Hema Malini recalls encounter with Dharmendra's mom, talks about unconventional marriage

Hema Malini, the Dream Girl of Bollywood, has spoken about her unconventional marriage to Dharmendra, who was already married with four kids when they tied the knot. In her biography, Hema Malini: Beyond The Dream Girl, she shares a heartwarming story about meeting Dharmendra's mother, Satwant Kaur, who visited her at a dubbing studio after the birth of their first daughter, Esha.

Satwant Kaur's warm hug and blessings left a lasting impression on Hema, who recalls, "Beta, khush raho hamesha (Be happy always)." This tender moment showcases the kindness and love of Dharmendra's family, despite their unconventional family arrangement.

Hema's bond with Dharmendra's parents, Satwant Kaur and Kewal Kishan Singh Deol, was special.

Regarding her relationship with Dharmendra's first wife, Prakash Kaur, Hema maintains her distance, respecting their boundaries. "I didn't want to disturb anyone," she says, adding that she and her daughters respect Prakash.

Prakash Kaur, in a 1981 interview, defended Dharmendra against the label of being a “womaniser”, saying, "Why only my husband? Any man would have preferred Hema over me." She acknowledged the societal norms and her husband's good nature, stating, "He may not be the best husband, but he is certainly the best father."

Dharmendra was 19 years old when he married Prakash Kaur in 1954.

However, Prakash didn’t approve of Hema choosing to marry an already married Dharmendra. “I can understand what Hema is going through. Even she has to face the world, her relatives and her friends. But if I were in Hema’s place, I would not have done what she did. For, as a woman, I can understand her feelings. But as a wife and a mother, I do not approve of them,” she had said.

Hema reflects on her life, saying, "“I am happy with whatever Dharamji did for me and my daughters. He played the role of a father, like any father would do. I guess I am happy with that." Her story is a testament to love, respect, and acceptance in the face of societal expectations.

Hema's encounter with Satwant Kaur showcases the power of love and acceptance. Despite the complexities of their family arrangement, they found warmth and kindness in each other.