Mumbai: Penned by Ram Kamal Mukherjee, Hema Malini’s authorised biography titled ‘Hema Malini: Beyond the Dream Girl’, gives a sneak peek into the personal life of the actress-turned-politician, including her controversial marriage to Dharmendra, who was already married man with four children.
Hema shared in her biography that she had no regrets marrying Dharmendra as he was always there for her when she needed him and was also a good father to their daughters, Esha and Ahana.
Despite living close to Dharmendra’s Juhu bungalow, Hema never visited it.
Disclosing that she chose to live her life with dignity and independence, Hema said, “I did not want to trouble anyone. I am happy with what Dharam ji did for me and my daughters. He played the role of a father, like any father would. I think I am satisfied with it.”
In another interview with Lehren, the actress further elaborated, “I do not feel bad about it, nor am I sad. I am happy with myself. I have two children and I have raised them very well. Of course, he (Dharmendra) was always with me. No husband and wife like to live separately, but sometimes circumstances are such that a person has to accept it.”
Talking about her relationship with Dharmendra’s first wife Prakash Kaur, Hema said they did meet at social events before she tied the knot with Dharmendra, but never afterwards.
Expressing deep respect for Prakash and her family, Hema said, “Although I never spoke about Prakash, I respect her greatly. My daughters also respect Dharam ji’s family. The world wants to know everything about my life, but that is not for others to know. It is no one’s business.”
Hema and Dharmendra, who worked together in over 40 films, got married in 1980.