On the sets of the iconic film Sholay (1975), Dharmendra reportedly went to great lengths to win the affection of Hema Malini. Their on-screen chemistry blossomed into a real-life romance, but it wasn't without its challenges. Dharmendra, already married to Prakash Kaur, found himself deeply attracted to Hema, who was initially hesitant due to his marital status.
To steal moments with Hema, Dharmendra devised a plan during the shooting of Sholay where his character, Veeru, teaches Basanti (Hema Malini) how to use a revolver. He allegedly bribed the spot boys on set, paying them Rs 20 each to create disruptions during the scene. These disruptions ranged from dropping reflectors to stalling the trolley, all orchestrated to give Dharmendra another chance to hug Hema when the scene had to be reshot.
Reportedly, Dharmendra spent nearly Rs 2,000 on these orchestrated interruptions. Far from being annoyed, Hema was reportedly charmed by Dharmendra's gesture. Her initial hesitation gradually faded as she witnessed his playful and persistent efforts to win her over. According to Hema, she fell for him during the shooting of Main Jat Yamla Pagla Deewana.
Their love story faced significant hurdles, primarily due to Dharmendra's existing marriage. Prakash Kaur reportedly refused to grant him a divorce, leading to an unconventional decision. In 1980, Dharmendra and Hema converted to Islam to legally marry. Dharmendra reportedly took the name Dilawar Khan, and Hema became Aisha Bi, allowing them to have a Nikah ceremony, followed by a traditional Iyengar wedding to honor Hema's heritage.
Despite its unconventional beginnings, Dharmendra and Hema Malini's marriage has endured, becoming one of Bollywood's most talked-about love stories. They have two daughters, Esha and Ahana Deol. Dharmendra also has sons Sunny and Bobby Deol, and daughters Vijeta and Ajieta from his first marriage to Prakash Kaur. Hema has often expressed her acceptance of how her life unfolded, acknowledging that it wasn't the "normal family" setup she once imagined but that she is happy and proud of her children. Their story remains an example of a love that overcame social barriers and personal challenges.
