‘Dream Girl,’ ‘Basanti’ and ‘Seeta aur Geeta’ of Hindi cinema Hema Malini was born today.
Picture: Social Media
She is an actress, producer, Dancer and politician who is primarily known for her work in the Hindi film industry, Bollywood. She was born on October 16, 1948, in Ammankudi, Tamil Nadu, India. Hema Malini is often referred to as the “Superstar” of Hindi cinema due to her iconic roles in films during the 1970s and 1980s.
Picture: Social Media
Hema Malini was born to V.S. Ramanujam Chakravarti, a Tamil-speaking Iyengar Brahmin, and Jaya Lakshmi Chakravarti in a small village in Tamil Nadu. She studied at Andhra Mahila Sabha in Chennai and later at DTEA Senior Secondary School in New Delhi. She was a trained Bharatanatyam dancer, a classical Indian dance form, from an early age. Her passion for dance played a significant role in her later career.
Hema Malini’s journey into films began when she was spotted by a director at a dance performance. Her debut in the film industry was in a Tamil film titled “Ithu Sathiyam” in 1963. However, her breakthrough in Hindi cinema came with the film “Sapno Ka Saudagar” in 1968, where she acted with Raj Kapoor.
Later she became a prominent and leading actress in Hindi cinema during the 1970s and 1980s. She was known for her versatile acting skills and her roles in various successful films. Some of her notable films include ‘Sholay’ (1975), where she played the character of Basanti, and ‘Seeta Aur Geeta’ (1972), where she portrayed dual roles. She worked with top actors of her time, including Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan, and Rajesh Khanna.
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Hema Malini first film with Dharmendra was Tum Haseen Main Jawan (1970). Her films with Dharmendra are: Sharafat (1970), Naya Zamana (1971), Seeta Aur Geeta (1972), Raja Jani (1972), Jugnu (1973), Dost (1974), Patthar Aur Payal (1974), Pratigyya (1975), Kahtey Hain Mujhko Raja (1975), Sholey (1975), Charas (1976), Maa (1976), Dream Girl (1977), Kinara (1977), Chacha Bhatija (1977), Khel Khilari Ka (1977), Dillagi (1978), Azaad (1978), Phandebaaz (1978), Dil Ka Heera (1979).
The Burning Train (1980), Adventures of Ali Baba and Forty Thieves (1980), Krodhi (1981), Aas Pas (1981), Samraat (1982), Baghawat (1982), Rajput (1982), Meherbaani (1982), Razia Sultan (1983), Raaj Tilak (1984), Jaan Hatheli Pe (1986), Tell Me O Khuda (2011).
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She married to Dharmendra in 1979. They have two daughters, Esha Deol and Ahana Deol. Dharmendra and Hema Malini’s love story was highly publicized and they continue to be a celebrated couple in the film industry.
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Madhoo Raghunath, who played the female protagonist in Phool Aur Kaante, Roja and Annayya, is Malini’s niece.
During the 80s Malini continued to work in big budget films such as Kranti, Naseeb, Satte Pe Satta and Rajput, most of these films were successful at the box office. She continued to star in heroine-centric roles after becoming a mother in films such as Aandhi Toofan, Durgaa, Ramkali, Sitapur Ki Geeta, Ek Chadar Maili Si, Rihaee and Jamai Raja.
During this period, she did films with Dharmendra included Alibaba Aur 40 Chor, Baghavat, Samraat, Razia Sultan, Baghavat, and Raaj Tilak. She continued to be paired with Rajesh Khanna in films such as Dard, Bandish, Kudrat, Hum Dono, Rajput, Babu, Durgaa, Sitapur Ki Geeta and Paap Ka Ant, some of which were big successes in her career.
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During the period of 1990s, she produced and directed the 1992 film Dil Aashna Hai, starring Divya Bharti and Shah Rukh Khan in the leading roles. She again worn the hat of producer and director in her second feature film Mohini (1995), starring her niece Madhoo and actor Sudesh Berry in the leading roles. After the failure of this film she focused on dancing and television work, only occasionally appearing in films. In 1997, she acted in Vinod Khanna’s production film Himalay Putra with his son Akshay Khanna.
