Veteran actress Hema Malini has addressed speculation surrounding her relationship with Dharmendra's first wife, Prakash Kaur, following the recent passing of the legendary actor in November 2025. Rumors of a rift between the two women surfaced after Hema Malini and her daughters, Esha and Ahana Deol, were absent from a prayer meet organized by Prakash Kaur and her sons, Sunny and Bobby Deol.

In an exclusive interview, Hema Malini clarified the reasons behind the separate prayer meetings, emphasizing that it was a "personal matter" within their family. She explained that she organized a separate prayer meet at her home because she has a different group of people and that she held another prayer meet in Delhi due to her political commitments and friends in that field. Furthermore, she acknowledged Dharmendra's strong connection with Mathura, her constituency, and held a prayer meeting there to honor him.

Hema Malini directly addressed the rumors of discord, urging people not to believe everything they see online. She refuted claims of animosity between the families, stating, "There's no need to worry that these are two separate families, and who knows what will happen. No one needs to worry so much. We are all very good". She also expressed distress over misinformation circulating online, including videos falsely portraying her as excessively distraught. She affirmed her strength and preference for keeping her emotions private.

The actress also reflected on her relationship with Dharmendra, describing it as "a companionship that stood the test of time". She shared the inconsolable shock and struggle she faced during his illness, emphasizing the presence and support of all family members, including herself, Esha, Ahana, and Sunny.

Hema Malini and Dharmendra's marriage in 1980 was initially met with societal judgment, as Dharmendra was already married to Prakash Kaur with four children. Despite the controversy, Prakash Kaur defended Dharmendra's role as a dedicated father. Hema Malini, in past interviews, has spoken about maintaining a respectful distance from Dharmendra's first family, never intruding on their established life. She emphasized that she "never tried to compete with his other family for his time or attention, not at all. In love, you are supposed to give, not demand".

Manoj Desai, a veteran cinema exhibitor, supported Hema Malini's decision to hold a separate prayer meet, stating that it was a good way to avoid any potential controversy or awkward situations. He noted that if someone had said something inappropriate to her at the other prayer meet, it could have disrupted the event.

Hema Malini's recent statements aim to dispel any misconceptions about strained relationships within the family and highlight the respect and understanding that exists between her and Dharmendra's first family. She remains a celebrated figure in Indian cinema and continues to be actively involved in politics, representing Mathura as a Member of Parliament.