Is Dharmendra a Vegetarian? Unpacking the Bollywood Legend's Diet

December 14, 2025 •

3 min read

According to recent revelations from his daughter, Esha Deol, veteran actor Dharmendra is not a lifelong vegetarian but rather a meat-lover who becomes vegetarian when he is with his wife, Hema Malini. This dynamic highlights the unique food compromises within the famous Deol family.

Quick Summary

Dharmendra is a non-vegetarian who respectfully adopts a plant-based diet around his vegetarian wife, Hema Malini, demonstrating a sweet family compromise. The couple's diverse food preferences showcase mutual respect for each other's choices.

Key Points

Not a strict vegetarian: Dharmendra enjoys non-vegetarian food but adjusts his diet to respect his wife, Hema Malini.
Respect for Hema Malini: He switches to a vegetarian diet when with his wife because she dislikes the smell of meat.
Accommodating during travel: On outdoor shoots or travels, he eats non-vegetarian food in a separate room to avoid bothering Hema Malini.
Punjabi roots, diverse palate: Despite his Punjabi background, his family's food includes South Indian staples thanks to Hema Malini.
A mix of cuisines: The Deol household features a blend of traditional Punjabi and South Indian dishes, which has influenced their children's eating habits.
Focus on health: Even in his later years, Dharmendra remains committed to a healthy lifestyle, incorporating exercise and a balanced diet.

Dharmendra's Dietary Habits: A Blend of Punjabi and Respectful Adaptation

For decades, fans have been curious about the personal lives of their favorite stars, and Dharmendra is no exception. A recent revelation from his daughter, Esha Deol, shed light on a heartwarming aspect of his life: his dietary flexibility. It turns out that while the Bollywood 'He-Man' has a natural inclination for non-vegetarian food, he is also a loving husband who respects his wife's vegetarianism. This has led to a fascinating dynamic in the Deol household, with Dharmendra happily switching to a vegetarian diet whenever he is with Hema Malini.

The Reason Behind the Shift

The reason for Dharmendra's dietary adaptation is simple yet profound: respect for his wife, Hema Malini. Esha Deol revealed that her mother, a South Indian and lifelong vegetarian, cannot handle the smell of non-vegetarian food. To ensure Hema's comfort and to show his consideration, Dharmendra makes a point of eating vegetarian meals in her presence. This arrangement extends to family travels and outdoor shoots, where he will discreetly eat any non-vegetarian meals in a separate room. This gesture is a testament to the strong bond and mutual respect that defines their relationship.

Hema Malini's and Family's Influence

While Dharmendra is famously from a Punjabi background, known for its hearty, often meat-heavy cuisine, Hema Malini’s South Indian roots have also shaped the family's eating habits. Esha Deol has spoken about growing up on a mix of cuisines, with her mother's staples like idli, sambhar, and curd rice being a regular part of their diet. This multicultural culinary background has fostered an environment of acceptance and has influenced the food choices of the next generation, including Esha's daughters who also enjoy South Indian dishes.

Family Food Preferences

Dharmendra: Originally a meat-eater, he shifts to vegetarian food out of respect for Hema Malini.
Hema Malini: A strict vegetarian from a Tamil Brahmin family, she dislikes the smell of non-vegetarian food.
Esha Deol: Enjoys a mixed diet influenced by both her parents' traditions, including her mother's South Indian staples.
Sunny and Bobby Deol: Sons from Dharmendra's first marriage, they follow their own dietary paths but have grown up around both vegetarian and non-vegetarian cooking.

Dharmendra's Health and Fitness at 89

Despite his age, Dharmendra remains active and dedicated to his fitness. He often shares his workout routines and health tips with fans on social media, emphasizing the importance of staying healthy to enjoy life. His fitness regime includes regular exercise, physiotherapy, and a balanced diet. This commitment to wellness, whether consuming his favorite hearty Punjabi meals or adopting a vegetarian diet, contributes to his vibrant and energetic spirit.

Dharmendra's Diet: Non-Vegetarian vs. Vegetarian

Here is a comparison of Dharmendra's food preferences under different circumstances:


Aspect	Non-Vegetarian Food	Vegetarian Food
Preference	Reportedly enjoys hearty Punjabi non-vegetarian food when alone or traveling.	Consumes vegetarian dishes out of respect for Hema Malini.
Context	Eats non-vegetarian food when Hema Malini is not present, sometimes in a separate room while traveling.	Consumes vegetarian food when with Hema Malini and at home.
Favorites	Has reportedly enjoyed dishes like Shalgam gosht in the past.	Appreciates simple, desi food from his farmhouse, including desi ghee parathas and dahi.
Flexibility	Shows remarkable flexibility in his dietary choices, adapting to his wife's preferences.	Demonstrates a loving and respectful nature by accommodating his wife's food habits.

The Respectful Compromise

The story of Dharmendra's diet is more than just about food; it's a touching example of compromise and respect in a marriage. It challenges the public's perception of a rugged action star, revealing a softer, more considerate side. It also shows that in a multicultural household, love and mutual respect can bridge differences, even those related to deeply ingrained food habits. This flexibility is a key part of what makes the Dharmendra-Hema Malini relationship so enduring.

In conclusion, the answer to the question, "Is Dharmendra a vegetarian?" is a nuanced one. While not a vegetarian by choice, he chooses to be one in specific situations, driven by love and respect for his wife. His dietary habits reflect a balance between his Punjabi heritage and his deep appreciation for his wife's lifestyle. Ultimately, Dharmendra's willingness to adapt his diet is just one of many ways he shows his affection and esteem for his family, proving that the most delicious meals are the ones shared with love and compromise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dharmendra is a non-vegetarian but chooses to eat vegetarian food when he is with his wife, Hema Malini, out of respect for her dietary choices.

Dharmendra eats vegetarian food with Hema Malini because she dislikes the smell of meat. He makes this compromise to respect her preferences and ensure her comfort.

Dharmendra enjoys simple, home-style 'desi' food at his farmhouse, which often includes sprouted ingredients, desi ghee parathas, and dahi (curd).

Hema Malini is a lifelong vegetarian, but Dharmendra is not. He only eats vegetarian food when he is with her.

Dharmendra's daughter, Esha Deol, grew up with both Punjabi and South Indian food influences. The dietary habits of his other children are not publicly discussed in detail, but Esha has mentioned the family's blended approach to meals.

While it's known he enjoys non-vegetarian dishes, his public persona and diet have evolved. His recent dietary flexibility, especially regarding Hema Malini, showcases his respect for her choices throughout their marriage.

Yes, Esha Deol revealed that when Dharmendra travels alone, he does eat non-vegetarian dishes. When traveling with Hema Malini, he will eat non-vegetarian food in a separate room so she is not disturbed by the smell.