She was hired as a body-double of Hema Malini in Sholay. Here’s everything you need to know about the stunt woman.
Almost 44 years ago, Sholay appeared on the big scenes and changed viewing cinematic experience for all of us. Helmed by Ramesh Sippy, the film starred superstars like Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Jaya Bachchan, Sanjeev Kumar and Amjad Khan.
But, apart from them, they were also the real stars of the movie that some of us might not know. The woman we are talking about was there in the film but under the shadow of Hema Malini. Yes, she is Reshma Pathan, who played the body-double of Hema Malini and did all of her action scenes fearlessly.
Meet Reshma Pathan, ‘The Sholay Girl’
Reshma Patha is India’s first stunt woman, who has body-doubled several heroines like Meena Kumar, Dimple Kapadia, Hema Malini, Sridevi and Rekha. Born in a conservative Muslim family, Reshma was the eldest out of her five siblings. At 14, she turned breadwinner of her family as her father was unwell and unable to work.
A neighbour of Reshma, who was a stunt director knew her tough circumstances, hence, proposed her to become a stunt woman. Her father refused it as he was scared of her safety. Reshma’s motive was basically to earn enough money so that her family could have a decent life.
Despite everything, Reshma entered the male dominated profession and broke all stereotypes. In 1968, she performed her first stunt in the film Ek Khiladi Bawab Patte for the actress Laxmi Chaya. It was a dance sequence in which the actress tips and slides off the stage. Pathan performed the stunt in one take, thus cementing her career.
Later on, she went to work with several A-list actresses. She has body doubled several heroines, but her act as Hema Malini’s duplicate in Sholay is still considered legendary.
After all the years Reshma spent being the unknown face onscreen, a biopic called The Sholay Girl was made and released on ZEE5 in 2019. The film showcases her daring spirit and all the hard work she did behind this profession. Currently, Reshma has been retired as a stunt woman and works as a day player in the industry.
