Veteran Bollywood legend Dharmendra has once again found himself in the spotlight not for a new film or an award, but for his personal life. His younger son, actor Bobby Deol, has recently revealed that Dharmendra continues to live with his first wife, Prakash Kaur, rather than with his second wife, Hema Malini.
Speaking in a heartfelt interview, Bobby called his father “a very emotional man” who has always led life guided by love and sincerity. His statement has reignited discussions about one of Bollywood’s most talked-about families the Deols.
A Rare Glimpse Into Dharmendra’s Personal Life
Dharmendra, now in his late 80s, remains one of the most respected and adored actors in Indian cinema. While he has often shared glimpses of his family on social media, he rarely addresses his personal relationships publicly.
However, Bobby’s comments have given fans a clearer picture of his father’s current life. He stated during a recent media interaction:
“Papa lives with my mom, Prakash Kaur. He’s very emotional and deeply attached to his family. Mum has always been the strongest pillar in our lives.” The revelation surprised many who believed Dharmendra lived primarily with his second wife, actress Hema Malini, in Mumbai. Bobby’s clarification has put an end to long-standing speculation about the veteran actor’s living arrangements.
The Early Years: Dharmendra and Prakash Kaur’s Bond
Dharmendra married Prakash Kaur in 1954, long before his Bollywood debut. At the time, he was a young man from Punjab with big dreams of making it in films. The couple went on to have four children — Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, and two daughters, Vijeta and Ajeeta.
Despite being away for work for much of his career, Dharmendra has often expressed gratitude to Prakash for standing by him through every phase of life. She remained a private figure, rarely appearing in public or giving interviews, yet maintaining immense respect among industry insiders.
In past conversations, Prakash has been described as a woman of immense dignity someone who never sought fame but dedicated her life to her family’s wellbeing.
he Controversial Second Marriage to Hema Malini
In the late 1970s, Dharmendra’s on-screen chemistry with Hema Malini was the talk of the nation. Their pairing in films like Sholay, Seeta Aur Geeta, and Dream Girl won hearts and soon, real-life romance blossomed.
In 1980, the two got married in a private ceremony. Dharmendra, however, did not divorce his first wife, a choice that became one of the most debated moves in Bollywood history.
Together, Dharmendra and Hema have two daughters Esha Deol and Ahana Deol. Despite the unconventional family structure, both sides have coexisted with mutual respect.
Hema Malini has often acknowledged in interviews that she does not live with Dharmendra full-time, explaining that their relationship functions on deep emotional understanding rather than constant physical presence.
“I respect Prakash Ji a lot. I have never wanted to disturb their life,” Hema said in an earlier interview. “Our relationship is built on love and trust and that is enough for me.”
Bobby Deol’s emotional take on his father has resonated widely with fans. The Animal actor said that his father is “too emotional for his own good” and that his sensitivity sometimes gets misinterpreted by the public.
“Papa feels everything very deeply,” Bobby shared. “Even a small thing can touch his heart. He’s someone who values family and relationships more than anything else.”
Fans flooded social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram with admiration for the Deol family’s honesty. Many applauded Bobby for being transparent and respectful toward both his parents and Hema Malini.
The Deol Family Dynamic: Strength in Silence
The Deols have always been known for keeping their private life out of the media glare. Unlike many celebrity families, they rarely make public appearances together and maintain low-key lifestyles despite their fame.
While Dharmendra occasionally shares nostalgic posts and poetry on social media, Prakash Kaur remains completely away from the limelight. Her quiet strength and ability to hold the family together are often praised by fans and close friends of the Deols.
Bobby’s statement that “Mum is the strongest” reflects how deeply he and Sunny Deol value her role. Both brothers have often credited their mother’s stability and simplicity as the foundation for their success.
Public Reactions: Respect and Empathy
After Bobby’s interview went viral, fans and Bollywood enthusiasts expressed deep respect for Dharmendra’s honesty and Prakash’s resilience. Many called her “the unseen matriarch of the Deol family”, applauding her for staying dignified through decades of speculation.
Several fans also praised Hema Malini for maintaining grace and maturity. Despite not sharing her life full-time with Dharmendra, she has always spoken about him with affection and pride.
On social media, comments ranged from admiration to emotional reflection:
- “This family defines real love, respect, and balance.”
- “Prakash Kaur deserves immense respect she is the silent backbone of the Deols.”
- “Dharmendra is an emotional soul you can see that in his eyes even today.”
Dharmendra: The Emotional Icon of Indian Cinema
For over six decades, Dharmendra has been a towering figure in Indian cinema starring in classics like Phool Aur Patthar, Sholay, Satyakam, Chupke Chupke, and Yamla Pagla Deewana.
Known for his rugged charm and poetic heart, he remains one of the few stars who seamlessly blended action, romance, and comedy. In recent years, Dharmendra has become active on social media, often sharing nostalgic memories and philosophical musings. His posts reveal the same warmth that Bobby described a man who feels deeply, loves deeply, and remains devoted to his family even in his twilight years.
The Bigger Picture: Beyond the Headlines
While Bobby Deol’s revelation has reignited discussions, it also highlights something more profound the changing way India views relationships and emotional complexity.
For decades, Dharmendra’s dual marriages were seen through a lens of controversy. Today, however, many view them as an example of love’s unpredictability and life’s imperfections. Rather than judgment, the public response in 2025 shows empathy. People see Dharmendra as a man who followed his heart while maintaining responsibility toward both families. In a world where celebrity relationships often end in bitterness, the coexistence of love and respect among the Deols stands as a rare example of emotional maturity.
Both women in Dharmendra’s life Prakash Kaur and Hema Malini have chosen dignity over drama. Prakash, who never sought fame, remains surrounded by her children and grandchildren. Hema, on the other hand, continues to shine as an actress, politician, and classical dancer. They represent two sides of Dharmendra’s world tradition and modernity, stability and romance bound by mutual respect rather than rivalry.
Bobby Deol’s statement that “Papa is very emotional” captures the essence of the Deol family. Behind the glamour of Bollywood lies a deeply human story one of love, sacrifice, and enduring respect.
Dharmendra’s decision to live with Prakash Kaur while maintaining his bond with Hema Malini shows that family relationships cannot always be confined to conventional boxes.
The Deols have managed to protect their relationships from public toxicity, handling fame with grace and discretion. Whether one calls it old-fashioned loyalty or modern emotional intelligence, their story reminds India that love, in all its forms, can coexist with dignity.
