Updated: November 11, 2025, 8:57 AM IST
Dharmendra Second Wife: The world of Bollywood is shrouded in grief today as legendary actor Dharmendra, fondly known as the “He-Man” of Hindi cinema, passed away at the age of 89 in Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital. The news, confirmed just hours after family members like son Sunny Deol urged fans to pray for his recovery, has left millions heartbroken. Dharmendra, whose rugged charm and poetic soul lit up the silver screen for decades, breathed his last following a brief hospitalization that began as a routine check-up on October 31. As tributes flood social media, it’s impossible not to reflect on his extraordinary life—especially his deeply romantic and controversial union with second wife, Hema Malini, the dream girl who became his real-life partner in every sense. In this tribute, we revisit the man behind the myth, his enduring love story, and the legacy that will outlive us all.
Dharmendra’s journey wasn’t just about blockbuster hits like Sholay and Deewaar; it was a saga of resilience, love, and unapologetic passion. Today, as we mourn Dharmendra’s death, let’s honor the icon who taught us to fight like a hero and love like a poet.
Table of Contents
Dharmendra’s Humble Beginnings and Meteoric Rise in Bollywood
Born Dharam Singh Deol on December 8, 1935, in Lahore (now Pakistan), Dharmendra’s early life was far from the glitz of stardom. Growing up in a simple Punjabi family, he moved to Mumbai in the 1950s with dreams bigger than his pockets. His breakthrough came with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere in 1960, but it was films like Phool Aur Patthar (1966) that cemented his status as the ultimate action hero.
What made Dharmendra stand out? It wasn’t just his chiseled looks or baritone voice; it was his authenticity. In an era of method actors, he brought raw emotion to roles that resonated with the common man. By the 1970s, he was Bollywood’s highest-paid star, starring in over 300 films. Yet, behind the spotlight, personal storms brewed. Married young to Prakash Kaur in 1954—a union arranged by his family—Dharmendra fathered Sunny and Bobby Deol. But love, as they say, doesn’t follow scripts. His on-screen chemistry with Hema Malini in Tum Haseen Main Jawan (1970) sparked something real, leading to one of Hindi cinema’s most talked-about romances.
Dharmendra’s rise wasn’t without hurdles. From farming fields to film sets, his grit inspired generations. As fans tweet their sorrow—”RIP Dharmendra Sir, you defined an era,”—we remember how he turned personal pain into powerful performances.
The Bold Love Story: Dharmendra’s Second Marriage to Hema Malini
Dharmendra’s second marriage remains a chapter of Bollywood folklore—equal parts fairy tale and scandal. By the late 1970s, his affair with Hema Malini, the ethereal classical dancer and actress, was the industry’s worst-kept secret. Hema, born in 1948, had already dazzled in Sapnon Ka Saudagar (1968), but it was their pairing in over 30 films that created magic. Off-screen, the pull was irresistible.
In 1980, Dharmendra converted to Islam to marry Hema without divorcing Prakash, a move that drew massive backlash in conservative India. They wed quietly, and Hema became his second wife, embracing a polygamous arrangement that Prakash graciously accepted for the family’s sake. “Any man would have preferred Hema over me,” Prakash once reflected with quiet dignity, as reported in recent retrospectives. The couple welcomed daughters Esha and Ahana Deol, blending two families into one.
This union wasn’t just personal; it fueled cinematic gold. From Seeta Aur Geeta to Baghban, their real-life bond added depth to every frame. Dharmendra often called Hema his “muse,” crediting her for softening his rough edges. In a 2023 interview, he quipped, “She dances like a goddess; I just try to keep up.” Today, as Hema Malini—now a BJP MP—mourns silently at the hospital, their story reminds us that true love defies norms.
A Lifetime of Shared Triumphs: Cinema, Family, and Philanthropy
Dharmendra and Hema’s marriage spanned 45 years of highs and heartaches, but it was built on mutual respect. Together, they produced hits like Raja Jani (1972) and later, family dramas that mirrored their lives. Off-screen, they championed causes—Hema’s animal welfare advocacy complemented Dharmendra’s quiet support for farmers, echoing his rural roots.
Family was their anchor. Blending kids from both marriages, they created a Deol dynasty: Sunny and Bobby’s action flicks, Esha’s dance legacy. Dharmendra’s farm in Lonavala became a retreat, where he’d recite poetry to Hema under the stars. “Life with him was an adventure,” Hema shared in a 2024 feature. Even in his later years, Dharmendra’s Twitter banter with fans showed his boyish charm intact.
Philanthropy defined their later phase. Dharmendra donated generously to education in Punjab, while Hema’s Natyavali Academy nurtured young artists. Their partnership proved that stardom could be selfless. As Sunny Deol visited the hospital yesterday, urging prayers, the family’s unity shone through— a testament to the love that bridged two worlds.
Tributes from Stars and Fans: Dharmendra’s Timeless Legacy
The outpouring of grief is overwhelming. Salman Khan, who called him “Uncle,” tweeted, “A void no one can fill.” Shah Rukh Khan, a close family friend, arrived at the hospital with son Aryan, sharing memories of Dharmendra’s mentorship. On X, posts like “From Sholay to today, you were our hero” capture the sentiment.
Dharmendra’s legacy? Over 250 films, two Padma awards, and a lifetime of authenticity. He wasn’t perfect—his marriages sparked debates—but he lived fiercely. Upcoming Ikkis with Agastya Nanda will be his swan song, releasing December 25. Fans worldwide are planning screenings of classics, ensuring his dialogues echo forever.
Conclusion: A Life Well-Lived, A Love Eternal
Dharmendra’s passing marks the end of an era, but his spirit—fierce, loving, unbreakable—lives on. His bond with Hema Malini wasn’t just a headline; it was a blueprint for passionate living. As we light candles and share clips of “Yeh Dosti” from Sholay, let’s celebrate the man who made us believe in heroes. Rest in peace, Dharam ji. Om Shanti. In Hema’s words from yesterday, “We are all with him”—and we’ll always be.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who was Dharmendra’s second wife?
Hema Malini, the iconic actress and politician, became Dharmendra’s second wife in 1980 after a high-profile romance that began on the sets of their films.
2. When and where did Dharmendra pass away?
Dharmendra passed away on November 11, 2025, at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai, at the age of 89, following a health complication during his hospital stay.
3. What was the cause of Dharmendra’s death?
Official details on the cause are pending, but he was admitted for routine checks and later placed under observation for age-related issues.
4. How has Hema Malini reacted to Dharmendra’s passing?
Hema Malini, who was by his side, had shared an emotional plea for prayers on November 10, emphasizing family support during his illness.