After many years she made a comeback with B.R. chopra’s Baghban (2003) along with Amitabh Bachchan, for which she earned a Filmfare Best Actress Award nomination. She also made guest appearances in the 2004 film Veer-Zaara and the 2007 film Laaga Chunari Mein Daag, in addition to a supporting role in the 2006 film Baabul.
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In 2010, she acted in film Sadiyaan alongside fellow veteran actress and best friend Rekha. In 2011, she produced and directed her third feature film Tell Me O Khuda which featured both her husband Dharmendra and her daughter Esha Deol, which was flop at box office. In 2017 she acted in the film Ek Thi Rani Aisi Bhi in the role of Vijaya Raje Scindia of Gwalior, with Vinod Khanna as her husband; unfortunately it was Khanna’s last film. The film was directed by Gul Bahar Singh. The film was released on 21 April 2017. Her latest film is Shimla Mirchi, with Rajkummar Rao and Rakul Preet Singh. The film was released on 3 January 2020 and is available on OTT platform Netflix.
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Besides her acting career, Hema Malini has been active in Indian politics. She joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and has served as a Member of Parliament (MP) in the Lok Sabha from Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, representing the party. She has been involved in various social and political initiatives during her tenure.
Hema Malini’s contributions to Indian cinema were recognized with several awards and honours, including the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999. She is also the recipient of the prestigious Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honours.
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While Hema Malini transitioned into character roles as she aged, she has remained active in the entertainment industry through television appearances, dance performances, and producing films.
Hema Malini’s legacy in Indian cinema, her accomplishments as a Bharatanatyam dancer, and her political career have made her a prominent and respected figure in India. Her influence on Bollywood and her continued work in various fields have solidified her status as one of the iconic actresses in the history of Indian cinema.
Filmography As actress–
| Year | Film | Role | Language | |
| 1963 | Idhu Sathiyam | Dancer | Tamil | |
| 1965 | Pandava Vanavasam | Dancer | Telugu | |
| 1968 | Sapno Ka Saudagar | Mahi | Hindi | |
| 1969 | Waris | Geeta | Hindi | |
| Jahan Pyar Mile | Veena | Hindi | ||
| 1970 | Tum Haseen Main Jawan | Anuradha | Hindi | |
| Sharafat | Chandni | Hindi | ||
| Abhinetri | Anjana | Hindi | ||
| Aansoo Aur Muskan | Radha/Girja | Hindi | ||
| Johny Mera Naam | Rekha | Hindi | ||
| 1971 | Sri Krishna Vijayamu | Rambha | Telugu | Special appearance |
| Paraya Dhan | Rajjoo (Rajni) | Hindi | ||
