From Tubewell Fitter to Bollywood Icon: The Unlikely Romance of Dharmendra and Hema Malini

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In a tale of forbidden love, Dharmendra, a 19-year-old tubewell fitter from Punjab, met Hema Malini, a classical dancer from Madras, in the 1970s. Their on-screen chemistry translated to real life, but their romance was shrouded in controversy due to Dharmendra's first marriage. Dharmendra's first marriage took place in 1954, but it wasn't until 1960 that he landed his first film role through a Filmfare talent contest. After the birth of his four children and a move to Mumbai, he met Hema on the sets of 'Sharafat' in the 1970s. They went on to star in several films together, including 'Sholay,' which cemented their on-screen chemistry. However, their off-screen relationship was marred by controversy. Hema's mother, Jaya Chakravarthy, opposed their relationship due to Dharmendra's marital status. In an attempt to declare his love for Hema, Dharmendra flew to Chennai and proposed to her. In 1980, Hema reportedly gave him an ultimatum to marry her, and they eventually tied the knot on May 2, 1980. The couple's marriage was met with scandal, with Hema's mother confirming their relationship to a Tamil daily. The couple faced criticism, with Hema being labeled the 'first lady of second marriages.' Despite the controversy, Dharmendra and Hema went on to have two daughters, Esha in 1981 and Ahana in 1985. In 1983, rumors of an affair between Dharmendra and Anita Raj surfaced, but Dharmendra vehemently denied the allegations, stating that Hema was his wife and the mother of his daughter. The couple's love story is a testament to their dedication to each other, despite the challenges they faced in their personal lives.