Bollywood legend Hema Malini has spoken openly about the personal sacrifices behind her glamorous life, saying she never imagined her married life would turn out the way it did. In a recent interview, the actress shared that, like most women, she had always hoped for a simple, traditional family life—a home with a husband and children under one roof.
But life had other plans. In 1980, Hema married Dharmendra, one of Bollywood’s biggest stars. At the time, he was already married to Prakash Kaur and had children. Their relationship was highly talked about in the media, and although they tied the knot, it was never a legally recognised marriage. The couple also never lived together in a typical household setting.
“This isn’t the life I wanted,” Hema said. “I imagined a normal married life, but some things are out of our control. I’ve learnt to accept them. I don’t feel regret—only gratitude.”
She also opened up about the challenges of being in a relationship where full commitment wasn’t possible. Still, she praised Dharmendra for always being a caring father to their daughters, Esha and Ahana. “He never failed them,” she said. “He was always there, just like any loving father would be. That gives me peace.”
In her autobiography, Hema Malini: Beyond the Dream Girl, she revealed that her mother once tried to convince her to marry actor Jeetendra instead, but her heart was set on Dharmendra.
Hema and Dharmendra acted in 45 films together, with 35 of them being romantic stories—a reminder of the deep connection they shared on screen and off.
Now, years later, Hema’s honest words offer a rare glimpse into the emotional strength it takes to live a life so different from the one you dreamed of—and to still find peace in it.
