nanduri hema malini biography

Hema Malini Wiki, Age, Husband, Caste, Family, Biography & More

Hema Malini  is a veteran Bollywood actress, film producer, and an Indian politician, who is also popular by the name “ Dream Girl.”  Apart from working in the mainstream Hindi cinema, Hema Malini has also worked in Tamil movies as well.

Biography/Wiki

In 1964, she auditioned for a Tamil movie “ Venniradai” but was rejected by the director  C.V.Sridhar  as she was skinny at that time. Later, she debuted with a Hindi film “ Sapno Ka Saudagar ,” which did not do very well at the box office.

Sapno Ka Saudagar movie poster

After her debut movie, there was no looking back for Hema Malini; she was showered with more film offers. Her performance in the rom-com “ Seeta Aur Geeta” and film “ Sholay”  was critically acclaimed.

  Physical Appearance

Height:  5’ 6”

Weight:  60 kg

Eye Colour: Dark Brown

Hair Colour:  Black

Family, Caste & Husband

Hema Malini was born in a Tamil-speaking Hindu family. Her mother,  Jaya Lakshmi Chakravarti, was a film producer in the South Indian Film Industry. Her father’s name was VSR Chakravarti . She is the youngest of her two brothers  R.K.Chakravarti and R.J.Chakravarti; who are also film producers.

Hema Malini with her mother

Hema Malini with her father

Hema Malini and her brother, R.J.Chakravarti, with Raj Kapoor

Mesmerized by Hema’s beauty, the Bollywood actor Sanjeev Kumar proposed her for marriage, but she rejected the proposal. Later, she got involved in an affair with her co-actor Jeetendra;  this relationship could not last long and, eventually, ended.

Hema Malini with Sanjeev Kumar

Hema Malini and Jeetendra

While working with Dharmendra in the blockbuster film  Sholay,  Hema Malini got attracted to him. The two expressed their feelings to each other and decided to get married. At that time, Dharmendra was already married to Prakash Kaur , and according to Hindu rituals, he could not marry Hema until he divorced his first wife. But his wife was not ready to divorce him. In the end, Hema Malini and Dharmendra converted to Islam and got married on 2 May 1980.

Hema and Dharmendra wedding pic

The couple has two daughters Esha Deol (Actress) and Ahana Deol .

Hema Malini with her daughters

Her step-sons are the famous Bollywood actors Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol .

Hema Malini with Sunny Deol

Dharmendra with Sunny Deol (left) and Bobby Deol (right)

Film Career

Being a producer, Hema’s mother wanted her to become an actress. But she could not make a place in South Indian movies as an actress although she continued working as a dancer. In 1968, she made her debut as an actress with Raj Kapoor starrer Hindi film “ Sapno Ka Saudagar .” She was the fresh face, which every director wanted to cast in their movie. So, her journey as an actress was started.

She worked in over 155 films including, Tum Haseen Main Jawaan, Sholay, Lal Patthar, Andaaz, Naseeb, Gora Aur Kala, Dharmatma, Sanyasi, Satte Pe Satta, Dream Girl, Trishul, Suraag, Kranti, Andha Kanoon, Sitapur Ki Geeta, etc . 

Hema Malini is trained in Indian classical dance forms including Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, and Mohiniattam. She continued to perform on stage beside acting. Her daughters are also trained in Odissi and have performed in many charitable events with their mother.

Hema Malini made her directorial debut with the film Dil Aashna Hai ,  which was the first signed film of Shahrukh Khan.

She was critically acclaimed for her performance in her comeback film Baghban (2003) and was even nominated for Filmfare Best Actress Award.

Hema Malini with Amitabh Bachchan in Baghban

Political Career

In 1999, Hema Malini campaigned for Vinod Khanna (BJP) , and in 2004, she joined BJP as an MP in the Rajya Sabha. She was appointed the general secretary of the BJP in March 2010. She later got elected as a member of the Lok Sabha in 2014 by defeating Jayant Chaudhary by 3,30,743 votes. In the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections, she again emerged victorious by winning the election from the Mathura Constituency in Uttar Pradesh by a margin of 2,93,471 votes.

Controversy

• The news hit the TV screens when it was revealed that Hema Malini was allotted a 2000-sq ft area to run a dance class. The land actually costs INR 50 Crore (approx.) but was allotted only for INR 70,000 by the BJP led Government to Hema Malini.
• She was also criticised for her tweet about the widows coming from Bihar and West Bengal, residing at Vrindavan. According to her tweet, they must not crowd in Vrindavan.

• Because of her low-attendance in the Parliament, Hema Malini often faces criticism.

Car Collection

• Audi Q5 [1] Jagran
• Mercedes-Benz M-Class [2] Jagran

Hema Malini Posing With Her Car MG Hector

In 2014, her net worth was estimated to be around Rs. 178 Crore .

Favourite Things

• Actors: Shah Rukh Khan, Dharmendra
• Actresses: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Kareena Kapoor
• Food:  Rice with Rasam, Green Tea, Curd
• Author:  Erle Stanley Gardner (American Author)
• Subject: History
• Her hobbies include dancing, driving and doing yoga.
• Hema Malini had no intention of becoming an actress as she wanted to become a dancer. But due to her mother, she entered the field of acting.

Hema Malini with Dharmendra in Sholay

•  She has worked as an editor of the magazine- New Woman and Meri Saheli.
• She runs a dance school named Natya Vihar Kalakendra Dance School .
• Hema Malini is a member of the animal rights organisation, PETA India. She stood against the traditional spectacle Jallikattu, which is carried out in Madurai, Tamil Nadu and wrote a letter to the Union Minister of Environment and Forests, Jairam Ramesh, for its ban. She was also awarded the PETA’s Person Of The Year Award in 2011.
• She is often regarded as a trendsetter as she is among the first few actresses who started wearing bell-bottoms on the silver screen.
• She is a vegetarian.
• Malini is an advocate of pure water. She also endorses a water purifier brand and believes pure water should be available for one and all.

• She is one of the actresses who continued to work even after marriage and children.
• Although she started her career with South Indian movies, she did not act in any South Indian film as a lead.

Hema Malini with Deepika Padukone on the launch of her authorised biography

• She is the first   woman to chair the   National Film Development Corporation .
• Hema Malini had two hits and three flops with superstar Rajesh Khanna before her marriage. Directors had stopped pairing them in their films; however, post her marriage, the duo gave eight hits back to back.
• She resides at 43, Shakunt Plot No.17, Jaihind Society, 12th Road, JVPD Juhu, Mumbai Upnagar, Teh.-Andheri, Dist.-Mumbai, Pin-400049.

References [+] [−]

References

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↑3

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You are Awesome, Gorgeous and forever very very beautiful couple Hemaji and Dharamji!!!!! Love you both and your beautiful family!! And I always-will say same bse it’s all about just to love them!!

هيما ماليني و دارمندرا أفضل ممثلان عرفتهما السينماء الهندية حتى التاريخ 2023م ويعتبرا ثروة للهند تضاهي النفط بل وأعظم. وقد تم التعرف عليهما في بلادنا اليمن في سبعينات القرن الماضي من خلال عرض افلامهماعلى المتابعين لهما . أنتم رائعان جداً Allisani Mohamed .

I admire her interest towards dancing and towards history.