| Naya Zamana | Seema Choudhury | Hindi | ||
| Lal Paththar | Saudamani/Madhuri | Hindi | ||
| Andaz | Sheetal | Hindi | ||
| Tere Mere Sapne | Maltimala | Hindi | Special appearance | |
| 1972 | Seeta Aur Geeta | Double role Seeta/Geeta | Hindi | |
| Raja Jani | Shanno | Hindi | ||
| Gora Aur Kala | Rajkumari Anuradha Singh | Hindi | ||
| Bhai Ho to Aisa | Roopa | Hindi | ||
| Babul Ki Galiya | Hindi | |||
| 1973 | Shareef Badmash | Seema | Hindi | |
| Prem Parbat | Hindi | Guest appearance | ||
| Chhupa Rustam | Ritu R. Jain | Hindi | ||
| Gehri chaal | Hema | Hindi | ||
| Jugnu | Seema | Hindi | ||
| Joshila | Shalini | Hindi | ||
| 1974 | Dulhan | Radha | Hindi | |
| Amir Garib | Sunita/Soni | Hindi | ||
| Dost | Kaajal ‘Kaju’ | Hindi | ||
| Prem Nagar | Lata | Hindi | ||
| Kasauti | Sapna | Hindi | ||
| Patthar Aur Payal | Sapna Sinha | Hindi | ||
| Hath Ki Safai | Kamini Chopra | Hindi | ||
| 1975 | Sunehra Sansar | Savita/Rani Padmavati | Hindi | |
| Sanyasi | Aarti/Champa | Hindi | ||
| Kahte Hain Mujhko Raja | Hindi | |||
| Do Thug | Hindi | |||
| Dharamputra | Reshma | Hindi | ||
| Khushboo | Kusum | Hindi | ||
| Pratigya | Radha rani | Hindi | ||
| Sholay | Basanti | Hindi | ||
| 1976 | Sharafat Chhod Di Maine | Hindi | ||
| Naach Uthe Sansar | Nanki Mehto | Hindi | ||
| Maa | Nimmi | Hindi | ||
| Charas | Sudha | Hindi | ||
| Aap Beati | Geeta K. Kapoor | Hindi | ||
| Dus Numbari | Sundari/Rosemary Fernandes | Hindi | ||
| Mehbooba | Ratna/Jhumri | Hindi | ||
| Jaaneman | Santo/Banto | Hindi | ||
| 1977 | Shirdi Ke Saibaba | Pooja | Hindi | Special appearance |
| Kinara | Hindi | |||
| Khel Khilari Ka | Shaki’s Lutera’s fan | Hindi | Guest appearance | |
| Dream Girl | Sapna/Padma/Champabai/Dream girl/Rajkumari | Hindi | ||
| Dhoop Chaon | Lajwanti “Lajjo” | Hindi | ||
| Chacha bhatija | Mala | Hindi | ||
| Palkon Ki Chaon Mein | Mohini | Hindi | ||
| 1978 | Dillagi | Phoolrenu | Hindi | |
| Azaad | Rajkumari Seema | Hindi | ||
| Apna Khoon | Geeta | Hindi | ||
| Trishul | Sheetal Varma | Hindi | ||
| 1979 | Ratnadeep | Hindi | ||
| Janta Hawaldar | Hindi | |||
| Dil Kaa Heera | Roopa | Hindi | ||
| Meera | Meera | Hindi | ||
| Hum Tere Aashiq Hain | Hindi | |||
| 1980 | The Burning Train | Seema | Hindi | |
| Bandish | Madhu/Chanchal | Hindi | ||
| Do Aur Do Panch | Shalu | Hindi | ||
| Alibaba Aur 40 chor | Marjina | Hindi | ||
| 1981 | Maan Gaye Ustad | Munni/Geeta/Princess Shabnam | Hindi | |
| Jyothi | Gauri | Hindi | ||
| Dard | Seema | Hindi | ||
| Aas Pass | Seema | Hindi | ||
| Krodhi | Phoolvati | Hindi | Special appearance | |
| Kranti | Rajkumari Meenakshi | Hindi | ||
| Naseeb | Asha | Hindi | ||
| Kudrat | Chandramukhi/Paro | Hindi | ||
| Meri Awaz Suno | Mrs. Sunita Kumar | Hindi | ||
| 1982 | Samraat | Jenny | Hindi | |
| Farz Aur Kanoon | Hindi | |||
| Do Dishayein | Hindi | |||
| Bhagawat | Rajkumari Padmavati | Hindi | ||
| Satte Pe Satta | Indu | Hindi | ||
