During the best part of Dharmendra career gossip writers were always in over-drive when it came to his love life, particularly that with Meena Kumari.
Among Dharmendraji’s many rumoured affairs, it was Meena Kumari whose bond with Dharmendra remains one of Bollywood’s most emotional and mysterious chapters.
According to News18.com, Meena Kumari, the ‘Tragedy Queen of Bollywood,’ who was one of the top actresses of her time, fell deeply in love with Dharmendra despite being married to filmmaker c. Trapped in a failing marriage with a fifteen-year-older man and already a father of three, she found comfort and companionship in Dharmendra at her most vulnerable phase. Meena Kumari was a bit more vocal and on some occasions even admitted her love for Dharam ji.
Their closeness grew during films like Purnima, Kajal, Phool Aur Pathar, and Baaharon Ki Manzil, fueling rumours across the industry, which even led to some wild fire accusations and rumours flying high and thick during that time.
Meena Kumari believed in him like no one else. Meena Kumari reportedly recommended Dharmendra to filmmakers and producers, when she was at her peak, playing a major role in shaping his rise as a Bollywood superstar.
There were several stories written about how Kamal Amrohi took revenge on Dharmendra by once refusing him a role in his film, opposite Meena Kumari and on another occasion making him cover his entire body in black paint in the sorching sun.
Battling depression, loneliness and alcoholism, Meena Kumari’s health deteriorated even though she was very young. She passed away at just 38. After her death, close friend and fellow actress Nargis who knew her life and secrets, penned a deeply emotional letter, included in Yasir Abbasi’s book Un Dinon Ki Baat Hai. In her letter, she says Meena Kumari’s deepest emotional bond was with actor Dharmendra… something that many writers of the time interpreted as a roaring love affair.
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