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Hema Malini Age, Husband, Children, Family, Biography

Full Name	Hema Malini Chakravarty
Nickname	Dream Girl
Profession	Actress & Politician
Party	Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
Political Journey	• In 1999, she campaigned for Vinod Khanna (a BJP candidate) in Gurdaspur Punjab. • In 2003, she was nominated as the Rajya Sabha Member by the then President of India, Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. She served as the Rajya Sabha Member from 2003 to 2009. • In February 2004, she officially joined the BJP. • In 2010, she became General Secretary of BJP. • In 2014, she became a Lok Sabha Member from the Mathura Constituency after defeating Jayant Chaudhary of RLD by 3,30,743 votes. • In the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections, she won from the Mathura Constituency by a margin of 2,93,471 votes • Won the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Mathura for the third time
Height (approx.)	5' 6" (168 cm)
Eye Colour	Dark Brown
Hair Colour	Black
Date of Birth	16 October 1948 (Saturday)
Age (as in 2023)
Birthplace	Jeeyapuram, Tiruchirappalli district, Madras Presidency, India
Zodiac sign	Libra
Nationality	Indian
Hometown	Tiruchirappalli district, Tamil Nadu
School	Andhra Mahila Sabha Delhi Tamil Education Association Sr. Sec. School, New Delhi
College	N/A
Educational Qualification	12th Drop-out
Debut	: Idhu Sathiyam (1963, Supporting Actress) : Sapno Ka Saudagar (1968, Lead Actress) : Jai Mata Ki (2000) directed by Puneet Issar : In February 2004, when she joined BJP
Awards	• 11 Filmfare nominations for Best Actress and won in 1972. • In 2000, won Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award. • In 2000, awarded Padma Shri by the government of India.
Family	- VSR Chakravarti - Jaya Lakshmi Chakravarti - None - R.K. Chakravarti, R.J. Chakravarti
Religion	Hinduism
Address	43, Shakunt Plot No.17, Jaihind Society, 12th Road, JVPD Juhu, Mumbai Upnagar, Teh.-Andheri, Dist.-Mumbai, Pin-400049
Hobbies	Dancing, Driving, Doing Yoga
Controversies	• A controversy was created when she was allotted a 2,000-square-metre plot for 70000 rupees only (the market price for the same was more than 50 crore rupes) to run a dance class in the Andheri area of Mumbai by the BJP-led Government. • She was also criticized for her tweet about the Vrindavan widows in which she said widows from Bihar and West Bengal should not come to Vrindavan. • In 2015, she attracted a controversy when a 2-year-old girl succumbed to her injuries after Hema's Mercedes rammed into an Alto car on the Yamuna Expressway near Agra. • She has also been criticized for her low-attendance in the Parliament.
Author	Erle Stanley Gardner (American Author)
Food/Beverages	Rice with Rasam, Green Tea, Curd
Actor	,
Actress	,
Subject	History
Marital Status	Married
Affairs/Boyfriends	Jeetendra, Actor (1970s) Dharmendra, Actor (Mid-1970-present)
Husband	Dharmendra, Actor
Marriage Date	2 May 1980
Children	- Esha Deol, Ahana Deol Vijayta Deol (step-daughter), Ajeeta Deol (step-daughter) - Sunny Deol (step-son), Bobby Deol (step-son)
Car Collection	• Audi Q5 • Mercedes-Benz M-Class • MG Hector (bought on her 71st birthday in October 2019)
Net Worth (approx.)	Rs. 101 Crore (as of 2019)

Some Lesser Known Facts About Hema Malini

• She was born as the 3rd child of a Tamil-speaking family in Tiruchirappalli district of Madras Presidency.
• Her mother, Jaya Lakshmi Chakravarti, was a film producer.
• She left her studies in 12th standard to begin her acting career.
• She started her career as a dancer in a Tamil film in 1961.
• In 1964, a Tamil film director, C.V. Sridhar, rejected her for being too thin.
• She first appeared in a film as a dancer in the 1963 Tamil film-  Idhu Sathiyam.
• Her Bollywood debut film-  Sapno Ka Saudagar  in 1968, did not fare well at the Box-Office.
• She remained the highest-paid Bollywood actress from 1976 to 1980.
• She got the sobriquet of Dream Girl after starring in a film of the same name in 1977.

Hema Malini’s Film Sharafat 1970

• Veteran actor, Sanjeev Kumar had a crush on Hema Malini and used Jeetendra to convey his feelings to Hema. Eventually, Hema started liking Jeetendra and dumped Sanjeev Kumar.
• During the shooting of Sholay, Dharmendra fell in love with Hema Malini and according to sources, he used to bribe the spot boys on the set of Sholay to switch off lights frequently so that he could have re-takes with Hema.

Hema Malini in Bell Bottom

Hema Malini Dil Aashna Hai

Hema Malini Feeding A Cow

Hema Malini’s Commercial For A Water Purification Brand

• She is a trained Bharatnatyam dancer and is also well versed in Kuchipudi. In an interview, she revealed that she can’t live without dancing. She has also trained her daughters in Bharatnatyam and often performs at various events along with her daughters.

References/Sources: [ + ]

References/Sources:

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↑3

On A Mission: Hema Malini On Films, Politics & Making A Difference

• August 18, 2023
• Personalities

There’s no stopping legendary actress and Hon. Member of Parliament Hema Malini! A remarkable lady, she is literally a powerhouse on a mission, gung-ho about life, focussing on accomplishing one task after another, achieving one goal after the other, never willing to give up.

Long-limbed and elegant looking, Hema Malini exudes grace thanks to her erect posture and regal bearing. We met this iconic actress, world-renowned Indian classical dancer, filmmaker, producer, and politician at her super spacious, well-appointed home in Juhu, Mumbai, for a tête-à-tête.

Choosing her words carefully, she spoke about several aspects of her life… being Hindi cinema’s ‘dream girl’, her powerful and enchanting performances in varied films, her commitment to social causes, her inspirational status as an achiever. But her eyes lit up especially when she spoke about her love for and dedication to Mathura, the constituency she is the MP (Member of Parliament) from.

A reservoir of talent, Hema Malini has been a trailblazer for decades now… powering her way through the glitzy film industry and high-powered political corridors with equal ease and dexterity. Undoubtedly, her mastery lies in ‘remaining relevant’ for close to six decades and counting… and yes, we have only admiration for this extraordinary lady!

Excerpts from the interview…

Is there a specific film or performance that had a significant impact on shaping your identity as an actress.

I was introduced to films by producer Ananthaswamy when I was 16 years old. He gave me the title ‘dream girl’ and planned how everything would work out. It was all about shaping my image and career in the film industry. Soon, I did various roles which created a big impact on the public. I played some really beautiful characters and received a lot of credit. Seeing me in different bold and powerful avatars captured the imagination of people! I went on to get tremendous love and respect from them.

You were and continue to be the ‘dream girl’ despite not doing too many films today. Will we be seeing more of you on the big screen soon?

People think that I’m very busy in Mathura only! But even people from there want to see me on screen; they want to see me work in films. Even in Parliament, ministers often ask me when I’m going to do a film. I’m absolutely open to working and I am looking forward to being cast in movies. And thanks to my dancing and stage performances, I’m always fit and active, ready to happily embrace any opportunity.

Are you looking to do only big budget films?

I can do just about anything! Big or small budget productions don’t matter, but I do need something that will match my image and stature. I love watching films and OTT webseries. Some of them are really very nice, and some aren’t. Today, we’re making a variety of films that resonate with different audiences, but there’s not much being made for the big screen the way they used to be made. When it came to the big screen, the audience used to see the stars as gods. However, today, everybody is available everywhere. We see celebrities on social media and feel a connection with them, which is also nice. This is what has changed in the world today…

You are a renowned classical dance maestro. How has dance influenced your life?

Dance has been a very, very important part of my life. If I don’t dance, I will feel like something is lost. From the age of six, I started learning dance, then performing, and to date, I continue. Dance was the reason I came into films. Seeing me perform on stage as a young teenage girl, producers would approach my family to cast me in movies, and that’s how I got into films. Dancing and performing connect me with the people, and that is what I love.

What motivated you to enter the world of politics alongside your film career?

I never thought I would get into politics. But it happened because of my co-star and old friend Vinod Khanna. He got into politics and wanted me to campaign for him as a “crowd puller”. I was scared to do the campaigning because I didn’t know how to. But somehow I managed with his support. He won that election, and the BJP party people started approaching me to campaign for other candidates too; which I did. They then invited me to join them, we won, and today my party is in a very big position.

Do you enjoy being a Member of Parliament; do you like being in politics?

I’m the kind of person who likes to experience anything and everything. Whatever opportunity comes my way, I take it. This is what my mother taught me – whatever you don’t know, you can learn about it, she would always say. People think that because I come from a different field, I’m not supposed to know anything about politics. But politics is public service.

