Hema Malini has dismissed long-standing speculation about an alleged rift between her and Dharmendra’s first wife, Prakash Kaur, and his sons, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, saying the family remains united, reports NDTV.
Hema Malini and Dharmendra married in 1980, while the veteran actor had previously married Prakash Kaur in 1954.
Over the years, reports and public discussions have repeatedly claimed that Hema Malini shared a strained relationship with Dharmendra’s first family.
However, the Sholay actress has now addressed the speculation, urging people not to believe everything they see online.
Speaking to Times of India, Hema Malini said, “Ours is a very united family. That’s all I can say. We are all happy with each other. Please don’t believe everything that is created through AI.”
Hema Malini also reflected on the intense scrutiny she and Dharmendra faced over their relationship and marriage.
According to the veteran actress, neither of them allowed public criticism to dictate their lives.
She said they chose to live according to their own convictions and remained committed to their relationship.
“We never bothered about any of that. We lived our lives according to us, not for people who wanted to criticise or judge us. We lived with true love. Right from the beginning, we knew we were meant for each other. Nobody could change that,” she said.
Speaking about Dharmendra’s death, Hema Malini became emotional as she remembered him as her soulmate and described the profound impact he had on her life and career.
“I got such a wonderful soulmate. I have memories of him that I will cherish till the end of my life. He supported me in everything I did,” she said.
The actress recalled how Dharmendra encouraged her to continue dancing, believing that it was spiritual and brought her happiness and good health.
“If I am doing anything today, it is because of his support and strength. Now I miss that. He is not there and this void can never be filled. I think of him every minute,” she added.
Hema Malini also spoke about grief, saying that she does not believe it ever completely disappears.
“People ask whether I have processed the loss, but I don’t think grief ever goes away. I miss him so much,” she said.
Dharmendra died at his Mumbai residence on 24 November, 2025, aged 89.
He had earlier been admitted to Breach Candy Hospital after experiencing breathing difficulties and was discharged on 12 November.
The veteran actor was later cremated at the Pawan Hans Crematorium in Mumbai.
His sons, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, organised a prayer meeting at the Seaside Lawns of Taj Lands End in Bandra in his memory.
Hema Malini also held a separate prayer meeting in Delhi.
