Bollywood legend Dharmendra passed away on Monday morning at the age of 89, leaving the film industry and his fans grieving across the world. Born in 1935, Dharmendra began his acting journey in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere after winning a talent contest conducted by a film magazine. But long before he became one of Indian cinema’s biggest stars, life had already taken a different turn for him back home in Punjab.
A marriage before stardom
In 1954, at just 19 years old, Dharmendra married Prakash Kaur in an arranged marriage. At the time, he was not an actor but an ordinary young man from a Punjabi family in Phagwara. His journey to Bollywood began later, after he won the Filmfare Talent Hunt.
While Dharmendra went on to live a life surrounded by cameras, fame, and fans, Prakash Kaur chose to stay away from the limelight. She lived quietly, supporting her husband and raising their children while Dharmendra built his acting career. In all these decades, she has given just one interview, in which she spoke calmly and respectfully about her marriage.
Dharmendra often acknowledged her importance in his early life and once said, “I got married before joining films. Prakash is the first and real heroine of my life.”
Dharmendra and Prakash Kaur’s children
Dharmendra and Prakash Kaur welcomed their first child, Ajay Singh Deol, known as Sunny Deol in 1957. Their daughter Vijayta was born in 1962, and Dharmendra later named his production house Vijayta Films after her. Their third child, Ajeeta, was born in 1966, and the youngest, Vijay Singh Deol (Bobby Deol), arrived in 1969.
Through these years, Dharmendra’s popularity grew rapidly. Films like Phool Aur Patthar, Satyakam, Sholay, and Chupke Chupke made him one of India’s most admired actors. But behind the scenes, Prakash continued managing their home and children, choosing a life of simplicity.
Bobby Deol once shared on The Great Indian Kapil Show that while his father rarely scolded him, it was his mother who kept the children disciplined.
Prakash Kaur’s life after Dharmendra’s second marriage
Dharmendra married actress Hema Malini in 1980, a wedding that made headlines. Reports at the time suggested Dharmendra adopted Islam to avoid divorcing Prakash Kaur, though the family stayed silent.
Prakash Kaur never blamed Hema Malini. In a rare interview with Stardust, she said, “Dharmendra is not a perfect husband, but he is a wonderful father. Hemaji is very beautiful; any man could be attracted to her.”
Despite the second marriage, Dharmendra’s bond with Prakash and their four children remained strong. The family continued to stay connected, and Prakash stayed at the centre of their home life.
Dharmendra’s legacy
Today, the Deol family continues Dharmendra’s legacy. Sunny and Bobby Deol remain successful actors, while the next generation, including Karan Deol, has also entered films. Dharmendra’s daughters have chosen private lives, with one becoming a psychologist and the other a director.
Through all the fame, controversy, and decades of change, Prakash Kaur remained a pillar of strength in Dharmendra’s life. Her quiet dedication helped shape the Deol family into what it is today.