As an MP from Mathura, I see that it is such a beautiful place that was kept in bad shape for the last 70 years. It should have been taken care of; facilities should have been provided in a big way. But nothing was done. Even so many years after Independence, it has no proper roads. And it is such an important place for our country. It is the birthplace of Lord Krishna. Mathura is a place where many saints lived, and we must make an effort to celebrate them all. Devotees from all over the world come here. It is our duty to keep it well and beautify it. I want to create better infrastructure for the devotees.

What are some of the challenges you faced in politics, and how did you overcome them?

Also, please tell us about the good times you’ve enjoyed in politics. From my point of view, all my experiences have always been positive. My party is a very positive party. I’m very glad to be able to work under the leadership of Modiji. From the time he became the Prime Minister, I became the MP of Mathura. We get a lot of direction from him. He’s a very strict taskmaster who keeps giving us instructions on how to deal with people and do social work.

Do you have access to Prime Minister Narendra Modi wherever you need it?

He gives me time whenever I want to meet him, but he always asks for the agenda of the meeting. I just met him recently and spoke about the pending projects of my constituency. I want to keep doing things for Mathura, so that it becomes an even better place.

What is your association with the Hon. Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath?

He is a very strict but wonderful Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. He is making amazing progress in the development of the state. Also, he is appreciative of my work and has a high regard for me; he is aware of my dedication. I have many ideas as an artiste, but making permanent changes is what I need support with, which I get from him.

Today, you have your own Hema Malini Foundation. Could you please share what kind of work the Foundation does and what change you wish to drive through it?

We focus on helping needy people and children with healthcare especially. And we are planning to start something concrete in the near future to support artistes who need a platform to showcase their skills.

How do you perceive the role of women in the film industry and politics today, compared to when you started out?

Right from the time I made my foray into the film industry, I started seeing a change in the way women were perceived in films. Known to carry a film on my shoulders, I started getting very women-dominant roles. I had similar experiences in politics and social work too from the time I stepped in. Powerful roles were given to me from the beginning. Today, we are seeing women in positions of power doing wonderful work in every department in our country, be it Hon. Minister Nirmala Sitharaman or Hon. Minister Smriti Irani.

Can you share an insight into what helps you overcome obstacles and stay motivated even during challenging times?

I have never experienced anyone pulling or pushing me down. I have always been welcomed and loved by everybody. By God’s grace, I have always enjoyed such a position – right from the time I was 16 and joined the film industry.

You are very close to your daughters Esha and Ahana. What is the most important value or belief you want to pass on to your children and grandchildren?

I love seeing how nicely they have grown and are now raising their children. I haven’t tried imparting much advice to them, but they have learnt from watching me. They might use me as guidance, but they are doing things even better than I did. Many times, I ask them for advice. Ahana is an animal lover and she does her best to convince me to raise the issue of animal rights in Parliament. Esha too gives me sound advice on many matters. Both my daughters are very bold and very successful.

How do you find inspiration to continue working hard and staying creatively driven even after achieving so much amazing success?

There is no full stop in achieving; in accruing success. You just have to keep on thinking about the things you want to do, and keep at it. As long as I am physically and mentally fit, I’ll keep working. Hard work makes me feel good.

Do you engage in any self-care practices to stay fit and rejuvenated despite a demanding schedule?

I must thank my parents for giving me good genes! Everyone in my family is fit. And my dance practice also keeps me active. Dancing has also given me certain knee problems, so I do exercises to strengthen my knees and muscles.

Do you have any advice for aspiring actors or performers?

Be dedicated. And once you’re successful, be happy and don’t overdo it. Take care of your health and your name, and don’t party too much! Be sincere to your work, be respectful to all the people who work tirelessly on the film sets – the pre and post-production teams.

What do you want your legacy to be – as an actress, politician and person?

I’m known as an actor, dancer and politician. I have been very fortunate to be connected with the beautiful film industry. Dancing, to me, is a divine art. And in politics, I’m doing my work for the people. This is how I am known today and it is how I want to be remembered.

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Hema Malini

• Born October 16 , 1948 · Jeeyapuram, Tiruchirappalli district, Madras State, India
• Birth name Hema Malini R. Chakravarty
• Height 5′ 6¼″ (1.68 m)
• Hema was born in the Tamil-speaking Chakravarthy household on October 16, 1948 in Ammankudi, Tamil Nadu. Her dad's name is V.S.R. Chakravarthy and her mom, Jaya, was a film producer. She was enrolled in the Chennai-based Andhra Mahila Sabha. After performing as a dancer in a 1961 regional movie, she was rejected by Tamil Director, C.V.Sridhar, during 1964 when she first attempted to act, on the grounds that she was too thin to be heroine in Venniradai and the role went to Venniradai Nirmala. Later Hema performed in the song Singara Therukku Selai sung by Seergazhi Govindrajan and L.R.Eshwari as a supporting actor from the 1963 Tamil film Idhu Sathiyam starring S.A.Asokan as the hero. But Hema persisted, debuted opposite Raj Kapoor in 'Sapnon Ka Saudagar' just 4 years after her rejection but the movie was a flop. Thereafter there has no been looking back for this attractive Libran, who went to star in close to 155 movies; who also produced and directed two movies, and also directed a TV serial 'Noopur'. After turning down marriage proposals from Sanjeev Kumar and Jeetendra, she met with hot fellow actor, Dharmendra, both were attracted to each other and wanted to get married. Dharmendra, who was already married to Prakash Kaur, and had two sons, Sunny and Bobby, could not marry Hema as Prakash refused to divorce him. According to the Hindu Marriage Act, a Hindu cannot marry a second time while the first wife is still alive. Dharmendra belongs to a Arya Samaj Hindu Punjabi Jatt family. She had a hit on-screen pairing with Dharmendra, Shashi Kapoor and Dev Anand in the 70's and, post-marriage, she had 8 hits opposite Rajesh Khanna in 1980-87. Dharmendra Hema Malini were paired in lead roles romantically in 31 films but have worked in 35 films. Of them 20 were hits and 15 were flops. Interestingly Rajesh Khanna-Hema Malini pair had 2 hits in early 70's and then 3 unfortunate flops in late 70's after which pair was written off but in eighties they gave 8 blockbusters as a pair. In all Hema has 10 hits with Rajesh Khanna. On August 21, 1979, both Hema and Dharmendra converted to Islam, changed their names to Aisha Bi R. Chakravarty and Dilawar Khan Kewal Krishn respectively, and got married in accordance with Islamic rites. Three years after their marriage, Hema subsequently gave birth to Esha and then later to Ahana. Esha is an actress in her own rights. The trio, well proficient in the arts of Bharatnatyam dance form, have performed together at a number of dance events and concerts. Hema is a member of the right-winged Bharatiya Janata Party, and became a member of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament. She was amongst the first actresses to wear bell-bottom and shirts in Hindi movies, and is also amongst the few who have kept their word of not wearing any revealing outfits in public. Hema, who is also called 'Dream Girl' continues to act in movies as of 2013. - IMDb Mini Biography By: rAjOo
• Spouse Dharmendra (May 2, 1980 - present) (2 children)
• Children Esha Deol Ahana Deol Sunny Deol Bobby Deol
• Parents Jaya Chakravarthy V.S.R. Chakravarthy
• Relatives R.J. Chakravarti (Sibling) R.K. Chakravarti (Sibling) Suchi Chakravarti (Niece or Nephew) Madhoo (Cousin) Madhoo (Cousin)
• Only for purposes of marriage, she converted to Islam, changed her name to Aisha Bi R. Chakravarty, and dharmendra converted his name into Dilawar Khan. They married on August 21, 1979.
• Hema Malini began her Hindi film career opposite Raj Kapoor in Sapnon Ka Saudagar (1968) where she became labeled the "Dream Girl" which was a promotion strategy to promote the film however sapnoan ka saudagar was a flop. She had a glorious reign as a leading actress during the 1970-85. She had 18 hits and 15 flops opposite dharmendra. She had 5 hits of 10 films she did with shashi Kapoor fron 1969-87. She had 10 hits opposite Rajesh Kannan of 15 films from 1971-91. She won the Filmfare Best Actress award for Seeta Aur Geeta (1972) , but in the early 80's, her only hits were opposite Rajesh Khanna where she had 8 hits opposite rajesh after her marriage and later she decided to concentrate on 'character' roles, often those with feminist undertones.
• In the book "Hema Malini: The Authorized Biography," (2007) she revealed that both actors Jeetendra and Sanjeev Kumar proposed marriage to Hema, but it was Dharmendra , with whom she formed a hugely successful on-screen couple, that won her hand in the end. She defied the conventional norm at the time by becoming his second wife and continuing to work after having children.
• The 5th Tamil speaking actress after Anjali Devi, Vyjayanthimala , Padmini, Waheedha Rehmaan to become a major Hindi film star. Ironically, Hema's career almost ended before it began. She worked as background dancer in 2 Tamil films in 1963. C.V.Shridhar, director threw her out of the Tamil film Veniradai he was directing, saying she was too thin. The role which Hema was given was the role which was subsequently done by Venidradai Nirmala. Then made her debut only in 1968 in Hindi.
• Hema Malini was awarded the 'Padma Bhushan' in 1999 for her contribution to Indian Cinema.
• My interest was dance and, in the beginning, I didn't enjoy acting at all. It was my mother who brought me into films and who looked after my career. I remember each time a producer came to meet her, my only reaction was, 'Oh God, another year of my life gone.'
• I became famous with audiences and various producers thanks to Jhony Mera Naam and Andaz. I remember how difficult it was to shoot for the song Zinagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana because Kaka's fans would turn up in heavy numbers wherever he went. I am very lucky to have done 15 films with the superstar and to have 10 commercial hits with him.

