Throwback: Hema Malini on living separately from Dharmendra and having respect for his first wife

Dharmendra, who was recently discharged from Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai, lives with his first wife, Prakash Kaur, and their four children — including actors Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol. He married Prakash six years before his acting debut in the 1960 film Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere. Dharmendra was just 19 years old when he first married.

When Hema Malini talked about Dharmendra’s first wife

In her authorised biography, Hema Malini: Beyond the Dream Girl penned by Ram Kamal Mukherjee —Hema Malini opened up about her relationship with Dharmendra and Prakash Kaur. She recalled that before marrying Dharmendra, she and Prakash had briefly crossed paths at social gatherings, but the two never spoke again after that. The actress, who shares daughters Esha Deol and Ahana Deol with Dharmendra, spoke warmly of the respect she holds for Prakash Kaur and her family.

"Today I am a working woman and I maintained my dignity because I dedicated my life to art and culture. If the situation had been slightly different, I might not be what I am today. Although I never spoke about Prakash, l respect her greatly. My daughters also respect Dharam ji's family. The world wants to know everything about my life, but that is not for others to know. It is no one's business," the book quotes Hema as saying.

As quoted in the biography, Hema said,"I did not want to trouble anyone. I am happy with what Dharam ji did for me and my daughters. He played the role of a father, like any father would. I think I am satisfied with it."

Hema Malini on living apart from Dharmendra

Dharmendra and his second wife, Hema Malini, are known to live separately. In an earlier conversation with Lehren Retro, the 77-year-old actor and BJP MP spoke openly about living apart from him. She said, "I do not feel bad about it, nor am I sad. I am happy with myself. I have two children and I have raised them very well. Of course, he (Dharmendra) was always with me. No husband and wife like to live separately, but sometimes circumstances are such that a person has to accept it."

Hema’s marriage with Dharmendra

Hema Malini married Dharmendra in 1980, when he was already married to Prakash Kaur and the father of four children.