ISLAMABAD – Legendary actor Dharmendra is no more, and fans from across the globe are remembering ‘He Man’ of Bollywood, who died this week, leaving evergreen movies.
Dharmendra reportedly converted to Islam to marry his love ,Hema Malini, without divorcing his first wife, Prakash Kaur. As per Indian laws,a Hindu man can have only one marriage at a time, making Dharmendra’s decision both controversial.
Dharmendra first married Prakash Kaur in 1954, at a young age of 19, in a traditional Punjabi ceremony. The couple built a family of four children, superstar sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, and daughters Vijeta and Ajita.
Reports reveal that Dharmendra fell deeply in love with Hema Malini but refused to divorce Prakash. To reconcile his love and responsibilities, Dharmendra and Hema embraced Islam in 1979, adopting the names Dilawar Khan and Ayesha. The duo officially married in 1980 and later welcomed two daughters, Esha Deol and Ahana Deol.
The news of Dharmendra’s second marriage without divorcing Prakash shocked world. Prakash Kaur defended her husband, declaring that he had fulfilled his duties toward both wives and that no one had the right to judge him. “The love he felt for Hema was natura, any man could have fallen for her but he remained loyal to his family,” she said.
Prakash called Dharmendra a devoted father and caring husband, always present for his family despite the unconventional circumstances. Their marriage has spanned an astonishing 71 years, with Prakash playing key role as pillar of strength behind the Bollywood legend.
This dramatic tale of love, loyalty, and unconventional choices continues to captivate fans and historians alike, cementing Dharmendra’s legacy not just as an actor but as a man who dared to follow his heart without abandoning his family.
