Dharmendra and Hema Malini’s relationship is one that never goes away when discussing Bollywood romances that seem like they belong in a movie script. The sparks began to rekindle during Tum Haseen Main Jawan in 1970. It was only during Sholay in 1975 did his love for her deepen. Did you know Dharmendra allegedly bought off spot boys to break up sequences so he could give Hema Malini lots of hugs while ‘teaching’ her to handle a rifle?
Dharmendra’s affection had only deepened by the time Sholay was in production. The veteran actor reportedly came up with a fairly naughty strategy to extend some scenes by giving spot boys money to create ‘accidental’ delays.
Dharmendra allegedly paid them Rs 20 each when he was teaching Hema Malini how to shoot a handgun in one scene. Every time the spot boys dropped a reflector or tampered with the cart, he could give her another hug. Hema Malini was impressed by the effort, and according to the same accounts, he spent about Rs 2,000 on these disruptions.
(Image: X)
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Dharmendra And Hema Malini’s Tumultous Relationship
However, Dharmendra and Hema Malini’s relationship was not an easy one! Prakash Kaur, Dharmendra’s first wife was allegedly unwilling to give him a divorce. The two, who were adamant about being together, made the shocking decision to convert to Islam in 1980 in order to get married. Hema became Aisha Bi, while Dharmendra became Dilawar Khan. Hema’s heritage, they held a traditional Iyengar wedding after a private Nikah ceremony.
Dharmendra and Hema Malini’s marriage, despite its unusual origins, is now regarded as one of Bollywood’s most enduring. Dharmendra has two daughters, Esha and Ahana Deol, with Hema. He also had boys, Bobby and Sunny Deol, and daughters, Vijeta and Ajieta, from his first marriage to Prakash Kaur.
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Meanwhile, Sholay, perhaps the most famous and influential movie in Indian cinema history, will mark 50 years since its premiere. The Film Heritage Foundation has restored the Ramesh Sippy movie in 4K to commemorate its golden jubilee, and it will be shown in limited quantities. The movie is regarded as one of the best Hindi movies ever made. Desi fans are upset, though, because the screening will only be held in Toronto.