The gorgeous Dream Girl and the utterly handsome HeMan – how could the sparks not fly! Hema and Dharmendra were perhaps fated to fall in love, despite the overwhelming odds – namely that he was already married.

However, many highs and lows later, the couple did tie the knot on May 2, 1980. Dharam reportedly converted to Islam, so he didn’t need to divorce his first wife before marrying Hema.

Here are some insights into their union on their wedding anniversary:

Not the best option

Hema admits that falling in love was not a calculated decision. “I don't say that what happened was the best option,” she maintains, adding that whenever she thought of her life partner, she always imagined someone like him - handsome, strong, with a peaceful face, but never him. “I was attracted to Dharamji but did not have the courage to say so. I had the better sense to realize that it was a futile relationship, him being a married man, but due to our exceptional circumstances could not sever the ties.”

Destiny Decides

Hema believes that the fact that she should be attracted towards Dharmendra and none of her other heroes was providential. “That I was willing to risk societal pressures and moral accusations were the will of God,” she adds.

Recommended Read: How Dharmendra prevented Hema from marrying Jeetendra

Unconventional Union

Hema admits that being married to a man who remained close to his first family was difficult. “In my case he was already committed when we came together. There are special moments in your children's life, and again, he has prior commitments. There are milestones in your career and his, and one is not together because making an appearance together becomes a statement. It makes other loved ones uneasy, so you have to withdraw, understand, let go and swallow your hurt and you do just that.”

Silver Linings

Hema has long since made peace with her unusual marriage. “I console myself that had I been into a regular marriage with the regular responsibilities of other wives, would I have been able to evolve and grow the way I did? Dharamji trusted me and encouraged my pursuits.” She reveals that her Dharamji was always concerned and demonstrative in their private space, and his reassurance instilled confidence in her.

Second Wife Trend

She is not happy to be dubbed the pioneer of the second marriage phase in Bollywood. She insists that calling her a trendsetter would be trivialising the feeling and the relationship. “I cannot be held responsible for every woman in similar situation, neither can I be compared with anyone,” she states.