| Suraag | Hindi | Guest appearance | ||
| Rajput | Janki | Hindi | ||
| Desh Premee | Asha | Hindi | ||
| Meharbaani | Hindi | |||
| 1983 | Taqdeer | Chandni | Hindi | |
| Razia Sultana | Razia Bano | Hindi | ||
| Andha Kanoon | Inspector Durga Devi Singh | Hindi | ||
| Nastik | Gauri | Hindi | ||
| Justice Chaudhury | Radha | Hindi | ||
| 1984 | Sharara | Double role | Hindi | |
| Ram Tera Desh | Sunita | Hindi | ||
| Raaj Tilak | Roopa | Hindi | ||
| Qaidi | Dr. Sunita | Hindi | ||
| Ek Naya Itihas | Hindi | |||
| Ek Nai Paheli | Singer Bhairavi | Hindi | ||
| 1985 | Phaansi Ke Baad | Sapna | Hindi | |
| Durga | Durga | Hindi | ||
| Aandhi Toofan | Sheela R. Singh | Hindi | ||
| Ramkali | Raksha/Ramkali | Hindi | ||
| Yudh | Nafisa Khatun | Hindi | Special appearance | |
| Hum Dono | Lata | Hindi | ||
| Babu | Kammo | Hindi | ||
| 1986 | Ek Chadar Maili Si | Ranno | Hindi | |
| 1987 | Sitapur Ki Geeta | Geeta Singh | Hindi | |
| Hirasat | Hindi | |||
| Apne Apne | Seema Kapoor | Hindi | Special appearance | |
| Anjaam | Rajeshwari Memsaab | Hindi | ||
| Jaan Hatheli Per | Mona | Hindi | ||
| Kudrat Ka Kanoon | Advocate Bharti Mathur | Hindi | ||
| 1988 | Vijay | Suman | Hindi | |
| Mulzim | Jailer Shardadevi | Hindi | ||
| Mohabbat Ke Dushman | Shamajaan | Hindi | ||
| Rihaee | Taku | Hindi | ||
| 1989 | Galiyon Ke Badshah | Billoo | Hindi | |
| Deshwasi | Hindi | |||
| Sachche Ka Bol Bala | Greta Saunders ‘Geeta’ | Hindi | ||
| Santosh | Kavita | Hindi | ||
| Desh Ke Dushman | Hindi | |||
| Paap Ka Ant | Hindi | |||
| 1990 | Shadyantra | Hindi | ||
| Lekin… | Tara | Hindi | Guest appearance | |
| Jamai Raja | Durgeshwari Devi | Hindi | ||
| 1991 | Hai Meri Jaan | Reshma | Hindi | |
| 1994 | Vivekanand | Hindi | ||
| 1995 | Param Vir Chakra | Mother | Hindi | |
| 1996 | Aatank | Jesu’s girlfriend | Hindi | |
| Maahir | Mrs. Kamini Rai | Hindi | ||
| Jai Kali Maa | Kali | Hindi | ||
| 1997 | Himalay Putra | Seema | Hindi | |
| 1998 | Swami vivekanand | Bhayatarini | Hindi | |
| 2000 | Hey Ram | Ambujam Iyengar | Tamil-Hindi bilingual | |
| 2001 | Censor | Radha | Hindi | |
| 2003 | Baghban | Pooja Malhotra | Hindi | |
| 2004 | Veer-Zaara | Maati | Hindi | Special appearance |
| 2005 | Bhagmati | Special appearance as a dancer | Hindi | |
| 2006 | Ganga | Savitri | Hindi/ Bhojpuri | |
| 2006 | Baabul | Shobhna Kapoor | Hindi | |
| 2007 | Laaga Chunri Me Daag | Dulari Bai (Dancer) | Hindi | Guest appearance |
| 2007 | Gangotri | Bhojpuri | ||
| 2010 | Sadiyaan | Benzir | Hindi | |
| 2011 | Budha Hoga Tera Baap | Sita | Hindi | |
| 2011 | Aarakshan | Shakunthala Thakral | Hindi | Guest appearance |
| 2013 | Mahabharat Aur Barbareek | Hindi | Hindi | |
| 2016 | Aman Ke Farishtey | Geeta | Hindi | |
| 2017 | Gautamiputra Satakarmi | Gautami Balashri | Telugu | |
| 2017 | Ek Thi Rani Aisi Bhi | Vijaya Raje Scindia | Hindi | |
| 2020 | Shimla Mirchi | Rukmini | Hindi |