How Dharmedra met Hema Malini? A look at Veeru and Basanti’s love story
Bollywood legend Dharmendra, who died at the age of 89 after a short stay in hospital, lived a life as dramatic as his roles on the big screen. Read here to know how he met Hema Malini.
Bollywood’s legendary actor Dharmendra’s love story was as cinematic as his life. Simge passed away today at the age of 89. Dharmendra dominated the entertainment industry from the 1960s to the 1970s, evolving with time and remaining relevant over the years. Known as one of the most handsome actors ever in Indian cinema, Dharmendra fell in love with the original Dream Girl Hema Malini.
How did Dharmendra meet Hema Malini?
Dharmendra was already married when he entered Bollywood in the 1960s. She was married to Prakash Kaur and had children including actors Sunny and Bobby Deol. Despite this, he fell in love with the beautiful Hema Malini.
Although their first official collaboration was in the 1970 film Tum Haseen Main Jawaan, some reports suggest that their story began even earlier. Some sources say that they met at the premiere of Asmaan Mahal, where Dharmendra was immediately impressed by Hema’s beauty and found her “very beautiful”.
When Dharmendra and Hema Malini’s friendship turns into love
But their relationship truly blossomed during the shooting of Tum Haseen Main Jawaan. There are reports that they spent long hours together on the set as the lead couple and their professional relationship quickly turned into a genuine love. Their chemistry, both on and off screen, was undeniable.
Dharmendra and Hema Malini’s popular movie
The audience was also aware of the bond between them. Their relationship quickly became a success and spawned a series of unforgettable films including Seeta Aur Geeta, Raja Jani, Dream Girl and the timeless classic Sholay. It is believed that their love story deepened during the making of Sholay (1975). Despite the difficulties, the two remained close.
Did Dharmendra and Hema Malini convert to marry each other?
According to Hema Malini’s biography ‘Hema Malini: Beyond the Dream Girl’ written by Ram Kamal Mukherjee, there was some talk about the illegitimacy of Dharmendra and Hema’s marriage under the Hindu Marriage Act as they were already married. The book claims that rumors were rife that the two stars converted to Islam, changed their names to Dilawar and Ayesha Bi, and had a wedding ceremony in 1979.
