In a surprising revelation from Hema Malini's biography, actress Esha Deol has opened up about the moment she discovered her father Dharmendra's previous marriage and family. The emotional disclosure came when Esha was just a fourth-grade student, completely unaware of her father's complex marital situation.
The Schoolyard Revelation That Changed Everything
Esha Deol's world turned upside down during a casual conversation with a classmate when she was studying in fourth standard. A simple question from a school friend - "You have two moms, right?" - left the young girl shocked and confused. Esha immediately dismissed the query as "rubbish," firmly stating that she had only one mother, the legendary Hema Malini.
However, the question lingered in her mind, prompting her to approach her mother after school. That's when Hema Malini decided it was time to tell her daughter the truth about their family structure. Dharmendra had indeed been married to Prakash Kaur before marrying Hema Malini in 1980, and from that previous marriage, he had four children: Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Vijeta, and Ajeita.
Growing Up in an Unconventional Family Setup
Despite the revelation, Esha maintains that she never felt any discomfort about her family situation. "I never felt bad about it. Till today, I don't think there is anything wrong with it," the Dhoom actress revealed in the biography titled 'Hema Malini: Beyond the Dream Girl' by Ram Kamal Mukherjee.
Esha credits her parents for handling the situation with remarkable sensitivity. "I give full credit to my parents for not making us ever feel uncomfortable," she emphasized. The family dynamic included Hema Malini living primarily with their two daughters - Esha and Ahana Deol - while Dharmendra would visit regularly but rarely stayed overnight.
A Different Perspective on Parenting
Esha acknowledged that her childhood experience differed from her friends' households. "When I was younger, I used to go to my friends' houses where I would see both parents being around. That's when I realized that it's normal to have dads around too," she shared.
However, the actress insists that the unconventional arrangement didn't negatively impact her. "Somehow, we were groomed in a way that it didn't affect me much. I was very content with my mother and I loved my father," Esha explained, highlighting the loving environment her parents created despite the complexities.
The revelation comes at a significant time in Esha's life, as she recently announced her divorce from Bharat Takhtani in February 2024 after 11 years of marriage. Her candid reflections on family, marriage, and childhood perceptions offer a rare glimpse into the personal lives of one of Bollywood's most celebrated families.
