Bollywood's legendary couple Hema Malini and Dharmendra have captivated audiences for decades with their on-screen chemistry and real-life romance that has stood the test of time. Their love story, which began on the sets of Tum Haseen Main Jawaan in 1970, continues to inspire generations of fans.
The Fateful First Meeting
In a candid revelation on Koffee with Karan Season 1, Hema Malini, now 77, shared her initial thoughts upon meeting Dharmendra, who was then 89. "I never thought he was going to be my man," the actress confessed, reflecting on their first encounter. She described being completely taken by his appearance, stating she had "never seen anybody so good-looking" and found him "wonderful-looking."
The Dream Girl of Bollywood admitted that while it wasn't exactly love at first sight, she felt an immediate admiration. "I thought I should get somebody like him... he, himself came into my life," she revealed, highlighting how destiny brought them together despite her initial assumptions.
The Psychology Behind Their Connection
Psychotherapist and life coach Delnna Rrajesh analyzed Hema Malini's approach to love, noting the significant difference between wanting love and being ready for it. According to Delnna, most people chase love from a place of emotional emptiness, which often repels the very connection they seek.
"What Hema described was the opposite," Delnna explained. "She admired, appreciated, and imagined. But she didn't chase. She was open, not desperate. That openness creates an energetic readiness where the universe can align two souls without force."
This concept, known as "receptive magnetism" in energy psychology, emphasizes how feminine energy radiates rather than demands. "When you are in balance, confident in who you are, grounded in your worth, the right connection naturally finds you," Delnna expressed.
A Love That Withstood Challenges
Hema Malini and Dharmendra eventually married in 1980, despite Dharmendra being previously married to Prakash Kaur, with whom he had four children. The couple went on to have two daughters together - Esha and Ahana Deol.
Delnna highlighted why relationships that begin without pressure tend to be more enduring. "When connection unfolds naturally, both individuals meet from their authentic energy, not their fear of being alone," she shared. "In that simplicity lies emotional safety. And emotional safety is the foundation of long-term love."
The psychotherapist offered key takeaways from Hema and Dharmendra's love story:
- Admiration is energy - let it inspire, not consume
- Openness is power - you attract what your frequency matches
- Confidence in your worth creates magnetic chemistry without pursuit
- Let life introduce you to the right people at the right time
As Delnna beautifully concluded, "Love doesn't always arrive when you plan it. Sometimes, it walks in quietly, just as you stop trying to control it. And that is the most beautiful kind of miracle."
Even after more than four decades together, Hema Malini and Dharmendra remain one of Bollywood's most beloved couples, their story serving as a testament to love that develops naturally and stands strong against all odds.