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Hema Malini's life chronicled in new biography: On Dharmendra, and making of Sholay

Hema Malini: Beyond the Dream Girl is an inside look at the remarkable life of one of our greatest cinema icons

Hema Malini: Beyond the Dream Girl, the official biography of the multi-faceted Bollywood actress Hema Malini, is being published by HarperCollins India to coincide with her birthday on  16 October. Written by Ram Kamal Mukherjee, the book offers an inside look at the remarkable life of one of our greatest cinema icons . The following is an excerpt from a chapter titled ‘Colours of Spring’, reproduced here with permission from HarperCollins.

‘There has never been a more defining film on the Indian screen. Indian film history can be divided into Sholay BC and Sholay AD.’

Shekhar Kapur’s words have perhaps served as the most befitting description of what Sholay (1975) meant for Indian cinema. Taking off from the hugely popular American genre, the spaghetti Western, this was one film that doffed its hat to several cinema greats — from Akira Kurosawa to Sergio Leone. But it was the finer nuances, from the framing to the engaging screenplay, from its characters to the poignant sense of unhurriedness, and the underlying tone of tragedy that made this solely a director’s film. With Sholay, Ramesh Sippy outdid himself. Whether any other film has come close to the craftsmanship or popularity of this monumental effort will always be a matter of debate.

After owning author-backed roles in films like Andaz and Seeta Aur Geeta, Hema was initially reluctant to play the role of Basanti, who would have all of five-and-a-half scenes. ‘This isn’t your film. This is Thakur and Gabbar’s film. But your role will be very interesting,’ Ramesh assured her. Having worked with him closely and knowing all too well what this director was capable of creating, Hema needed no further convincing.

True to this actor–director association, Sholay tested every nerve, every limit in Hema – not just her acting prowess but, equally, her indomitable spirit. Apart from playing a motormouth and having to rattle off several pages of dialogue every time she came on screen, being a gutsy tangewali meant braving risky chase sequences and even dancing on glass. Hema did it all, in a film that would truly be her grandest effort on celluloid.

‘It was a great experience,’ she confesses. ‘I was habituated to Ramesh-ji by then. He would give me three pages of dialogues that I had to deliver breathlessly. It wasn’t easy. I still remember the action sequence that Ramesh-ji shot with me. It was very risky. Riding a horse-driven cart is very difficult, but somehow I managed. Sholay will remain a special film for me.’

The making of Sholay was as epic as the film itself, with enough anecdotes to fill up an entire book! Salim–Javed drew some scenes from real-life incidents too. For example, the scene where Jai goes to Basanti’s Mausi with Veeru’s marriage proposal was borrowed straight out of the writers’ lives! It is believed that Javed was in love with Honey Irani and wanted to marry her, but neither her mother nor Salim was keen on the alliance. Javed coaxed Salim to convince Honey’s mother. That’s when a reluctant Salim went over with the proposal, seemingly singing Javed’s praises, but in reality undercutting every one of them. Like almost every other scene in Sholay, this too is one for the ages.

Interestingly, many of the dangerous scenes belonged to Hema. One of the most difficult scenes was the chase where she had to ride her tonga at ferocious speed while trying to escape the dacoits out to grab her. Most of the shots for that sequence were taken from a camera vehicle that towed the tonga. For some shots, the camera was placed inside, next to Hema, but the horses were removed to minimise danger. For the long shots and the scene where the tonga overturns, a double – Reshma – was used. In fact, during that last shot, Reshma lost her footing and fell in front of the cart. The wheel went over her and she lost consciousness.

Another remarkable feat on Hema’s part was shooting for the preclimax number, ‘Jab tak hain jaan’. Basanti is forced to dance before the leering band of dacoits outside Gabbar’s den on jagged rocks. A gun is cocked at Veeru’s head, while his arms and legs are bound. ‘Jab tak tere pair chalenge uski saans chalegi … tere pair ruke toh yeh bandook chalegi’ (As long as your feet keep moving, he’ll keep breathing … if your feet stop this gun will go off) – Gabbar spits out his threat. Being a consummate dancer, the steps were easy for Hema, but the stage wasn’t. To make the struggle look real, Ramesh wanted to shoot the song in summer under the scorching sun, on location, near Bangalore.

‘Why not shoot this in January?’ Hema asked him. ‘Because I want that expression of torture due to the extreme heat on your face,’ replied the director.

The song was shot in May. But Bangalore, known for its unpredictable weather, only added to their troubles. The days were blisteringly warm while the nights brought rain. By morning the rocks were damp and slushy. Shooting could start only by midday, once the production unit hastened the drying process with fans and blowers. By the time the crew was ready for the day’s shoot, the rocks were scalding. Characteristically, despite the situation, Hema refused to dance with pads on her feet. It made her uncomfortable, she said. For the long shots, though, Ramesh insisted on them. ‘I don’t want to torture you unnecessarily,’ was his reason. After each shot, Hema’s spot boy would rush to splash water on her feet to provide temporary relief.

Ask anyone from the Sholay team and they will tell you that shooting for this film was, without doubt, one of the most exciting chapters of their lives … one of those phases that seem like an unbelievable dream in retrospect. As for the couple that was slowly falling in love, the backdrop couldn’t have been more paradisiacal. That Dharmendra was by now plain besotted with Hema was known to all in the crew. In love and unafraid to wear his heart on his sleeve, tales of how he wooed her have now become legendary.

It is said that Dharam would tip the light boys to slip up during the romantic scenes, so they would have to do retakes! He had worked out a code with them. If he pulled his ear, they would either mess up the trolley movement or drop a reflector; if he touched his nose, the shot was okayed! The tip could go up to a hundred rupees for each take. On a ‘good’ day, the light boys went back richer by at least a couple of thousand rupees!

Dharam roped in Ramesh Sippy as well, pleading with him to play cupid. ‘Please say nice things about me to her. I want to marry her,’ he would tell Ramesh beseechingly. Ramesh also had Hema’s unflinching trust. He was the only one on the sets she used to confide in. Over time, she began confessing her growing feelings towards Dharam. Soon, the two became inseparable. As Hema admitted years later, while talking about those days, ‘It was such a beautiful atmosphere that everyone was in love … even the old cameraman!’

