Dharmendra was the epitome of masculinity; Hema, of all things feminine. It seemed natural that these polar representatives of their genders woult exhibit great chemistry on screen -- their first 10 films together were huge hits -- and this chemistry was bound to spill over into real life.

Dharmendra first saw Hema at the premiere of Aasman Mahal and was immediately taken with her beauty. They went on to work in a spate of successful films -- Naya Zamana, Seeta Aur Geeta, Raja Jani, Jugnu, etc -- and fall in love. But the fact that he was already married resulted in Hema's mother parading a list of eligible suitors before her. Dharam and Hema, however, boldly defied societal norms, went ahead and tied the knot.

Twenty-five years later, the Dharam-Hema romance has become one of Bollywood's most enduring, endearing, love stories. Though the two stars have, rather strangely, preferred not to be cast opposite each other after marriage, and though they live apart, each has played a supportive role in the other's life, and the rearing of their daughters Esha and Aahna.

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