The intricacies of Bollywood relationships have always captivated the public, and the family dynamics of veteran actor Dharmendra are no exception. In a narrative that spans decades, a significant moment unfolded when his daughter, Esha Deol, met his first wife, Prakash Kaur, for the first time after nearly 30 years. This long-awaited meeting signifies evolving family bonds, maturity, and mutual respect.
Dharmendra married Prakash Kaur in 1954, long before his Bollywood career took off. Together, they have four children: Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Ajeeta Chaudhri, and Vijayta Gill. As Dharmendra's career soared, he met Hema Malini, and their on-screen chemistry soon translated into a real-life romance. Despite already being married to Prakash Kaur, Dharmendra married Hema Malini in 1980. This created a complex family dynamic that has been under public scrutiny for decades. Dharmendra and Hema Malini have two daughters, Esha Deol and Ahana Deol Vohra.
For a long time, Hema Malini's family maintained a distance from Dharmendra's first family. Hema Malini herself has stated that she never visited Dharmendra's original Juhu home. However, as years passed, the relationships within the family began to evolve.
The meeting between Esha Deol and Prakash Kaur occurred in 2015 when Dharmendra's brother, Ajeet Deol, was unwell. Esha, wanting to pay her respects to her uncle, reached out to Sunny Deol, who facilitated the meeting at his father's house. Esha Deol described the brief but significant encounter, "I touched her feet and she left after blessing me". This gesture symbolized respect and acceptance.
Hema Malini has publicly expressed her respect for Prakash Kaur, acknowledging the challenges she faced due to the circumstances of Dharmendra's second marriage. In her biography, "Hema Malini: Beyond the Dream Girl," she shared insights into her dynamics with Dharmendra's first wife, noting that certain subjects are best left undiscussed in public.
Despite the unconventional family setup, the Deol family has maintained a sense of tradition, respect, and courtesy. Bobby Deol has mentioned that his father, Dharmendra, currently lives with his first wife, Prakash Kaur, while Hema Malini resides in her own bungalow. This arrangement reflects a sense of harmony and understanding that has developed over time.
Dharmendra and Hema Malini's love story began in the 1970s, during the filming of "Tum Haseen Main Jawan". Their relationship faced numerous hurdles, including Dharmendra's existing marriage. Some reports even suggested that Dharmendra converted to Islam to marry Hema Malini, as his first wife refused to grant him a divorce. However, Dharmendra has denied these claims. The couple had a nikah in 1979 and later married again in a traditional Iyengar ceremony.
In recent news, Dharmendra's health has been a concern, with reports of him being hospitalized for a routine checkup. Hema Malini has shared updates, assuring fans that he is doing well and hoping for his speedy recovery.
The story of Dharmendra's family is a testament to the complexities of relationships and the ability to navigate challenging situations with grace and respect. The meeting between Esha Deol and Prakash Kaur marks a significant step in the evolving dynamics of this iconic Bollywood family.
