That’s a great question — and it’s one many fans of Dharmendra have wondered about for decades. Let’s explore it factually and respectfully, keeping focus on verified biographical details and public accounts.
Who Is Prakash Kaur? How Dharmendra Married Hema Malini and Managed Both Families
Who Is Prakash Kaur?
Prakash Kaur is Dharmendra’s first wife. She has always maintained a private life, rarely appearing in the media. Dharmendra married her in 1954, long before he entered the film industry.
At the time, Dharmendra was a young man from Sahnewal, Punjab, striving to make his mark in cinema. Prakash Kaur supported him through his early struggles, and together they built a family before he became a Bollywood star.
The couple has four children:
- Sunny Deol (actor, politician)
- Bobby Deol (actor)
- Vijayta Deol
- Ajeeta Deol
Prakash Kaur is known to have been deeply family-oriented, preferring to stay away from the film industry and public limelight. Despite Dharmendra’s fame and his later marriage to Hema Malini, she reportedly maintained cordial relationships within the extended family and continued to live in Mumbai with her sons.
How Dharmendra Married Hema Malini
Dharmendra met Hema Malini on the sets of their 1970 film Tum Haseen Main Jawan. Their on-screen chemistry quickly blossomed into a real-life bond, even though Dharmendra was already married to Prakash Kaur.
At the time, divorce was uncommon and socially taboo, especially in conservative circles. Moreover, Dharmendra’s first wife, Prakash Kaur, was reportedly not willing to separate.
Since Hindu law prohibits bigamy (marrying while already married), Dharmendra and Hema Malini reportedly converted to Islam in 1980 to solemnize their marriage legally. After conversion, Dharmendra is said to have adopted the name Dilip Kumar, and Hema became Ayesha Bi for the ceremony.
They later had two daughters together:
- Esha Deol (actress)
- Ahana Deol
Their marriage has stood the test of time, with Hema Malini often describing Dharmendra as her greatest support and inspiration.
How Dharmendra Managed Both Families
Dharmendra’s personal life has been described as complex but balanced. He maintained both relationships with dignity and emotional sensitivity, without allowing public controversies to escalate.
Here’s how he reportedly managed both families over the years:
- Separate Homes:
Dharmendra continued to live primarily with Prakash Kaur and their sons in Juhu, Mumbai, while maintaining another household with Hema Malini and their daughters in Goregaon and later in Juhu as well. - Emotional & Financial Support:
Dharmendra ensured that both families were financially secure and emotionally supported. His sons, Sunny and Bobby, as well as Esha and Ahana, have all spoken with respect and affection for him in public. - Avoiding Public Conflict:
Both Prakash Kaur and Hema Malini have maintained mutual respect and discretion, never engaging in public disputes. This maturity has been key to preserving the family’s dignity over decades. - Family Celebrations:
Dharmendra occasionally attended family functions from both sides. While the two families lived independently, Dharmendra made efforts to stay connected to all his children.
Hema Malini’s View
In interviews, Hema Malini has acknowledged that she never tried to disrupt Dharmendra’s first marriage. She said she respected Prakash Kaur’s position and chose to lead her own life peacefully with Dharmendra and their daughters.
Hema once said in an interview:
“I didn’t want to disturb anyone’s life. I am happy with my own world — my daughters and Dharamji’s love.”
This dignified stance helped both women maintain harmony and respect within the extended family.
Prakash Kaur’s Stand
Prakash Kaur, though mostly silent, once defended Dharmendra in an old interview when he was criticized for his second marriage. She said:
“He is a good husband and father. What he does outside is his life — he has never neglected us.”
This rare public statement revealed the mutual understanding within the family.
The Modern-Day Relationship
Today, Dharmendra’s blended family — the Deols and the Malinis — coexist respectfully.
Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol share a warm bond with their half-sisters Esha and Ahana, especially visible during public events like film launches and family gatherings.
Hema Malini has also publicly praised Sunny Deol for his support during Dharmendra’s health challenges, saying:
“Sunny was the first to visit when Dharamji was hospitalised. It shows the bond of respect and love in our family.”
In Summary
| Relationship | Year | Children | Notes |
| Prakash Kaur (First Wife) | Married 1954 | Sunny, Bobby, Vijayta, Ajeeta | Supportive, private, family-first |
| Hema Malini (Second Wife) | Married 1980 | Esha, Ahana | Actress, public figure, mutual respect between families |
Dharmendra’s life story reflects both love and responsibility — a man who followed his heart yet remained deeply rooted in family values. Despite the unconventional circumstances, he managed to keep both families united in respect and harmony.
