using Muslim personal law that allowed a second marriage without divorce. They later had two daughters, Esha Deol and Ahana Deol.Through the entire saga, Prakash Kaur stood tall and proud. In a 1981 Stardust interview, she declared, “Why only my husband, any man would have preferred Hema over me. How dare anyone can call my husband a womaniser when half the industry is doing the same thing?".After Dharmendra's passing thrust his layered family story back into the headlines one last time. Prakash Kaur gathered with sons Sunny and Bobby for a prayer meet at a Mumbai hotel, while Hema Malini held a different prayer meet for Dharmendra with daughters Esha and Ahana at their home. In Delhi, she organized yet another prayer meet, honoring him as Mathura's BJP MP for the locals who cherished him deeply.