In the grand saga of Hindi cinema, few names shine as brightly as Dharmendra, the “He-Man” of Bollywood. With his chiseled looks, raw masculinity, and soulful eyes, Dharmendra captured not only the hearts of millions of fans but also the admiration of many of his co-stars. His life has been a tapestry woven with love, passion, artistry, and emotion — a living legend who defined romance both on and off screen.
Much has been written about his first two great loves — Prakash Kaur, his devoted first wife, and Hema Malini, the Dream Girl who became his soulmate and second wife. But there exists another chapter in his emotional journey, often whispered in film circles and discussed with warmth and curiosity — his deep friendship and emotional bond with actress Anita Raj.
Though it was never officially labeled as a “love affair,” the connection between Dharmendra and Anita Raj was something more profound — a meeting of hearts and minds, beyond glamour and gossip. This story explores that untold bond, tracing how two talented artists found companionship, trust, and affection amidst the dazzling chaos of Bollywood.
Table of Contents
1. The Man Who Loved Deeply: Dharmendra’s Romantic Journey
1.1 Early Life and Rise to Stardom
Dharmendra Singh Deol, born in 1935 in Punjab, rose from humble beginnings to become one of the greatest icons of Indian cinema. His journey from a village boy to a superstar was marked by resilience, charm, and the kind of emotional vulnerability that reflected in his eyes.
He made his debut in 1958 with “Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere” and soon became a heartthrob with movies like Bandini, Phool Aur Patthar, Sholay, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, and Chupke Chupke. Behind the screen, however, Dharmendra was a deeply emotional man who valued love, loyalty, and connection above fame or fortune.
1.2 Love and Marriage with Prakash Kaur
Long before Bollywood fame, Dharmendra married Prakash Kaur, who remained his emotional pillar. They had four children — Sunny, Bobby, Vijeeta, and Ajeeta Deol. Despite the glamour around him, Dharmendra’s early years in the industry were grounded by this marriage.
1.3 The Dream Girl Era: Hema Malini
The 1970s introduced the world to one of Bollywood’s most iconic love stories — Dharmendra and Hema Malini. Their on-screen chemistry in films like Sholay, Seeta Aur Geeta, and Dream Girl blossomed into real life. Dharmendra’s affection for Hema was deep and undeniable, eventually leading to marriage after overcoming social and familial resistance.
But as the 1980s dawned, Bollywood entered a new era — one that would introduce Dharmendra to another talented actress who would become a close part of his life: Anita Raj.
2. Anita Raj: The Elegant Star of the 1980s
2.1 Early Life and Film Legacy
Born to veteran actor Jagdish Raj, who holds the record for playing a police inspector in the most films, Anita Raj was destined for cinema. Her upbringing in a film-oriented family gave her discipline, charm, and an innate sense of grace.
Anita debuted in the early 1980s, quickly establishing herself as a leading actress known for her poise, expressive eyes, and natural beauty. Unlike many of her contemporaries, she exuded a subtle dignity both on and off screen.
2.2 Rise to Popularity
Her career flourished with successful films like:
Prem Geet (1981)
Ghulami (1985)
Ilzaam (1986)
Lakhon Ki Baat (1984)
Masterji (1985)
She worked alongside many superstars, but her collaborations with Dharmendra stood out for their rare chemistry.
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3. When Paths Crossed: Dharmendra Meets Anita Raj
3.1 The First Collaboration
Dharmendra and Anita Raj first shared the screen in the early 1980s. What began as a professional partnership evolved into a warm companionship. Both were from disciplined film families, and both valued emotional integrity.
Their camaraderie was apparent in films like:
Naukar Biwi Ka (1983)
Karishma Kudrat Kaa (1985)
Ghulami (1985)
Masterji (1985)
The audience loved their pairing — a blend of maturity and freshness, strength and innocence.
3.2 On-Screen Magic, Off-Screen Respect
While rumors often swirled around film sets, the bond between Dharmendra and Anita Raj was built on mutual admiration and respect. She admired him as a mentor and fatherly figure who guided her with kindness, while he found in her a sincere and grounded companion.
There were no scandalous stories — only a quiet, genuine friendship that survived the glare of the spotlight.
4. The Emotional Connection: Beyond Stardom
4.1 Shared Values and Simplicity
Both Dharmendra and Anita Raj were known for their simplicity. Despite being part of a glamorous industry, they remained deeply connected to their cultural roots. Their shared values — humility, respect, and dedication — became the foundation of their bond.
4.2 A Bond of Understanding
Dharmendra, by the mid-80s, was already a superstar with decades of experience. Anita Raj, younger but mature beyond her years, admired his work ethic. On film sets, their communication went beyond dialogue — it was an exchange of wisdom, laughter, and creative energy.