When asked about these tales, Hema says, ‘ Pata nahin kitna sach hai yeh sab baton mein (I doubt if all these stories are true). I remember reading in various interviews and articles that Dharam-ji used to bribe spot dadas so that they would deliberately create some mischief and he would get a chance to do those romantic scenes over and over again. I think I should ask Dharam-ji directly, if at all he did anything like it!’

While Sholay earned Hema unprecedented accolades as an actor, she faced problems during her live classical dance shows post the film. People would always want her to dance to the Holi and ‘ Jab tak hai jaan ’ songs onstage. ‘I think it’s the organisers who would give false hope or promote the show as Bollywood star Hema Malini’s dance show. I think they wanted to sell their tickets at high prices, and thus resorted to these cheap routes. But once I would start my classical recitals on stage people would enjoy them too and the situation would be under control,’ says Hema.

It was certainly a disappointment for her fans when Hema didn’t receive any nominations for Sholay at the Filmfare Awards that year. Others from the movie like Sanjeev Kumar, Amjad Khan, Salim– Javed, GP Sippy (producer), Ramesh Sippy, RD Burman (music), Asrani (who played the role of the jailer) and MS Shinde (editor) were nominated, but finally only MS Shinde went on to bag the award for Best Editor. ‘I was nominated (as Best Actress) for Khushboo and Sanyasi, along with Jaya Bhaduri in Mili and Suchitra Sen in Aandhi. But Laxmi won the award for Julie,’ Hema adds with a smile. ‘From that year I decided that I will focus on my work and not pay much heed to awards.’

With the roaring success of Sholay, Hema Malini was at her zenith. If she had been one of the popular actresses thus far, with this film, she decimated all competition to claim her position at the top. She was the highest-paid actress in Hindi cinema by now and went on to hold the numero uno spot for the next decade.

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How Hema Malini came to be known as Hindi cinema’s ‘Dream Girl’

Producer and mentor b ananthaswami came up with the title for her debut film, ‘sapno ka saudagar’..

In the authorised biography Hema Malini Beyond the Dream Girl , the 1970s and ’80s star looks back on her career highs and lows, her relationship with co-star Dharmendra, and her love for classical dance. Hema Malini was to have made her debut in a Tamil film directed by CV Sridhar, but was dropped at the last minute, only to be signed on for Sapno Ka Saudagar , starring Raj Kapoor, in 1968. This was the first movie to refer to Hema Malini as ‘Dream Girl’ – an appellation that stuck and went on to define her life in front of and away from the camera.

After the initial setback, the C.V. Sridhar episode left both Jaya and Hema more resolute in their decision to make Hema an actress. The focus was now back on dance recitals, but they also quietly bided their time, waiting for the next good film offer to come their way.

One of those impressed by this young, beautiful dancer was B. Ananthaswami, a Tamil producer who was making a Hindi film with none other than Raj Kapoor. The schedule was ready, but they were waiting for a fresh new face to cast opposite the showman. If Hema was in need of a godfather, here he was, with an offer of a lifetime. ‘Ananthaswami had made it very clear to us right from the start that all the decisions for the film would be taken by Raj Kapoor. The film was being produced by a south Indian producer who had blocked bulk dates for Raj saab, right after Sangam. They were now very keen on casting a fresh south Indian face who could also dance well and match up to the status of Vyjayanthimala,’ Hema recollects.

When Ananthaswami offered to cast Hema as the lead, the sixteen-year-old promptly sat up and said, ‘Yes, I am ready.’ Jaya was still recovering from the rejection by C.V. Sridhar in Madras and was sceptical.

The news of Hema this time going as far as signing a film as the female lead left her father fuming. He stopped eating at home and his arguments with Jaya only worsened. ‘My brothers and I were not included in the details, for we were trained not to ask questions,’ Hema remembers. ‘In short, we continued to feel frightened and uneasy. On the fourth day, finally, my father gave up. He agreed to eat his meal and for the time being at least there was a truce! I still don’t know how they resolved the problem but I was given the green signal. One thing I was certain about was that my father wasn’t against my classical dances at sabhas and festival functions … but my acting in films somehow made him uncomfortable. I think he was very conscious of what his office colleagues would say.’

Accent training

To make her debut in cinema opposite Raj Kapoor – it was as if the cosmos was making an announcement. Many said Hema’s role had first been offered to Vyjayanthimala who hadn’t shown much interest. But it is also a fact that the thespian himself was keen on starring opposite a debutante. Either way, for Hema Malini, this was the greatest start she could have imagined. For the second time in her life, her grooming for films was under way. From costume trials to diction classes, nothing was spared. In fact, when the director Mahesh Kaul realized how strong Hema’s Tamil accent was, he had to hire a professional to help modify it. Lakshmi Sharma, the announcer and newsreader from All India Radio, Bombay, was a well-known name, popular for her chaste Hindi and perfect diction. She trained Hema in language and dialogue delivery.

For the first eight months in Bombay, while Sapno Ka Saudagar was being shot, Jaya and Hema stayed at B. Ananthaswami’s house. Almost a mentor to the young actor, he made them feel at home and only after the release of the film, once other film offers started pouring in, did they move out and take up a place on rent. ‘For a very short period, I stayed in Shanmukhananda Guest House at Matunga with Amma. It was a small room and I used to feel claustrophobic after shooting in a studio the whole day. When Appa came to know that we didn’t have a place to stay, he decided to rent an apartment in Khar,’ says Hema.

Dreaming up the Dream Girl

Apart from being her mentor, it was Ananthaswami who was responsible for the famous tag line that went on to classify Hema Malini as the embodiment of all things sublime and ethereal … a celestial beauty, an embodiment of divinity and grace.

When the producer was designing the posters for the film, Ananthaswami added the words ‘Raj Kapoor’s Dream Girl’ just below Hema’s face. Months before the release, the bigger cities had life-size cutouts of the debutante, a never-before-seen experience.

‘It was Mr Ananthaswami who came up with this idea,’ Hema recollects. ‘We thought that it was a publicity stunt and people would forget about it after the film released. A few of the posters were really funny. They had things like “forty-four-year-old Raj Kapoor in love with sixteen-year-old Hema Malini” written on them! I was enjoying the entire publicity gimmick. After Sapno Ka Saudagar released, the press and people started calling me “Dream Girl”. I could see how the name had caught on. People often asked me if I made an effort to live up to the name. I didn’t! The tag came as a surprise to me. I guess my face and my personality went well with the general image of an Indian woman. Anybody could relate to my face – it’s a typical Indian face. Yes, the only thing I did do was never accept roles that would embarrass or hurt my family or my fans in any way. So, the name stuck on. Distributors and producers continued using it. But nowadays I feel embarrassed when people call me “Dream Girl”. I am hardly a girl anymore!’

Sapno Ka Saudagar is the story of a kidnapped princess who grows up as a gypsy girl. In the film, the character, played by Hema, falls in love with Raj Kapoor – a messiah of love, out to cleanse the world. While the songs were a hit, the film received a tepid response. Hema’s skills as an actor were nothing to write home about, but she wasn’t completely dismissed either. Her screen presence and dancing skills were enough to make audiences and producers go weak in the knees. She already had them enthralled.

Excerpted with permission from Hema Malini Beyond the Dream Girl , Ram Kamal Mukherjee, HarperCollins India.

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Hema Malini Turns 75: Celebrating the Dreamgirl's Iconic Life and Career With 75 Facts

Published By : Nibandh Vinod

Trending Desk

Last Updated: October 16, 2023, 06:20 IST

Mumbai, India

Hema Malini Birthday: 75 fascinating facts about the beautiful actress. (Images: Instagram)

Happy Birthday Hema Malini: Hindi Cinema legend turns 75 today. Here is a glimpse into her life as an actress, dancer, politician, and icon.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HEMA MALINI: The Dream Girl of Bollywood, Hema Malini, is not only an iconic actress but also a respected member of the Lok Sabha from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) since 2014. With over five decades dedicated to Hindi cinema, the veteran actress has left an indelible mark on the industry, with successful films like, Sholay, Sapno Ka Saudagar, Johny Mera Naam, Seeta Aur Geeta, Baghban, Veer Zaara and many more.

