Veteran Actor Dharmendra Hospitalized: A Look at His Iconic Career and Family Legacy
New Delhi: Veteran actor Dharmendra, renowned for his significant contributions to Indian cinema, is currently being treated at Breach Candy Hospital. With a career spanning over 300 films across various genres, he has become a definitive icon in Bollywood. Alongside his professional accolades, Dharmendra’s personal life has also attracted media attention, particularly his marriages to Prakash Kaur and actress Hema Malini, and his relationships with his children and grandchildren.
Dharmendra married Prakash Kaur at the age of 19, prior to entering the film industry. Together, they had four children: Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Vijeta Deol, and Ajita Deol.
Marriage to Hema Malini
After entering the film industry, Dharmendra met Hema Malini on set, and the two fell in love while collaborating on iconic films, including “Sholay” in the 1970s. Their marriage was embroiled in controversy due to Dharmendra’s existing marriage and parental responsibilities. At the time, reports suggested that Prakash Kaur had refused to grant a divorce, prompting Dharmendra and Hema to convert to Islam to formalize their union. However, Dharmendra later refuted these claims in 2004.
Living Arrangements and Family Life
Dharmendra’s family dynamics are characterized by separate households for his first wife and Hema Malini. Dharmendra primarily resides at his farmhouse in Lonavala. With Hema Malini, he had two daughters, Esha and Ahana, both of whom are married and have children. Notably, Esha Deol has since divorced, while both sisters are committed to their families.
Grandchildren Overview
Dharmendra is a grandfather to 13 grandchildren. The family structure includes:
- Sunny Deol: Father of two sons.
- Bobby Deol: Also has two sons.
- Vijeta Deol: Mother to a son and daughter.
- Ajita Deol: Has two daughters.
- Esha Deol: Mother to two daughters.
- Ahana Deol: A mother of three, including twin daughters.
Sunny Deol’s Family
Sunny Deol, who is married to Lynda Deol (Pooja Deol), has two sons named Karan and Rajveer. Karan Deol recently married Drisha Acharya on June 18, 2023, although they have not yet welcomed children.
Bobby Deol’s Personal Life
Bobby Deol married Tanya Ahuja Deol in 1996. Tanya is a notable businesswoman and designer. Bobby and Tanya are parents to two sons, Aryaman and Dharam.
Education and Career of Ajita Deol
Ajita Deol has taken a different career path, working in education and medicine. Residing in California with her husband Kiran Chaudhary, who is a dentist, she teaches school and has two daughters: Nikita and Priyanka.
Vijeta Deol’s Family
Vijeta Deol, also referred to as Lily, is married to Vivek Gill and they have a son named Sahil and a daughter named Prerna. She operates as a director in her husband’s business and resides in Delhi.
Esha and Ahana Deol’s Families
Esha Deol was married to Bharat Takhtani, with whom she has two children. Despite their divorce, the duo is committed to co-parenting. Ahana Deol is married to Vaibhav Vohra and together they have three children: a son and twin daughters. Although Ahana has acted in films, she opts for a private family life away from the public eye.
In a recent health update, Hema Malini stated that Dharmendra is responding well to treatment and is on the path to recovery.
