Bollywood’s eternal ‘He-Man’ Dharmendra isn’t just a screen icon with over 300 films under his belt – he’s the architect of one of Hindi cinema’s most sprawling dynasties. At 89, the veteran star’s life story reads like a blockbuster: An arranged marriage that birthed acting titans Sunny and Bobby Deol, a love story that won Hema Malini despite religious hurdles, and a blended brood of six children now raising 13 grandchildren. But November 2025 brought a plot twist – a vicious death hoax on the 11th claimed the legend had passed, only for wife Hema Malini and daughter Esha Deol to debunk it the next day. As Dharmendra recovers in Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital, visited by SRK, Salman Khan, Ameesha Patel, and more, his family’s unbreakable bond shines brighter than ever. If you’re mapping the Dharmendra family tree that’s captivated fans for decades, from 1954 nuptials to 2025 scares, this deep dive uncovers the love, losses, and legacies of Bollywood’s ultimate patriarch – two wives, endless warmth, and a clan that’s as cinematic as his career.
The Early Days: Arranged Marriage to Prakash Kaur and the Birth of Four Stars
Dharmendra’s family saga kicked off in 1954, when a 19-year-old Baldev Raj Chhabra (his real name) tied the knot with Prakash Kaur in a traditional arranged ceremony in Phagwara, Punjab. It was love at first sight for the young groom, who later gushed about her as his rock through his rise to stardom. Prakash, a pillar of quiet strength, supported him as he traded farming roots for filmi dreams, debuting in Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere (1960).
Their union bore four children, each carving paths that echoed or diverged from dad’s dance-floor dazzle:
- Sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol: The dynamic duo who inherited the action throne. Sunny (Ajay Singh Deol), born 1956, stormed screens with Betaab (1983), channeling his father’s fury in films like Ghayal. Married to Pooja Deol (an Anglo-Indian beauty) since 1984, they have two sons: Karan Deol (actor, debuted in Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas) and Rajveer Deol (rising star in Dono). Bobby (Vijay Singh Deol), born 1969, charmed as a child in Dharam Veer before adult hits like Soldier. Hitched to Tanya Ahuja (daughter of banker Thakurdas Bang), a NRI from the US, since 1996, they share sons Aryaman Vaidya (upcoming actor) and Dharam (named after dad).
- Daughters Vijayta Deol and Ajeeta Deol: The low-key sisters who shunned spotlights. Vijayta, the eldest, wed businessman Vivek Gill and runs Rajkalmal Holdings and Trading Private Limited; they have daughter Prerna and son Sahil. Ajeeta, married to US-based dentist Dr. Kiran Chaudhri, lives stateside with daughters Nikita (a dentist following pops) and Priyanka; she’s dabbled in psychology, teaching, and dentistry herself.
Prakash, ever the matriarch, has been the family’s silent sentinel – her grace holding fort as Dharmendra’s star soared.
The Epic Love Story: Converting for Hema Malini and Welcoming Two More Daughters
Dharmendra’s heart danced to a new rhythm in 1970, meeting dream girl Hema Malini on the sets of Tum Haseen Main Jawan. What began as co-star chemistry – tango lessons turning tender – blossomed into Bollywood’s most talked-about romance. But hurdles loomed: Dharmendra’s vows to Prakash. To wed his “Dreamgirl,” he converted to Islam in 1979, taking the name Dilip Roy, and they solemnized a nikah. A year later, in 1980, they had an Iyengar wedding to honor Hema’s roots.
This second chapter gifted two daughters who lit up the industry:
- Esha Deol: Born 1981, the elder firebrand debuted in Koi Mere Dil Se Poochhe (2002), blending mom’s elegance with dad’s energy in Dhai Akshar Prem Ke. Married to Bharat Takhtani (businessman) in 2012, they welcomed daughters Radhya (2019) and Miraya (2022). The couple parted amicably in 2024, committing to co-parenting with grace.
- Ahana Deol: The 1985 baby, a brief screen flicker in Na Tum Jaano Na Hum, married pilot-turned-entrepreneur Vaibhav Vora in 2014. Their family? A son, Darien Vora (2018), and twin daughters Adea and Astraia (2020) – a trio that keeps the Deol dynamism alive.
Hema, the classical dancer turned MP, has been Dharmendra’s on- and off-screen soulmate, their bond a beacon amid blended-family blues.
The Grand Generation: 13 Grandchildren Spanning Actors, Dentists, and Dreamers
Dharmendra’s legacy lives loudest in his 13 grandkids – a vibrant mix of mini-moguls and quiet achievers. From Sunny’s action heirs to Ahana’s twins, they’re the next chapter in this cinematic chronicle:
- From Sunny & Pooja: Karan (actor, married Surveen Chawla; son Aryaan) and Rajveer (debuted in Dono; dating unknown).
- From Bobby & Tanya: Aryaman (upcoming star) and Dharam (schooling, sports star).
- From Vijayta & Vivek: Prerna (young adult) and Sahil (teen trailblazer).
- From Ajeeta & Kiran: Nikita (dentist) and Priyanka (aspiring artist).
- From Esha & Bharat: Radhya (mini diva) and Miraya (toddler trendsetter).
- From Ahana & Vaibhav: Darien (adventurer) and twins Adea & Astraia (playful pair).
These 13 aren’t just names – they’re the next Deol wave, with Karan’s Pal Pal proving nepotism’s new normal.
A quick family timeline anchors the saga:
- 1954: Weds Prakash Kaur; Sunny born 1956.
- 1970: Meets Hema on Tum Haseen… set.
- 1979-80: Marries Hema post-conversion; Esha (1981), Ahana (1985).
- 1983: Sunny’s Betaab debut; Bobby’s child role in Dharam Veer (1977).
- 2012: Esha weds Bharat; twins in 2020.
- 2024: Esha separates amicably.
- 2025: Death hoax debunked; hospital stay bonds the brood.
Bonds Beyond Blood: How Dharmendra’s Family Navigates Fame and Fractures
Dharmendra’s tree isn’t tidy – it’s tangled with triumphs and trials. Prakash’s quiet dignity contrasts Hema’s spotlight savvy, yet mutual respect reigns: Prakash calls Hema “bahu,” Hema honors Prakash as “matashree.” Children? A united front – Sunny’s sets host Hema, Esha’s events echo Prakash’s poise. Grandkids bridge gaps, their Diwali dos a Deol delight.
The 2025 scare? A stark reminder: At Breach Candy, the clan converged – Sunny canceling shoots, Esha canceling shoots, Hema’s heartfelt updates. “He’s stable, resting,” she shared, fans flooding prayers. As SRK and Salman streamed in, it underscored: Fame fades, family endures.
Dharmendra’s dynasty? A testament to love’s labyrinths – arranged, ardent, and always authentic.
Who’s your favorite Deol descendant? Or got a Dharmendra family fun fact? Drop it below – let’s celebrate the He-Man’s heartwarming horde.
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