Throughout her life, she was part of headlines, for personal, political, and social reasons. Today, the beloved star celebrates her 75th birthday and on this special occasion, let’s delves into some fascinating facts about this iconic and beautiful actress.

1 – Hema Malini was born on October 16, 1948, into a Tamil speaking Iyengar family, with her parents being V.S. Ramanujam Chakravarthy and Jaya Chakravarthy.

2 – She is the youngest of her three siblings, and her mother was a film producer.

3 – Hema left school at a young age to pursue a career in the film industry.

WATCH: 10 Movies Of Hema Malini And Dharmendra

4 – In early years, Hema Malini received training in various classical dance forms, including Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi and Mohiniattam.

5 – Hema Malini was chosen by Tamil filmmaker CV Sridhar, who even changed her name to Sujata. However, he decided not to cast her, feeling that she wasn’t suitable for the role.

6 – Hema Malini made her debut in Tamil film, Idhu Sathiyam and later in 1965 she landed a small role in NT Rama Rao’s film Pandava Vanavasam.

7 – Hema Malini made her Bollywood debut opposite Raj Kapoor in the 1968 film, Sapno Ka Saudagar. While the film didn’t perform well at the box office, her performance received praise.

8 – The actress was signed for Johny Mera Naam opposite Dev Anand and first film with Dharmendra, Tum Haseen Main Jawaan in 1970. Both of these films turned out to be super hits.

9 – She won the Filmfare Award in Best Actress category for her dual role in the comedy film Seeta Aur Geeta.

10 – Hema Malini earned the title of Dream Girl due to her memorable performance in the 1977 film of the same name.

11 – Early in her career, Hema Malini was scolded by her mother for wearing a swimsuit in a film scene. Since then she never wore any kind of revealing outfits in the future films.

12 – Both Jeetendra and Sanjeev Kumar proposed marriage to Hema Malini, but she turned down their proposals.

13 – Hema initially rejected Dharmendra’s proposals too because he was already married and older than her. However, their feelings for each other grew and they eventually became a couple.

14 – Hema Malini was one of the highest-paid Bollywood actresses alongside Zeenat Aman between 1976 and 1980.

15 – Hema Malini is the only actress who shared screen space with all five of the Kapoor brothers, including Raj, Shammi, Shashi, Randhir and Rishi Kapoor.

16 – Dharmendra and Hema Malini got married after converting to Islam, as Dharmendra was already married to Prakash Kaur.

17 – Following their conversion, Hema was named Aisha Bi R Chakravarty, and Dharmendra became Dilawar Khan.

18 – Hema Malini and Dharmendra appeared together in a total of 28 films during their careers in Bollywood.

19 – Hema Malini is only 8 years older than Sunny Deol, who is the eldest child of Dharmendra and his first wife, Prakash Kaur.

20 – Madhoo Raghunath, known for her roles in ‘Phool Aur Kaante’ and ‘Roja,’ is Hema Malini’s niece.

21 – Hema Malini played a significant role in giving Shah Rukh Khan his break in Bollywood. Impressed by his work in TV serials, she cast him in her film Dil Aashna Hai, which also marked her directorial debut.

22 – Hema Malini’s foray into politics began when she was nominated to the Rajya Sabha by President APJ Abdul Kalam in 2003.

23 – Hema Malini was honoured with the title of PETA Person of the Year in 2011, for raising voice against animal cruelty.

24 – Hema Malini has graced the silver screen in more than 150 films.

25 – She was honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 1999 for her outstanding contributions to the film industry.

26 – She owns the Natya Vihar Kalakendra dance school, where she continues to promote and preserve the rich traditions of dance in India.

27 – Hema Malini was among the first few actresses to wear bell-bottoms and shirts on the silver screen, setting a style statement that became popular in her era.

28 – In Sholay, where Dharmendra teaches her to shoot, the actor reportedly paid the light boys to deliberately make mistakes during the shots.

29 – Hema Malini’s entry into politics was influenced by Vinod Khanna, a renowned actor and politician.

30 – Her on screen chemistry with Rajesh Khanna was successful, as they gave 10 blockbuster hits together.

31 – Hema Malini’s outstanding performances have earned her 11 nominations for the Filmfare Award.

32 – Hema Malini decided to reject the role in Satyam Shivam Sundaram due to concerns about excessive body exposure.

33 – Dharmendra and Hema Malini have two daughters, Esha and Ahana.

34 – Hema Malini is one of the few actresses to have won the Filmfare Award for Best Actress three times in a row (1973, 1974, and 1975).

35 – Hema Malini was the first Indian actress to appear on the cover of Time magazine.

36 – Hema Malini played a crucial role in reviving the careers of iconic actors Manoj Kumar and Rajesh Khanna. She starred alongside Manoj in Sanyasi and with Rajesh in Premnagar.

37 – In Vijay Anand’s Tere Mere Sapne, Hema Malini had a guest appearance and played the role of an actress named Maltimala, a character inspired by the renowned actress Vyjayanthimala.

38 – Sanjeev Kumar had deep feelings for Hema Malini and she was the only woman he ever wanted to marry. When she turned down his proposal, it left him devastated.

39 – Hema Malini’s favorite subject in school was History.

40 – In 2000, she received the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award and in 2019, she was presented with the Filmfare Special Award for her remarkable 50 years of outstanding contribution to cinema.

41 – Hema Malini provided a lot of support to Rekha during her early days in Bollywood.

42 – She officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2004 and later became its general secretary in 2010. In the May elections, she won the Mathura Lok Sabha seat for the BJP, becoming a Member of Parliament.

43 – Hema Malini was the fourth highest-paid actress in the years 1971-1975 and the second-highest-paid actress in the years 1976-1980.

44 – There were reports in the media that Jeetendra and Hema Malini had decided to get married, and they were in Chennai. However, as soon as Dharmendra came to know about this, he travelled all the way to Chennai.

45 – After being rejected by Sridhar in her early years, Hema Malini and the filmmaker eventually worked together in the 1973 film Gehri Chaal.

46 – Cricketer Srinivasaraghavan Venkataraghavan, like Hema Malini, was rumoured to have fallen in love with the actress.

47 – Hema Malini’s on-screen pairings with actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Rajesh Khanna, Jeetendra, and Amitabh were much-loved by the audience.

48 – Hema Malini has launched her own line of beauty products named Hema Malini’s Star Collection.

49 – She has authored an autobiography titled Hema Malini: Beyond the Dream Girl.

50 – In 2012, Sir Padampat Singhania University conferred an Honorary Doctorate on Malini in recognition of her contribution to Indian cinema.

51 – In 2006, Malini received the Sopori Academy of Music And Performing Arts (SaMaPa) Vitasta award from Bhajan Sopori in Delhi for her contribution and service to Indian culture and dance.

52 – Hema Malini is also a life member of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).

53 – Hema and Jeetendra became such good friends that Hema became the only person to know about Jeetendra’s affair with Mumtaz.

54 – Hema Malini often shares humorous anecdotes and enjoys engaging with her fans on social media.

55 – She also produced and directed her second feature film Mohini (1995), starring her niece Madhoo and actor Sudesh Berry in the leading roles.

56 – In the 90s, she focused on dancing and television work, only occasionally appearing in films. In 1997, she acted in Vinod Khanna’s production Himalay Putra.

57 – After taking a break from films for a number of years, Malini made a successful comeback with Baghban.

58 – In 2011, she produced and directed her third film, Tell Me O Khuda, which featured both her husband Dharmendra and her daughter Esha Deol.

59 – She was honoured with the Indian Film Personality of the Year Award at the 52nd International Film Festival of India in 2021.

60 – She once wrote to the Union Minister for Environment and Forests, Jairam Ramesh, urging him to ban bullfighting.

61 – In 2007, she performed in Mysuru on the eve of Dussehra, where she played the roles of Sati, Parvati and Durga.

62 – Hema Malini has appeared in television serials, including Jai Mata Ki, where she portrayed the role of goddess Durga.

63 – Hema Malini served as the editor of New Woman and Meri Saheli magazines.

64 – Hema Malini made history in 2000 when she was appointed as the first female chairperson of the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC).

