Dharmendra Married Prakash Kaur At 19, She Defended His Affair, 'Any Man Would Have Preferred Hema'

Dharam Singh Deol, known as Dharmendra, is the ‘He-Man’ of Indian cinema. Considered among one of the finest actors of Bollywood, Dharmendra gave many splendid performances in movies like Phool Aur Pathar, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Resham Ki Dori, Sholay, and many more. However, on November 11, 2025, rumours about the veteran actor's death surfaced in the media, which were soon rubbished by his family.

Just like his films, Dharmendra’s personal life too has always been the centre of attention. His love story with Hema Malini is still considered iconic. But do you know he was married to Prakash Kaur and didn’t divorce her to marry Hema? Despite his second marriage, Prakash loved him dearly.

When the world raised eyebrows at reports about Dharmendra marrying Hema without divorcing Prakash, the latter stood by her husband. Prakash not only maintained her dignified silence but also defended him.

 Dharmendra married Prakash Kaur at the age of 19

Long before tasting stardom, Dharmendra got married to Prakash Kaur at the age of 19 in 1954. The wedding was an arranged marriage and was rooted in Punjabi culture. Soon after their wedding, Prakash and Dharmendra welcomed four kids into their lives. Their sons, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, are accomplished actors, whereas their daughters, Vijeta and Ajeeta, have stayed away from the limelight.

Dharmendra’s marriage to Hema Malini without divorcing Prakash Kaur

While being married to Prakash Kaur, Dharmendra was smitten by Hema Malini and fell in love with her. However, despite being head-over-heels in love with Hema, Dharmendra didn’t want to desert his first wife. So, to keep both marriages, the handsome actor converted to Islam and got married to Hema in 1980. Together, they have two daughters, Esha Deol and Ahana Deol.

Prakash Kaur defended her husband, Dharmendra, for getting married to Hema Malini despite his first marriage

When Dharmendra married Hema Malini, Prakash refrained from giving any public interviews. However, in 1981, she gave her first interview to Stardust, in which she spoke at length about her relationship with Dharmendra and his marriage to Hema. In the conversation, Prakash talked about Dharmendra’s marriage to Hema and said she had not lost her trust in him. In her words:

“He (Dharam) is the first love and the last man in my life. He is the father of my children. I love and respect him a lot. What has happened has happened. I don't know whether I should blame him or my destiny for it. But one thing is certain, however far he may be from me, whatever might happen, but if I need him, I know that he'll be there. I have not lost my trust in him. After all, he is the father of my children."

Prakash Kaur bashed reports calling him a ‘womaniser’ and compared herself with Hema Malini

In the same interaction, Prakash Kaur also stated that people had no right to call Dharmendra a ‘womaniser’ as he has been fulfilling his duties towards both his wives. She also stated that half of the industry was either having an extra-marital affair or getting married, so why did people only blame her husband?

Going further in the interview, Prakash compared herself with Hema Malini and revealed that any man would have fallen for her. She also empathised with Hema over being labelled the other woman. Speaking about the same, Prakash said:

“Why only my husband, any man would have preferred Hema over me. How dare anyone can call my husband a womaniser when half the industry is doing the same thing? All the heroes are having affairs and getting married for the second time. My father-in-law too is against film stars. I know his son is also an actor but then babuji never wanted him to be one.”

Prakash also revealed that she was not insecure about Dharmendra’s marriage to Hema Malini, as he fulfilled all his duties. She described him as a loving father and a caring husband, who was very affectionate towards his family. In the rare interaction, Prakash also mentioned that despite his marriage to the most beautiful woman, the actor chose to come home every day, and that was what mattered to her.

Dharmendra and Prakash Kaur have been married for 71 years, and throughout these years, she has always been his strength and never shown any bitterness towards the man she loved deeply.

Also Read: Dharmendra Paid Crew Rs. 20 To 'Ruin' Sholay Takes, Determined To Stretch Every Hug With Hema Malini

AWESOME NEWS! Now you can download BollywoodShaadis app and never miss a story. Get App

AWESOME NEWS! Now you can download BollywoodShaadis app and never miss a story. Choose your device Android or IOS (Apple)