Before marrying Hema Malini, the "Dream Girl" of Bollywood, veteran actor Dharmendra's name was linked to another prominent figure in the film industry: Jeetendra. While Dharmendra's eventual marriage to Hema Malini became one of Bollywood's most talked-about romances, the lesser-known chapter involving Jeetendra adds another layer to the story.

Dharmendra and Hema Malini's love story began in 1970 on the set of "Tum Haseen Main Jawaan". At the time, Dharmendra was already married to Prakash Kaur and had four children. Despite this, he found himself drawn to Hema Malini, and their connection deepened over the years as they starred in numerous films together, including hits like "Seeta Aur Geeta" and "Sholay". Their on-screen chemistry mirrored a blossoming off-screen romance, captivating audiences and sparking considerable media attention.

However, Hema Malini's path to marrying Dharmendra wasn't without its twists. Her biography, "Hema Malini: Beyond the Dream Girl," reveals that her mother, Jaya Chakravarthy, initially favored Jeetendra as a potential match. Jeetendra, also a leading actor in Bollywood, was seen as a more conventional and perhaps "sensible" choice, given Dharmendra's existing marital status.

Reports suggest that Hema's mother even tried to convince her to marry Jeetendra. However, Hema's heart was set on Dharmendra. The situation created a brief but intense period of uncertainty and drama, as Hema navigated the pressures from her family and her own feelings for Dharmendra.

Ultimately, Hema Malini chose to follow her heart and pursue her relationship with Dharmendra. They married in 1980, a union that defied societal norms and expectations. Dharmendra did not divorce his first wife, Prakash Kaur, making his marriage to Hema Malini a second marriage. This unconventional arrangement drew both admiration and criticism, solidifying their relationship as a unique and enduring love story in Bollywood history.

Despite the initial family pressures and societal scrutiny, Hema Malini and Dharmendra built a life together, raising two daughters, Esha and Ahana Deol. Hema Malini chose to live separately from Dharmendra out of respect for his first family. This decision, while unconventional, underscored her commitment to maintaining harmony and minimizing disruption to Dharmendra's existing family.

Dharmendra's family structure has always been unique. With his first wife, Prakash Kaur, he has four children — Sunny, Bobby, Vijeta, and Ajeita. While with his second wife Hema, he shares two daughters, Esha and Ahana.

The story of Dharmendra and Hema Malini remains a captivating tale of love, defying norms, and navigating complex family dynamics. While his name was once linked to Jeetendra, it was his connection with Hema Malini that ultimately defined his personal life and created one of Bollywood's most enduring love stories.