Hema Malini - "I have no regrets" on living apart from Dharmendra

Hema Malini and Dharmendra have always been an iconic couple in Indian cinema, capturing the hearts of millions with their on-screen chemistry and real-life romance. However, behind their picture-perfect relationship lies a tale of initial disapproval and unconventional choices.

In a recent interview with Lehren, the legendary Dream Girl, Hema Malini, opened up about their unique equation and why she lives separately from her husband. Reflecting on their situation, she shared, "Nobody wants to be like that, it happens. Automatically, what happens, you have to accept. Otherwise, nobody will feel like they want to live their life like this. No! Every woman wants to have a husband, children, like a normal family. But somewhere, it went out of the way."

Despite the unconventional nature of their relationship, Hema expressed that she does not harbour any resentment and finds contentment in the fact that they have two children together. She emphasized that she is not feeling bad about it, or sulking about it. She is happy with herself. She further said, "I have my two children, and I have brought them up very well. Of course, he (Dharmendra) was there, always. Everywhere. Actually, he was the one worried, 'Shaadi hona chaiye bachchon ka jaldi' (The kids should get married early). I said 'Hoga' (It'll happen). When the time is right, the right person will come around. With the blessings of god and guru ma, everything happened."

Not widely known, Hema's parents were initially against her relationship with Dharmendra due to his existing marriage to Prakash Kaur. Despite the obstacles, their love prevailed, and the couple tied the knot in 1980. Today, after 43 years of marriage, they continue to find happiness together, even though Dharmendra currently resides with his first wife and their children.