Mumbai, Dec 6 (NationPress) Renowned actress and talk show host Simi Garewal recently shared a clip from her classic interview series 'Rendezvous with Simi' on social media. The featured segment includes Bollywood icon Hema Malini discussing her love story and marriage to fellow superstar Dharmendra.

When Simi inquired about her first encounter with Dharmendra, Hema recalled, "I met him at a film premiere and thought he was the most handsome man I had ever seen. Later, he mentioned the same about me."

Simi pressed on, asking Hema if she ever hesitated to pursue a relationship with Dharmendra, knowing he was already married. Hema responded, "Initially, I didn't think much of it. I used to think, 'If I marry, it should be someone like him.'"

Hema elaborated, "He would always express his love for me, and I would respond casually, understanding the potential consequences."

When asked what led her to finally embrace their relationship, Hema stated, "It was destiny. We had been together for so long that the idea of marrying someone else felt wrong. One day, I told him, 'You have to marry me now.'"

Dharmendra agreed, and thus, their union was formed.

Hema explained her choice to stay out of Dharmendra's family matters, saying, "I never tried to compete for his time or attention with his other family. In love, giving is more important than demanding. When you love someone deeply and receive that love back, why would you burden them with trivial issues?"

She continued, "That's why I never stressed him or pressured him. I wanted our love to flourish, and it continues to do so today. We share a deep bond, and I adapt to his needs, which makes him love me even more."

Hema emphasized, "True love involves giving; you must honor the love you have."

Simi described this heartfelt exchange as, "A revisit to the Hema-Dharam love story that was both poignant and courageous given their circumstances."

She added, "For most women today, marrying a man who is already married is not a choice. Yet, Hema-ji embraced her love with remarkable selflessness and grace. I hope the cherished memories bring her comfort during this time of loss."

The enduring love saga of Dharmendra and Hema is celebrated as one of Bollywood's most romantic tales. Their paths crossed in the early 1970s while collaborating on films, and their on-screen chemistry quickly evolved into a profound personal connection. Despite facing societal scrutiny and opposition, the couple wed in 1980. At the time, Dharmendra was married to Prakash Kaur and had four children: Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Ajeta Deol, and Vijayta Deol.