Veteran actress and BJP MP Hema Malini has opened up about her personal life and her decision to live separately from her husband, legendary actor Dharmendra. In a recent interview with Lehren TV, the actress candidly addressed long-standing public curiosity about her marital arrangement and the perception surrounding it.
During the interview, the host mentioned that many people consider Hema Malini a “symbol of feminism” because she chose to live in her own home after marriage. Responding thoughtfully, Hema clarified that the situation was never about making a statement or setting an example. According to her, life unfolded naturally, and certain circumstances led to this arrangement.
“Nobody plans for things to be like this,” she shared. “It just happens automatically, naturally. One has to accept what life brings. No woman dreams of living separately after marriage. Every woman wishes for a husband, children, and a normal family life. But sometimes things take a different course.”
The actress emphasized that she does not carry any bitterness or regret about her life choices. On the contrary, she expressed contentment and pride in the way she has handled her responsibilities. “I am not sad or upset about anything. I am happy with myself. I have my two daughters, and I have raised them well,” she said.
Hema Malini also made it clear that Dharmendra has always been present and supportive despite living separately. She described him as a caring father who remained actively involved in their daughters’ lives. “Of course, he is always there. Everywhere. Naturally, he has to be. He was especially concerned about getting the girls married at the right time,” she revealed. Recalling conversations about her daughters’ weddings, she said Dharmendra would often express his wish that they marry early, while she would reassure him that everything would happen at the right time. “With God’s blessings and Guru Ma’s grace, everything happened smoothly,” she added.
Hema Malini married Dharmendra in 1980. At the time, she was one of the biggest stars in Indian cinema. Their marriage was Dharmendra’s second. He had earlier married Prakash Kaur in 1954, long before he entered Bollywood. From his first marriage, Dharmendra has four children — Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Vijeeta, and Ajeeta. With Hema Malini, he has two daughters — Esha Deol and Ahana Deol.
Dharmendra continues to reside with his first family, while Hema Malini lives separately with her daughters. Despite the unconventional arrangement, both families have maintained a respectful distance in public.
Recently, speculation about strained relations resurfaced when Hema Malini and her daughters did not attend the wedding of Sunny Deol’s son, Karan Deol. The absence sparked rumors of discord within the extended family. However, neither side has publicly commented on the matter, leaving room for speculation.
Through her latest interview, Hema Malini appears to have addressed many of the assumptions surrounding her personal life. Her remarks reflect acceptance, maturity, and a sense of peace with the path her life has taken. Rather than framing her circumstances as extraordinary, she presented them as a natural outcome of life’s unpredictability.
By speaking openly, the actress has once again demonstrated her graceful approach toward both personal and public life, reinforcing her image as a dignified and composed personality in the Indian film industry.
