Veteran actor Dharmendra’s equation with his first wife Prakash Kaur and second wife Hema Malini has always sparked curiosity among fans across generations.
In her memoir Hema Malini: Beyond the Dream Girl, the actress had shared insights into her dynamics with Dharmendra’s first wife, adding, “certain subjects aren’t meant to be discussed in public.”
Esha Deol’s first encounter with Dharmendra’s first wife
Hema Malini admitted that she has never visited her husband’s original Juhu house, though her bungalow is only a distance away. Esha Deol, however, met Prakash Kaur much later in life, when her uncle, Ajit, fell critically ill. At 30, she visited the house and recalled, “I touched her feet, she blessed me and I walked away.”
Hema Malini on family life
In the memoir, Hema reflected upon the complexities of her family dynamics. Requesting privacy and the need to keep certain things private, she said, “I didn’t want to disturb anyone. 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.”
The veteran actress further added, “Today I am a working woman and I have been able to maintain my dignity because I have devoted my life to art and culture. I guess, if the situation was even slightly different from this, I wouldn’t be what I am today. Though I have never spoken about Prakash, I respect her a lot. Even my daughters respect Dharamji’s family. The world wants to know about my life in detail, but that is not for others to know. It’s no one’s business.”
In Hema Malini’s biography, Esha also shared her reaction when she learnt about her father’s two marriages. “So, that was when I understood that my mother had married someone who was already married to another lady and that they also had a family. But frankly speaking, I never felt bad about it. Till today, I don’t think there is anything wrong with it. And I give full credit to my parents for not making us ever feel uncomfortable,” Esha said.
Story Highlights
- Hema Malini on her complex family dynamics with Dharmendra and his first wife, Prakash Kaur.
- Daughter Esha Deol met Prakash Kaur at 30
- Esha Deol accepted her father’s two marriages without any resentment, and credited them for ensuring she never felt uncomfortable.