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When Hema Malini felt sorry for superstar's wife: 'She smoke and drank a lot, she was lonely...'

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When superstar Rajesh Khanna decided to marry Dimple Kapadia in 1973, it sent shockwaves through the nation and left countless fans heartbroken. The union took place just before Dimple made her film debut in Bobby, and their wedding became one of the most talked-about events in Bollywood. At the time, Dimple was only sixteen, while Rajesh was around thirty, creating a sensation in the film industry and beyond.

In Ram Kamal Mukherjee’s biography Hema Malini: Beyond the Dream Girl, Hema fondly recounted how Dimple would often accompany Rajesh Khanna to his film sets. Through these interactions, Hema developed a close bond with the young actress, one she described with warmth and sisterly affection. Hema recalled that Dimple appeared very young and innocent—draped in a large sari, her hair tied neatly in a bun, and her arms adorned with bangles. Before long, Dimple became a mother, and Hema observed her struggle with the isolation that often came with being a newlywed in the shadow of a superstar.

According to Hema, Dimple spent much of her time alone while Rajesh was busy filming during the day and socializing with friends late into the night. She remembered seeing Dimple sitting quietly during outdoor shoots, occasionally smoking or having a drink, which never struck her as inappropriate. Instead, Hema sensed that these habits reflected the stress and solitude Dimple was experiencing. Wanting companionship, Dimple often joined Hema and her parents whenever they traveled together, drawn to the warmth and togetherness of a family environment that she missed in her own home.


Hema also revealed that she confided in Dimple during some of the most challenging moments of her personal life. At the time, Hema was unmarried and navigating emotional turmoil, and she found solace in talking to Dimple, who was already married and could offer guidance from her own experiences. Their friendship grew deeper through these shared conversations, with Dimple becoming a pillar of understanding and support.

Despite her outward grace, Dimple herself was coping with immense pressure. Married young to one of India’s biggest stars, she had been forced to give up her burgeoning film career after the massive success of Bobby. She embraced motherhood early and carried the responsibilities of family life while silently enduring the constraints of her situation. Yet, through it all, she remained compassionate and loyal to her friends, including Hema.

In the same book, Dimple later shared her candid thoughts about Hema’s relationship with Dharmendra. She admitted that in her youth, she was impulsive and outspoken, often getting agitated about Hema’s emotional struggles. She had bluntly told her friend that Dharmendra was unlikely to marry her and that she should take control of her life. Reflecting on those times, Dimple acknowledged how strongly she felt for Hema’s happiness, though fate would later prove her wrong—Hema and Dharmendra eventually married in 1980.

Years later, the two women reunited professionally, sharing the screen in Lekin (1991) and Maarg (1992), both featuring Vinod Khanna in the lead role. Their enduring camaraderie—rooted in empathy, shared experiences, and mutual respect—remained one of Bollywood’s most cherished friendships, transcending fame, personal battles, and time.
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