'No one can be like him': Hema Malini said she was 'blessed' to have Dharmendra in her life

Mumbai: Hema Malini and Dharmendra were undoubtedly an iconic pair on-screen. But outside the glitz and glam, they were united in love. Just days before the veteran actor's passing, Hema reflected on her life with Dharmendra and their incredible love. She stated she was blessed to have him in her life. 

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Speaking to Filmfare, Hema stated, "He’s a poet at heart and has a couplet for every occasion. No one can be like him. I’m blessed to have him in my life. He has given me my space. I’m free to do my own thing." Hema met Dharmendra on the sets of Tum Haseen Main Jawan. The actors immediately connected, and it slowly progressed into a romance. Dharmendra was married to Prakash Kaur and had kids with her. However, the veteran actor tied the knot with Hema in 1980. 

Earlier, Hema commented on them living apart. She told Lehren, "I do not feel bad about it, nor am I sad. I am happy with myself. I have two children and I have raised them very well. Of course, he (Dharmendra) was always with me. No husband and wife like to live separately, but sometimes circumstances are such that a person has to accept it." 

In her authorised biography, Hema Malini: Beyond the Dream Girl, the actress described her relationship with Dharmendra and his first wife, Prakash Kaur. "I did not want to trouble anyone. I am happy with what Dharam ji did for me and my daughters. He played the role of a father, like any father would. I think I am satisfied with it," said the actress. She added, "Although I never spoke about Prakash, I respect her greatly. My daughters also respect Dharam ji's family. The world wants to know everything about my life, but that is not for others to know. It is no one's business." 

Dharmendra passed away at the age of 89 at his Juhu residence. He was cremated at the Pawan Hans crematorium. Recent footage showed his near and dear ones arriving at the crematorium.