Hema Malini and Dharmendra, one of Bollywood's most iconic couples, have been married for over 40 years and are parents to two daughters, Esha and Ahana Deol. Their love story, however, has been marked by complexities and public scrutiny. The couple first met in 1970 on the sets of the film "Tu Haseen Main Jawan". At that time, Dharmendra was already married to Prakash Kaur and had four children, including actors Sunny and Bobby Deol.

Despite the challenges, Hema Malini and Dharmendra married in 1980. In her biography, "Hema Malini: Beyond the Dream Girl", Hema discussed the difficulties they faced, including the decision to live separately after their marriage. She stated, "I didn’t want to disturb anyone. I am happy with whatever Dharamji did for me and my daughters." Hema also reflected on the public's perception of their relationship, saying, "Fingers were pointed. Accusations were flung at us. I just knew that he made me happy. And all I wanted was happiness."

In a past interview, Hema acknowledged that their marriage does not fit the traditional mold. She said, "Nobody wants to live like this. But automatically, what happens, you have to accept. I am happy with myself. I have my two children, and I have brought them up well."

There have also been speculations regarding whether Dharmendra converted to Islam to marry Hema. Reports suggested that they changed their names to Dilawar Khan Kewal Krishn and Ayesha Bi R. Chakraborty for a private Nikaah ceremony before their official wedding. However, Dharmendra denied these claims, stating, "This allegation is totally incorrect. I am not the kind of man who would change his religion to suit his interests."

Recently, Dharmendra was admitted to a hospital due to breathing difficulties, leading to false reports about his passing. His family has confirmed that he is responding well to treatment. Despite the ups and downs, Hema Malini and Dharmendra's relationship continues to be a subject of fascination for fans and the media alike, showcasing a unique bond that has endured through the years.