Meet this superstar actress who once gave tough fight to Jaya Bachchan, Zeenat Aman and many other popular divas. One role changed her trajectory in Bollywood. Can you the actress?
The iconic actress known as Bollywood’s Dream Girl’ has graced around 150 films throughout her illustrious career. Beyond her cinematic achievements, she is also an active figure in politics today, earning recognition in both arenas. Early in her journey, she faced criticism in the South for her slender figure, but she turned those challenges into a hallmark of her uniqueness. As we celebrate her birthday today, October 16, let’s take a moment to explore some fascinating stories from her remarkable career.
Hema Malini made her debut in Hindi cinema in 1969 with the film ‘Sapnon Ke Saudagar,’ entering the industry at just 18 years old while the legendary Raj Kapoor was already 40. The age difference made her feel uneasy about their romantic scenes. However, the film’s director, Mahesh Kaul, guided her through the emotional nuances of the moment using the art of dance, which helped her complete the scene with grace and confidence.
Hema Malini’s journey is truly inspiring. Once a slender girl who faced rejection in Tamil cinema, she made her mark in Hindi films and amazed audiences with her exceptional dancing talent. Her story is a vibrant tapestry of resilience and talent. While many actresses have graced the silver screen and achieved fame, none have quite captured hearts like Hema.
Hema Malini has masterfully brought to life a diverse array of characters on screen. From the lively Basanti, with her unforgettable chatter in ‘Sholay,’ to the enchanting Dream Girl, and the spiritual Meera Bai, she has showcased her incredible versatility. Whether portraying Maa Durga or the dual roles of Sita and Geeta, Hema infuses each character with deep passion and authenticity, captivating audiences every time.
Following her debut alongside Raj Kapoor in ‘Sapnon Ke Saudagar,’ Hema Malini soared to stardom with a trio of blockbuster films in 1970: ‘Tum Haseen Main Jawan,’ ‘Abhinetri,’ and ‘Johnny Mera Naam.’ Each of these movies found remarkable success at the box office, propelling her further up the ladder of fame and establishing her as a leading actress in the industry year after year.
Hema Malini has delivered numerous hit films throughout her illustrious career, but her portrayal of Basanti in the 1975 classic “Sholay” remains one of her most celebrated roles. Starring alongside Dharmendra, their on-screen chemistry became legendary during that era.
‘Sholay’ set unprecedented records at the box office, establishing a benchmark that stood unchallenged for two decades. It wasn’t until the release of ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ in 2001 that this iconic film’s records were finally surpassed. The impact of ‘Sholay’ and Hema’s unforgettable performance continues to resonate in Indian cinema to this day.
