Dharmendra and Hema Malini’s relationship is one of the most enduring and celebrated romances in the Indian film industry. Their love story began when they worked together in several films during the 1970s. Dharmendra was already a successful actor when he first met Hema Malini, who was relatively new to the industry at the time.
Their on-screen chemistry quickly translated into real-life affection, and they fell deeply in love with each other. However, at that time, Dharmendra was already married to Prakash Kaur and had two sons, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol. Despite this, Dharmendra and Hema Malini decided to pursue their relationship. They faced numerous challenges and opposition, particularly due to Dharmendra’s marital status.
Well, keeping the Muslim personal law that allows a Muslim man to have up to four wives, the veteran actor came up with a solution. The couple converted to Islam, and Dharmendra changed his name to Dilwar Khan; on the other hand, Hema identified hers as Aisha Bi R Chakravarty to get married in 1979.
Neither Dharmendra nor Hema Malini ever discussed their conversion in front of the media. This secret was officially revealed when he contested the Lok Sabha elections from Bikaner on behalf of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
He has filled out the nomination papers using the name “Deol Dharmendra Kewal Krishn” and mentioned his first wife’s name in the spouse column.
The opposition raised this matter, leading Dharmendra to deny any claims of his conversion to Islam. Nevertheless, a magazine called Outlook published a photocopy of his Nikahnama (marriage document) with Hema Malini, providing evidence of their marriage.