There can be no denying that in the 1960’s and 70’s Dharmendra had managed to become an integral part of the Hindi film industry thanks to his dashing looks, charismatic personality and of course the lover-boy image. Moreover, this heartthrob was always in the news courtesy his colorful personal life. And, this in part can be attributed to his much talked-about affair and subsequent marriage with the ‘Dream Girl’ Hema Malini. The two did indeed make a perfect and lovely couple. However, there is one aspect of this eternal love story which has been overlooked over the years.
And that is its impact on Dharmendra’s first wife Prakash Kaur Deol. Prakash married Dharamji in 1954 when she was merely 19 years of age. A few years later Dharmendra moved to Mumbai to pursue a career in films and soon became a popular star. While this marked the beginning of a new phase for the couple, it also laid the seeds for the affair that would shake the foundation of this marriage.
As we all know, a much-married Dharmendra met Hema Malini on the sets of Sholay and soon fell in love with her. After a courtship of nearly five years, the actor married her in 1980. Now, it must be; pointed out here that there was a stark contrast between the Hema and Prakash’s lifestyles. While the Seeta Aur Geeta actress was a successful and glamourous film star , Prakash was a simple housewife. For her, everything revolved around her hubby and kids. As such, even when Dharmendra married the second time, she defended him.
“Why only my husband, any man would have preferred Hema to me .How dare anyone call my husband a womanizer when half the industry is doing the same thing? All heroes are having affairs and getting married a second time,” she said in an interview.
Moreover, she also clarified that she did not really blame Hema for what had happened. On the contrary, she sympathized with her.
“”I can understand what Hema is going through. Even she has to face the world, her relatives and her friends. But if I were in Hema’s place, I would not have done what she did. For, as a woman, I can understand her feelings. But as a wife and a mother I do not approve of them,” she said.
Interestingly, Prakash also stressed that her respect for Dharmendra had not diminished, whatsoever. She would always love him.
.”He is the first and last man in my life. He is the father of my children. I love and respect him a lot. What has happened has happened. I don’t know whether I should blame him or destiny for it. But one thing is for certain however; far he may be from me and whatever might happen. If I need him I know he’ll be there. I have not lost my trust in him. After all, he is the father of my children,” she added
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Moreover, she still considers him to be their protector.
“Why should I protect myself when I have my husband to protect me. I don’t care what the world may say about the type of relationship I share with my husband. Where I am concerned, I know my husband is protecting us .He comes home every day and spends time with the children. I don’t say he comes home for me but he does come home,” she added.
And come to think of it Prakash’s faith in Dharmendra was pretty justified as he made it a point to spend time with his children. He never let his relationship with Hema come in its way. The star made it a point to help the kids and even help in professional life. Perhaps that is why Prakash considers him to be a perfect dad.
“He may not be the best husband, though he is very good to me, but he certainly the best father. His children love him a lot. He never neglects them. He is even launching Ajay’s career. Everyone thought I had struck a deal with my husband that he could marry Hema if he launched my son’s career. But that is not true. How can such a thing be possible? Isn’t Sunny as much his son as mine? “she said in an old interview.
Furthermore, despite the affair, she never really changed her priorities. She remained aware of her limitations with her world revolving around her children. Perhaps that is why they hold her in high regard.
“I may not be very educated nor I am very pretty but, in the eyes of my children I am the best woman on earth. Similarly, my children are to me the best bachche in the world. I know my children very well since I have brought them up. And I can say with confidence that none of my children will hurt anyone,” she added.
In concluding, it must be said that that Prakash certainly is a woman of substance. And must be credited for not letting the presence of the ‘other woman’ affect her biggest priority—being a homemaker. As such, she will always remain an invisible yet integral part of the Hema-Dharmendra love story.
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