In a heartfelt display of filial affection, Bollywood actress Esha Deol commemorated the 44th wedding anniversary of her legendary parents, Hema Malini and Dharmendra, with a touch of social media tenderness. Esha took to Instagram to mark the momentous occasion, sharing an endearing snapshot of the couple. The photograph captured a serene moment with Hema Malini comfortably resting against her husband, epitomizing the enduring bond they share. Esha’s caption echoed her deep admiration for her parents, citing, “Happy anniversary to my papa & mamma. I adore you, I love you & I just want to hug you.”
As part of Bollywood royalty, the lives of Hema Malini and Dharmendra have been a subject of public fascination for decades, beginning from the 1970s when Hema Malini, the reigning ‘Dream Girl,’ commanded the adoration of countless fans, including fellow actor Jeetendra. Despite such attention and being on the brink of matrimony with Jeetendra, Hema Malini’s heart eventually succumbed to the charm of Dharmendra. The relationship blossomed under unusual circumstances, as Dharmendra, already married to Prakash Kaur with whom he shared two children, sought Hema’s hand. Initially, Hema resisted, cautious of intruding upon his existing family life.
The course of love often being anything but smooth, Dharmendra’s and Hema’s romance braved societal norms. Dharmendra, resolute in his decision not to seek a divorce, converted to Islam to unite with Hema. The decision was not free of opposition; Hema’s father was strongly opposed to his daughter marrying an already married man, and her mother shared similar reservations. The couple proceeded with the marriage after her father passed away and despite her mother’s objections, opting for both Islamic and traditional Iyengar marriage ceremonies to solidify their union.
The tale of their courtship included romantic episodes and persistent rumors. Notably, one such rumor was that during the filming of the iconic ‘Sholay,’ Dharmendra allegedly bribed the lighting crew to create opportunities for retakes, simply to be close to Hema. Their connection was as tumultuous as it was passionate, with space for squabbles and reconciliations alike. Hema once revealed in an interview conducted in 1976 that arguments were an everyday affair, yet it was Dharmendra who usually acquiesced, leading to their making up.
Despite the occasional tension, their devotion was unmistakable, with Dharmendra expressing his trepidation at the thought of ever parting from Hema. Her response was just as heartfelt, vowing to prevent anyone from breaking their bond, which she considered eternal. The love that Dharmendra and Hema Malini shared gave rise to their two daughters: Esha Deol, who followed in their acting footsteps, and Ahana Deol, who maintained a quieter presence away from the limelight, emulating her mother’s grace as a dancer.
Dharmendra’s children from his first marriage are also well-known, with Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol etching their own marks in the film industry. However, their sisters Ajeeta and Vijeta have chosen lives away from the cinematic world.
In celebrating Hema Malini and Dharmendra’s 44th anniversary, Esha Deol’s adoration and esteem for her parents stand as a testament to the strength and longevity of their remarkable love story. Despite the strictures and challenges of their times, Hema Malini and Dharmendra remain an iconic couple whose legacy continues to inspire and captivate. Their narrative is not merely one of storied success in Bollywood but of a testament to love’s enduring capacity to transcend even the most daunting obstacles.