65 – In 2007, Hema Malini became the brand ambassador of Kent RO Systems.

66 – Three biographical books about Hema Malini have been published, Hema Malini: Diva Unveiled, Hema Malini: Beyond the Dream Girl by Ram Kamal Mukherjee and Hema Malini: The Authorized Biography by Bhawana Somaaya.

67 – Her mother wasn’t very happy with her romance with Dharmendra and wanted her to marry Jeetendra.

68 – Jeetendra’s family was excited, but he knew that Hema Malini didn’t love him.

69 – Hema Malini continued to work in heroine-centric roles even after becoming a mother.

70 – In 2010, Hema Malini acted in the film Sadiyaan alongside fellow veteran actress Rekha.

71 – Hema Malini, along with her daughters Esha Deol and Ahana Deol, performed classical dance in a production called Parampara for charitable events.

72 – Hema Malini not only directed but also played the role of a Bharatanatyam dancer in the TV serial Noopur.

73 – Hema Malini, Esha Deol and Ahana Deol also showcased their talents at the Khajuraho Dance Festival.

74 – Hema Malini has portrayed various dance roles, including the characters of Narasimha and Rama in Tulasidas’s Ramcharitmanas.

75 – On 11 June 2015, Hema Malini became a grandmother when her younger daughter, Ahana Deol, welcomed her first child, Darien Vohra.

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About Hema Malini

Hema Malini is one outstanding human being. She is popularly known as an actress and a politician. However, she has many feathers on a cap, including being a dancer, producer, filmmaker, director, and many more. She began acting in 1963 when she was cast in the Tamil flick “Ithu Saathiyam.”

When she joined the industry, Hema had various roles, like playing a co-star and dancing. As an actress in the Bollywood industry, Hema’s debut came in 1968 when she featured in Sapno Ka Saudagar. Since then, she has featured and starred in many other Bollywood films. Apart from appearing in movies with other megastars like Devanand and Rajesh Khanna , she has also acted with her husband in various movies.

You can easily recognize her from the many movies she has participated in since 1977. People acknowledged her talent as she shot to stardom and named her “Dream Girl.” The name came about as people admired her incredible beauty.

In her long and fantastic career, Hema did not let her talent be defined by just playing a fixed character. She has always adapted and played different roles according to the producer’s requirements.

Hema Malini Age

Hema was born on 16 October 1948 and is currently 73 years old. Her birth place is Ammankudi. Ammankudi is located in Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu, India. Hema’s Zodiac sign is Libra.

Hema Malini Body Measurements and Physical Attributes

Hema is 5’6’’, which is 168 cm. Her eyes are dark brown, and her hair is black.

Biography of Hema Malini

Idhu Saathiyam, Vanavasam, and Sapno Ke Saudagar were her initial films in the industry. The latter was the one that catapulted her to fame and even earned her the name “Dream Girl.” In 1970, she was the star of various big films like Johnny Mera Naam. She also played some challenging roles around the same period. Such movies included playing a widow in Andaz and a very poor woman in Lal Patthar. In 1972, Hema featured alongside Dharmendra and Sanjeev Kapoor in the popular film Sita aur Geeta.

Barely four years after entering the industry, Hema was one of the biggest and most successful actresses in Bollywood. She was later awarded the Filmfare Best Actress Award following her performances on Pratigya, Sanyasi and Dharmatma. Other hit films she participated in during the 1970s include Kinaara, Joshila, Trishul, Meera and the 1975 blockbuster Sholay.

She then got married but continued featuring in various films in the 1980s like Naseeb, Rajput, Kranti and Satte Pe Satta. The Times of India referred to her and Rajesh Khanna as the “Top Film Couple” following her performances on Durga, Sitapur Ki Geeta, Jamai Raja, Ramkali, and Ek Chadar Maili Si. Later, actress Hema Malini appeared on set with her husband Dharmendra on Andha Kanoon, Baagwat, Alibaba and 40 Chor and Razia Sultan. Malini directed Dil Aashna Hai before stepping back to work on her dance and television programs.

Malini returned from her screen hiatus in 2003 and appeared in Baghban. She had an exemplary performance in the movie, which got her a Filmfare Best Actress Award. Malini then appeared in Veer-Zara in 2004 before proceeding with directing her second movie, Tell Me Oh Khuda. The movie included her family as her daughter Esha Deol and husband Dharmendra appeared in the film.

How Many Films Has Hema Malini Done?

Being such a popular actress, she has been in so many movies that it is challenging to state the exact number. However, it is estimated to be around 150.

Hema Malini’s Husband and Family

Hema is married to fellow Bollywood actor Dharmendra. They are blessed with two daughters, Ahana Deol and Esha Deol. Hema’s mother’s name is Jaya Chakravarti, while her father is VSR Chakravarti.

When Did Hema Malini Start Her Career?

Her first acting gig was in 1963 when she featured in Idhu Sathiyam. She later had a lead main character role in Sapno Ka Saudagar, filmed in 1968.

Hema Malini’s Involvement In Politics

Hema has also had her fair share of participation in politics. It all started in 1999 when she was at the forefront of campaigning for the then BJP candidate Vinod Khanna. That was followed by her nomination by the President as a Rajya Sabha member in 2003. In 2004, she joined the BJP as a member and was later elected its General Secretary in 2010.

Hema beat RLD’s Jayant Choudhary to join the Lok Sabha in 2014 as Mathura MP. She was reelected in 2019 as Mathura MP and works tirelessly to serve the needs of the people.

Hema Malini’s Net Worth

There are no exact details on Hema Malini’s net worth. However, it is estimated to be around $35 million. She has made most of her fortune from her cinema career.

Hema Malini’s Awards and Recognitions

She received the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 2000. In the same year, she was also given Padma Shri honors by the Indian government. She was outstanding in 1972 when she got nominated and won the Filmfare Awards for Best Actress 11 times.

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How Hema Malini struck a balance between Bharatanatyam and Bollywood Premium

Hema malini, kittappa pillai’s star disciple, recalls what made him one of the most sought-after gurus.

Updated - November 04, 2022 07:02 pm IST

Published - November 03, 2022 06:06 pm IST

Hema Malini at Kittappa Pillai tribute event in Thanjavur | Photo Credit: M. Srinath

As tourists troop out of the Thanjavur palace complex in the evening, and an unseen koel pipes up in the trees, cars draw up to the Sangeetha Mahal, bearing young passengers dressed in traditional Bharatanatyam costume.

They disembark in a fragrant cloud, the rustle of their silks mingling with the tinkle of  salangai , and pay obeisance to their gurus before proceeding backstage.

The hall is getting ready for the 16th homage programme to nattuvanar K.P. Kittappa Pillai (1913-1999), scion of the Thanjavur Quartet (Chinnaiah, Ponnaiah, Sivanandam and Vadivelu), and an acknowledged maestro of Bharatanatyam’s codified grammar.

Organised every year by Kittappa Natyalaya, run by the virtuoso’s youngest son K.P.K. Chandrasekaran, the programme showcases the talent of the Thanjavur-based academy’s students, and is attended by notable senior disciples of the guru.

Tribute to guru

Hema Malini felicitating a young dance student. Also seen are Prince Babaji Rajah Bhonsle and Gayathri Krishnan, Collector of Tiruvarur District | Photo Credit: M. Srinath

This year’s guest of honour was actor and politician Hema Malini, 74, who was Kittappa’s student in the 1960s and ’70s. With her arrival, keepsake photograph-hunters gather around, as some dance students rush to touch her feet. But the ‘dream girl’ politely keeps them at bay, her demeanour acknowledging that the evening’s leading star is her late teacher.

“Guruji was a very sweet and friendly person, even though I used to be scared of him at first,” she says, settling into a plastic chair in the back row. “He came into my life when I was 16, and had just started acting in Hindi films. I saw him on stage doing the nattuvangam for Vyjayanthimalaji in a dance programme in Madras, and was so impressed that I wanted to learn only from him.”

