Late actor Dharmendra lived a life where fame, emotion, and personal choices always collided in public view. Even as rumours about his death surfaced on November 11, 2025, and were quickly dismissed by his family, the conversation around him turned again to the life he lived beyond the screen.
His films made him the He-Man of Hindi cinema, but his personal life has often drawn as much attention as his performances.
Before the stardom, before the iconic partnership with Hema Malini, and before the headlines, Dharmendra was a young man from Punjab who married Prakash Kaur in 1954 at the age of 19. It was an arranged marriage, steeped in tradition.
Together, they built a family of six. Their sons, Sunny and Bobby, grew into major Bollywood stars, while daughters Vijeta and Ajeeta stayed away from the limelight.
Things changed when Dharmendra met Hema Malini. Their chemistry on screen reflected the emotions growing off it. He was deeply in love with her, but he never wanted to abandon his first family.
To make both marriages possible, he converted to Islam and married Hema in 1980. That decision continues to be debated, analysed and, often, misread. Through it all, Prakash Kaur hardly spoke. For years, she kept her silence.
In 1981, she finally agreed to one interview with Stardust. What she said remains one of the most honest, unguarded insights into their relationship. Her words were steady, without bitterness or drama, shaped by a lifetime of commitment.
“He is the first love and the last man in my life. He is the father of my children. I love and respect him a lot. What has happened has happened. I don't know whether I should blame him or my destiny for it. But one thing is certain, however far he may be from me, whatever might happen, but if I need him, I know that he'll be there. I have not lost my trust in him. After all, he is the father of my children.”
When asked about the accusations that Dharmendra was a womaniser, she pushed back firmly. According to her, people were selectively moral.
“Why only my husband, any man would have preferred Hema over me. How dare anyone call my husband a womaniser when half the industry is doing the same thing? All the heroes are having affairs and getting married for the second time.”
She even empathised with Hema Malini, recognising how harshly society treated women in such situations. Through every quote, what stood out was not fragility but immense clarity. She understood who Dharmendra was, accepted the complications of his choices, and built her life around love rather than resentment.
Prakash also stated that she was never insecure about Hema because Dharmendra fulfilled every responsibility expected of him.
He remained a present father, an affectionate partner, and a man who never emotionally abandoned his first family. She believed what mattered most was simple: despite marrying the most admired woman in the country, he still came home every day.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
