Hema Malini, the "Dream Girl" of Bollywood, was one of the most sought-after actresses of her time. While she ultimately married Dharmendra in 1980, their love story was far from simple. Numerous obstacles and objections arose, including the strong preference of Hema's mother, Jaya Chakravarthy, for her to marry another actor: Jeetendra.

In the 1970s, Hema Malini and Dharmendra's on-screen chemistry in films like "Tum Haseen Main Jawaan" (1970) sparked a real-life romance. However, Dharmendra was already married to Prakash Kaur and had four children, which created a complex situation. Hema Malini's mother, Jaya Chakravarthy, reportedly disapproved of the relationship and actively sought a different match for her daughter.

Jeetendra, a popular actor of the time, had also fallen in love with Hema Malini after they worked together in the film "Dulhan". Hema's mother saw Jeetendra as a more suitable match because he was unmarried. According to Hema Malini's biography, "Hema Malini: Beyond the Dream Girl," Jaya Chakravarthy tried to convince her daughter to marry Jeetendra instead of Dharmendra.

Adding to the drama, Jeetendra's parents were also eager for the alliance. A secret wedding was planned in Chennai, and both families flew down for the ceremony. However, the news of the impending wedding leaked, and Dharmendra, upon hearing the news, was determined to stop it.

In a dramatic turn of events, Dharmendra, reportedly inebriated and accompanied by Jeetendra's then-girlfriend Shobha (who later became his wife), arrived at the wedding venue. Eyewitnesses recounted that Dharmendra pleaded with Hema Malini, insisting she would be making a mistake. The situation escalated, with Hema's father confronting Dharmendra and reminding him of his existing marriage and children.

Ultimately, the wedding between Hema Malini and Jeetendra was called off. Jeetendra later married Shobha in 1974. Hema Malini and Dharmendra eventually married in a private ceremony in 1980. There were only two legal witnesses present at their wedding.

Their marriage, however, was unconventional. Dharmendra did not divorce his first wife, Prakash Kaur, and Hema Malini chose to live separately, prioritizing peace and dignity. They have two daughters, Esha Deol and Ahana Deol Vohra. Hema Malini stated that she was happy with Dharmendra's role in her and her daughters' lives.

Hema Malini and Dharmendra's love story has been described as one of Bollywood's most unconventional. Despite the initial family opposition, societal norms, and existing marital ties, their relationship endured for over four decades. Dharmendra passed away on November 24, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of iconic films and an unforgettable love story with Hema Malini.