Dharmendra: The Unfinished Love Story with Meena Kumari and the Song That Defined It

Bollywood history has witnessed many love stories that, despite remaining incomplete, became immortal. One such story is that of Meena Kumari and Dharmendra. Their relationship was filled with love and affection, but fate had other plans. The song "Hum Bewafa Hargiz Na The..." from Dharmendra's classic film, Shalimar, seems to speak volumes about his relationship with Meena Kumari.

Beginning of the relationship and Meena's support

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Dharmendra's closeness with Meena Kumari began soon after his film debut in 1960. They worked together in several films—Kaajal, Poornima, Main Bhi Ladki Hoon, Manjhali Didi, Baharon Ki Manzil, and Phool Aur Patthar. "Phool Aur Patthar" (1966) took their relationship to new heights. Audiences were captivated by their on-screen pairing, while a deep bond blossomed between them off the set.

Meena Kumari's broken relationship and Dharmendra's support

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Meena Kumari was going through the most difficult phase of her life at that time. Her marriage to director Kamal Amrohi had broken down. The divorce left Meena alone. Dharmendra was married at the time and the father of four children, but he became Meena's support during her loneliness. Gradually, the two grew very close. It is said that Meena Kumari, when signing a film, stipulated that her hero would be Dharmendra.

Meena, a world of alcohol and pain

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During this relationship, alcohol began to dominate Meena Kumari's life. Separation from her husband and social pressure had broken her from within. Dharmendra remained by her side, but even he couldn't endure this situation forever. During the filming of Pakeezah, when Kamal Amrohi learned of Meena and Dharmendra's closeness, he removed Dharmendra from the film and signed Rajkumar. Gulzar was one of those who understood Meena's sensitive soul. The relationship between the two was one of respect and affection, but it never reached the level of love. Meena was still alone—making ends meet with films, poetry, and alcohol.

Dharmendra always maintained, "The accusation of infidelity to Meena ji is false. I never betrayed her. People misunderstand our relationship." Perhaps this is why Dharmendra still bows his head in respect to her name. Even years after Meena Kumari's death, when her name is mentioned alongside Dharmendra's, that song resonates in his ears: "We were never unfaithful, but we could not be faithful..."

FAQs

Q1. When and how did Meena Kumari and Dharmendra first meet?

The two first met during the filming of the film Kajal in the 1960s. From there, their closeness grew, and they went on to star in several superhit films together.

Q2. Were Meena Kumari and Dharmendra married?

No, they never married. Dharmendra was married at the time and the father of four children. Meena, meanwhile, was living alone after a divorce.

Q3. In which films did Dharmendra and Meena Kumari appear together?

The two worked together in several films—Phool Aur Patthar, Kajal, Poornima, Main Bhi Ladki Hoon, Manjhali Didi, and Baharon Ki Manzil.
Of these, Phool Aur Patthar (1966) brought the pair the greatest popularity.

Q4. What was the importance of Meena Kumari in Dharmendra's life?

Meena Kumari was crucial to Dharmendra's early career. She repeatedly told directors that she would only work on films if Dharmendra was the male lead. Dharmendra also acknowledged that Meena supported him during his struggling days.

Q5. Why did Meena Kumari's relationship with Dharmendra break?

Over time, Dharmendra's attention shifted to films and his new co-star, Hema Malini. Meanwhile, Meena's health continued to deteriorate. Alcohol and loneliness devastated her. During this time, the two drifted apart.

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