When Dharmendra and Anita Raj's alleged affair during film shoot disturbed Hema Malini

Bollywood, the world of glitz and glamour, has seen its fair share of romance and drama, and one such story involves the charming actor Dharmendra, his beloved wife Hema Malini, and the beautiful actress Anita Raj. This tale from the 1980s captures the complexities of love, relationships, and the impact of fame.

Dharmendra and Hema Malini's Love Story

Dharmendra, known as the "He-Man" of Bollywood, was celebrated for his rugged looks and charismatic screen presence. In 1957, Dharmendra married Prakash Kaur, but his personal life took a turn when he fell for another actress, Hema Malini. Hema, also known as the "Dream Girl," was a major star in her own right, with a captivating charm that won the hearts of many.

Their love story began on the set of the film "Tum Haseen Main Jawan." Despite being married, Dharmendra's feelings for Hema grew stronger, leading to a significant decision. His first wife, Prakash Kaur, did not want a divorce, so Dharmendra and Hema chose to convert to Islam to accommodate Dharmendra's two marriages. They got married in 1980, marking a new chapter in their lives.

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The Emergence of Anita Raj

After marrying Hema, Dharmendra's life seemed to be settling down. However, the drama did not end there. During the 1980s, Dharmendra found himself infatuated with Anita Raj, a talented actress who was 27 years younger than him. Anita Raj had made a name for herself with performances in films such as "Karishma Kudrat Ka," "Zalzala," and "Insaniyat Ke Dushman."

Anita's allure was undeniable, and her on-screen chemistry with Dharmendra was electric. Their professional collaboration soon evolved into a personal one, causing ripples in Dharmendra's personal life.

Hema Malini's Reaction

As Dharmendra became more involved with Anita Raj, Hema Malini, who was deeply committed to her marriage, began to feel distressed. Reports suggest that Hema's anger was fueled by Dharmendra's growing closeness with Anita. In an attempt to safeguard her marriage, Hema took matters into her own hands. She intervened directly, creating a scene and firmly warning Dharmendra to stay away from Anita Raj.

Hema's intervention was a pivotal moment. It was clear that she was not willing to tolerate any disruption in her marriage. Dharmendra, recognizing the seriousness of Hema's warning, distanced himself from Anita, and their relationship gradually faded.

Hema Malini's Perspective

Hema Malini, despite the turbulence, remained strong and focused on her marriage. In an interview with the Deccan Chronicle, Hema reflected on her decision to marry Dharmendra. She expressed that her intentions were never to cause pain or hardship to anyone, including Dharmendra's first wife. Hema emphasized that she had never intended to intrude on Dharmendra's first family or take him away from them.

Hema's perspective highlights her commitment to maintaining harmony despite the challenges. She and Dharmendra managed to navigate the ups and downs of their relationship, emerging as a resilient couple in the Bollywood industry.

Anita Raj's Career and Life

Anita Raj, daughter of actor Jagdish Raj, was a prominent figure in Bollywood during the 1980s. Her acting career included notable films like "Prem Geet," "Zara Si Zindagi," and "Zameen Aasman." Anita's television roles, such as 'Rajmata Devvadan Singh Deo' in the serial "Ek Tha Raja Ek Thi Rani" and 'Kulwant Kaur Dhillon' in "Choti Sarrdaarni," further cemented her place in the entertainment industry.

In 1986, Anita Raj married Sunil Hingorani, who was the director of "Karisma Kudrat Ka." Their marriage marked a new chapter in Anita's life, and she continued to build her career while balancing her personal life.