Hema Malini, the "Dream Girl" of Bollywood, has had a life as captivating as her on-screen persona. While she ultimately married Dharmendra, their love story wasn't without its hurdles, and other actors also vied for her attention. Her father, in particular, had someone else in mind for her.

Before Dharmendra, Hema Malini was linked to Sanjeev Kumar. Their romance reportedly blossomed on the set of "Seeta Aur Geeta" in 1972. However, their relationship ended due to Kumar's traditional expectations. He and his family wanted Hema to give up her acting career after marriage, a condition her mother wouldn't allow. Hema herself stated that Sanjeev desired an "all-sacrificing wife".

As fate would have it, Hema Malini's co-star in "Seeta Aur Geeta," Dharmendra, was falling head over heels for her. Their on-screen chemistry soon translated into a real-life romance. However, Dharmendra was already married to Prakash Kaur, with whom he had four children. This created a significant obstacle, as Hema's parents were against her marrying a married man.

In an attempt to dissuade Hema from pursuing a relationship with Dharmendra, her parents arranged a meeting with Jeetendra's family in 1974, hoping for a potential marriage between the two stars. Jeetendra, who was then dating Shobha Sippy, wasn't particularly interested in marrying Hema, but was willing to go along with his family's wishes. Despite his lack of enthusiasm, plans for a wedding in Chennai proceeded.

However, Dharmendra wasn't ready to lose Hema. Upon hearing about the impending wedding, he, reportedly slightly intoxicated, flew to Chennai with Shobha Sippy in tow. He confronted Hema's family and pleaded with her not to marry Jeetendra. The situation became chaotic, and Jeetendra's family eventually left, calling off the wedding. Jeetendra later married Shobha Sippy.

Despite her family's initial disapproval and the controversies surrounding Dharmendra's marital status, Hema Malini chose to follow her heart. She recognized that Dharmendra made her happy. They eventually married on May 2, 1980. To marry Hema, it was rumored that Dharmendra converted to Islam and took the name Dilawar Khan. Hema and Dharmendra share two daughters, Esha Deol and Ahana Deol Vohra.

While their marriage was unconventional, with Hema and Dharmendra maintaining separate residences, they built a strong family and a lasting partnership. Their love story remains one of Bollywood's most talked about.

Dharmendra passed away on November 24, 2025, at the age of 89.