What Dharmendra leaves behind: Cinematic dynasty, six children and a Rs 335-crore legacy
PTC Web Desk: Legendary actor Dharmendra, affectionately known as Bollywood’s “He-Man,” passed away at the age of 89, leaving behind a towering cinematic legacy and one of the most influential film families in India.
From his humble beginnings in Punjab to becoming the patriarch of a multi-generational entertainment empire, Dharmendra’s life reflects both personal milestones and a career that spanned over six decades.
Early life and first marriage
Born in Nasrali village in Ludhiana, Punjab, Dharmendra was the son of Kewal Krishan Singh Deol, a schoolteacher, and Satwant Kaur. In 1954, much before his entry into films, he married Prakash Kaur at the age of 19. Together, they had four children, two sons and two daughters.
The Deol legacy: Children from his marriage with Prakash Kaur
Sunny Deol, the eldest, is an acclaimed actor, filmmaker and a serving politician. He is married to Pooja Deol and has two sons, Karan Deol, an actor married to Drisha Acharya and Rajveer Deol.
Bobby Deol, Dharmendra's younger son, continues to remain active in films. He is married to interior designer Tanya Ahuja and has two sons Aryaman Deol and Dharam Deol, named after his grandfather. Among his daughters from this marriage, Vijayta Deol lives privately and is married to Vivek Gill. They have two children, Prerna and Sahil.
Ajeeta Deol resides in California with her husband Dr Kiran Chaudhri and their daughters are Dr Nikita Mina and Dr Prianka Chaudhri.
Marriage to Hema Malini
In 1980, Dharmendra married actress Hema Malini, his co-star from films such as 'Sholay', 'Jugnu' and 'Seeta Aur Geeta'. The marriage sparked nationwide conversation as he continued to remain legally married to Prakash Kaur.
Despite the public scrutiny, the relationship endured and the couple had two daughters: Esha Deol, an actress, who shares two daughters, Radhya and Miraya, with former husband Bharat Takhtani
Ahana Deol, a trained classical dancer and entrepreneur, is married to Vaibhav Vohra, with whom she has twin daughters, Astraia and Adea, and a son, Darien.
Dharmendra spent most of his later years with his first family but continued to remain present and connected with Hema Malini and their daughters.
Extended family: The third generation steps forward
Dharmendra’s younger brother, Ajit Singh Deol, was also part of the film industry. His son, Abhay Deol, carved his own niche with critically acclaimed roles in 'Dev D', 'Shanghai' and 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara'.
The younger generation of Deols, including Karan, Rajveer, Aryaman, and Dharam, are expected to continue carrying the family's cinematic legacy forward.
Dharmendra’s wealth and legacy
Dharmendra leaves behind an estimated personal fortune ranging between Rs 335 crore and Rs 450 crore, built through films, real estate and long-term financial discipline.
Collectively, the Deol family’s net worth is believed to exceed Rs 1,000 crore, cementing their position among India’s most influential entertainment dynasties.
Dharmendra’s passing marks the end of an era, but his cinematic contribution and multigenerational legacy ensure that the Deol name continues to remain an integral part of Indian cinema.
- With inputs from agencies