4.3 The Third Chapter
Fans often call it Dharmendra’s “third love story,” not because of romance in the traditional sense, but because of the depth of affection and silent admiration they shared — a platonic yet emotionally powerful bond.
5. The World Watching: Media and Public Perception
5.1 Rumors and Headlines
Bollywood thrives on stories — and when two attractive stars share chemistry, speculations naturally follow. Media occasionally hinted at a “close friendship,” but both Dharmendra and Anita Raj maintained grace and dignity.
5.2 Dharmendra’s Silence
Dharmendra, known for guarding his personal life, never fueled gossip. He often praised Anita Raj’s professionalism and talent in interviews, but never crossed boundaries of respect.
5.3 Anita Raj’s Graceful Response
Anita Raj, too, handled the media spotlight with maturity. She always spoke highly of Dharmendra, referring to him as a “guide” and “gentleman,” avoiding sensationalism.
6. Their Films Together: Chemistry That Spoke Volumes
The Dharmendra-Anita Raj pairing became a hallmark of emotional storytelling in 1980s cinema. Here are a few notable collaborations:
Ghulami (1985) – A landmark film directed by J.P. Dutta. Dharmendra played Ranjit Singh, a rebel with conviction, while Anita portrayed a strong female lead. Their scenes radiated sincerity and mutual respect.
Naukar Biwi Ka (1983) – A comic-drama where their chemistry added warmth and realism.
Masterji (1985) – A box-office hit where Dharmendra played a schoolteacher and Anita a lively, supportive heroine.
Each performance showed that their connection wasn’t just on screen — it was a reflection of genuine understanding between two artists.
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7. The Transition: Life Beyond Films
7.1 Anita Raj Steps Away
By the early 1990s, Anita Raj gradually stepped away from mainstream cinema to focus on family life. She married businessman Sunil Hingorani and later reappeared in television roles, maintaining her charm and grace.
7.2 Dharmendra’s Continued Stardom
Dharmendra continued acting, mentoring his sons Sunny and Bobby Deol, and later made a comeback in films like Apne (2007) and Yamla Pagla Deewana series, where he charmed audiences once again.
Despite time and distance, the mutual fondness and admiration between Dharmendra and Anita Raj remained intact — a rare and enduring bond.
8. Understanding Their Relationship: More Than a Love Story
To call it simply a “love story” would be limiting. Their connection represented:
Respect between generations
Emotional support during demanding careers
An artistic partnership
Mutual growth and learning
It was not defined by labels but by shared humanity — an affection that transcended fame.
9. Legacy of Their Bond in Bollywood History
Dharmendra’s relationship with Anita Raj is remembered as one of Bollywood’s most graceful and understated connections. It reminded the film industry that emotional bonds need not be loud, public, or controversial. Sometimes, love exists in unspoken admiration and mutual strength.
Their story continues to inspire conversations about emotional intelligence, friendship, and purity in human relationships — even in a world dominated by fame and ego.
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10. The Man, The Myth, The Romantic: Dharmendra’s Timeless Heart
At 80+, Dharmendra remains India’s eternal romantic hero — a man who believed in love as an emotion that evolves, deepens, and matures. His bond with Anita Raj represents that evolved form — a gentle affection beyond definitions.
He once said in an interview, “Love doesn’t end; it changes shape.”
That sentiment beautifully describes his journey — from youthful passion to soulful companionship.
Conclusion: A Love Beyond Labels
The story of Dharmendra and Anita Raj is not about gossip or scandal — it is about mutual affection, respect, and shared humanity. It shows us that real relationships in life don’t always need validation from the world.
Dharmendra “third love story” stands as a tribute to emotional depth — a reminder that not every bond has to end in marriage or headlines to be meaningful. Sometimes, the most beautiful relationships are the ones that remain unspoken, eternal, and pure.
FAQs
1. Who is Anita Raj?
Anita Raj is an Indian actress known for her roles in Ghulami, Masterji, and Ilzaam. She is the daughter of actor Jagdish Raj and a respected name in 1980s Bollywood.
2. What is Dharmendra and Anita Raj’s relationship?
Their relationship was a deep emotional bond and friendship built on mutual admiration and respect. While some call it Dharmendra “third love story,” it was not a public romance but a soulful connection.
3. Did Dharmendra and Anita Raj ever marry?
No, they did not marry. Dharmendra remains married to Hema Malini and Prakash Kaur. His relationship with Anita Raj was based on professional and personal respect.
4. What movies did Dharmendra and Anita Raj work together in?
They appeared in several popular films, including Ghulami (1985), Naukar Biwi Ka (1983), and Masterji (1985).
5. Why is their bond considered special?
Because it represented genuine companionship beyond gossip and fame — a relationship grounded in emotional respect and mutual understanding.