Having learned dance from the age of six and becoming a performer at age eight, Hema Malini’s interest in learning Bharatanatyam from one of its most meritorious teachers was driven by a desire to excel in the art form.

“My guru from Delhi was Sikkal Ramaswami Pillai. I also learnt from Indira from Kalakshetra. Though there were other exponents in Madras, I was very keen to learn from the same guru who had tutored Vyjayanthimala. So my father arranged a meeting and guruji started teaching me.”

Hema Malini recalls her long association with Kittappa Pillai | Photo Credit: M. Srinath

Recalling Kittappa’s orchestration skills, she says the simplest of his jathis would look spectacular when presented on stage. “I learned beautiful and rare pieces, like ‘Navasandhi’, ‘Suladi’, and many varnams. I may not remember some of them today, but I’m sure if I see guruji, it will all come back to me, and I will start dancing,” she says with smile.

Kittappa Pillai began training Hema Malini in Bharatanatyam just as her career as Bollywood’s sweetheart was taking off after her debut in the 1968 film  Sapnon ka Saudagar  opposite Raj Kapoor. “I was born in Ammankudi near Tiruchi, and was taken to Delhi as a three-month-old. From there, my family shifted to Madras, and then when I started acting in Hindi films, to Bombay. Guruji came to Bombay regularly to teach me.”

Juggling dance and films

Their association lasted for a decade, when Hema Malini ruled the screens with multiple outings as the feisty heroine in films like  Johnny Mera Naam ,  Seeta Aur Geeta  and  Sholay .

It was difficult to balance both films and dance practice, she admits. “I would be overwhelmed, because I’d shoot till afternoon for films, and then give a dance performance in the evening. But I continued learning from guruji, so much so that when I had no time to rehearse at home, I would take him along on outdoor shoots,” she says.

This was also the time when she was learning Kuchipudi from Vempati Chinna Satyam and Mohiniattam from Natanam Gopalakrishnan.

“At one time, I would do all three dance styles in one programme, and all the three gurus would be on stage,” she recalls.

Unique style

“Kittappa Pillai’s  sollukattu  (vocal percussion) rendition was so fast that mridangam players would struggle to keep pace,” says Hema Malini. “But it would still be the most comfortable rhythm for the artiste. This was his special ability.”

And he wasn’t above making allowances for her affection for film star Dharmendra, who would eventually marry her. “When our romance was developing, guruji was there, watching,” she says, blushingly. “He never played Cupid, but if I asked to be let off a bit early from dance practice so that I could meet Dharamji, he would agree.” The macho hero and the dance master were thick friends, she adds.

“I would always see them, trying to talk, mostly with gestures, because Dharamji didn’t know Tamil, and Guruji never learned Hindi,” she laughs.

Despite the extensive training, Hema Malini never got to show much of her Bharatanatyam skills in films. “Dances in movies and of the classical stream are two different art forms. One is a mixture of styles, the other is formal and has rigid rules. Unlike Vyjayanthimala, I was unable to use my Bharatanatyam skills in songs, because films had changed over the years. By the time I got my big break, heroines were required to portray the strong modern woman,” she says.

As a classical dancer, she never agrees to do a ‘film dance’ on the stage. “I have opted for dance ballets that give greater scope to add stories from the epics and blend different styles of dancing, to appeal to the public.”

Hema Malini tried learning a varnam online from Chandrasekaran, during lockdown. “It was easy to pick up, but to practice and see the final result, one has to dance in front of the guru. I’m happy to see young dancers all over India taking forward the legacy of Bharatanatyam gurus,” she says.

As the evening’s programme begins, Hema Malini devotes her attention to the performances, honest tributes to her revered guru.

In his footsteps

The annual dance homage to K.P. Kittappa Pillai is the best way to commemorate the nattuvangam maestro’s legacy, says his son and programme organiser K.P.K. Chandrasekaran, who represents the eighth generation of the family.

Born into the famed ‘Thanjavur Quartet’ clan in 1913, Kittappa Pillai was an accomplished singer, composer and of course, nattuvanar.

“One may be surprised to hear that appa came late to Bharatanatyam. After training under his maternal grandfather Meenakshi Sundaram Pillai, and then under his father Ponniah Pillai, he was a vocal artiste with his cousin Narayanasamy, son of Pichhai Nattuvanar,” says Chandrasekaran.

When Narayanasamy passed away, Kittappa, then in his 30s, was requested by Padmanabha Iyer in Bengaluru, to do nattuvangam for his daughter Padmalochini Nagarajan. “She was appa’s first disciple.”

Tutoring Padmalochini meant a shift to Bengaluru from Thanjavur, where Kittappa resided with his family in a heritage home gifted by Thulaji Bhonsle II. Chandrasekaran continues to live here.

“Appa’s maternal uncle Pandanallur Muthiah Pillai, his son Gopalakrishnan and my father rented a house in Shankarapuram, Bengaluru, and would visit students’ homes for lessons. Appa spent 35 years in Bengaluru, and from that’s where his circle of students grew to places like Chennai and Mumbai,” he says.

Kittappa’s Bharatanatyam students span generations, and come from all walks of life. “Besides actors like Vyjayanthimala and Hema Malini, he has taught Sudharani Raghupathy, Narthaki Nataraj and Malathi Dominic. Some would come just to learn one varnam. His expertise in vocal rendition helped him to develop music suited for the dance stage.” Kittappa popularised rare works like ‘Sarabhendra Bhoopala Kuravanji’, ‘Navasanthi Kavuthuvam’, ‘Suladi’ and ‘Prabhandam’. “He was an intuitive teacher. Each lesson would vary according to the student’s capability.”

Chandrasekaran, the youngest of the maestro’s eight children, works as a dance teacher at a government school in Tiruvarur, and has kept the legacy alive through the Kittappa Natyalaya in Thanjavur.

Kittappa’s granddaughters Charumathi, Jayashree and Subhashree are learning Bharatanatyam, while grandson Sabapathy has taken up mridangam and nattuvangam training. His great grandson Kavish Dinesh is learning violin. “We have to work to pass this knowledge on. Appa was active till his last living day. He died at the age of 87 in 1999,” says Chandrasekaran.

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Hema Malini Biography: Figure, Age, Height, Net Worth, Family, Career and Favorites

Embark on a riveting exploration into the life and legacy of Hema Malini, a multifaceted personality who has left an indelible mark on entertainment and beyond. In this expansive blog post, we will delve into the intricate details of Hema Malini’s Biography, Wiki, Age, Figure, Height, Career, Family, Movies, Husband, Kids, Awards, and Net Worth, uncovering the captivating story behind the glitz and glamour.

Hema Malini’s Biography

Hema Malini, born on 16 October 1948 in Ammankudi, Tamil Nadu, is not just an Indian actress but a legend of Indian cinema. Known as the “Dream Girl” of Bollywood, her career spans several decades, making significant contributions in the fields of acting, dance, and politics. Hema’s journey began in the 1960s when she was discovered by a talent scout. Her first film, “Ithu Sathiyam” in 1963, marked the beginning, but it was “Sapno Ka Saudagar” (1968) that brought her recognition.

Table: Hema Malini’s Overview

	Details
	Hema Malini R. Chakravarty
	16 October 1948
	Ammankudi, Tamil Nadu, India
	V.S. Ramanujam Chakravarti (Father), Jaya Lakshmi Chakravarti (Mother)
	R.K. Chakravarti and R.J. Chakravarti
	Married
	Dharmendra (Dharam Singh Deol)
	Esha Deol, Ahana Deol (daughters), Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol (step-sons), Vijayta Deol, Ajeeta Deol (step-daughters)
	Actress, Classical Dancer, Politician
	Tamil: Ithu Sathiyam (1963), Bollywood: Sapno Ka Saudagar (1968)
	Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
	Dream Girl
	75 years (2023)
	INR 249 crore
	Andhra Mahila Sabha, Chennai
	Indian
	Hinduism
	5 feet 6 inches (168 cm)
	60 kg (132 lbs)
	Dark Brown
	Black
	Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award, Padma Shri (2000)
	Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz, and more

Early Life & Family

Hema Malini’s journey began in Ammankudi, Tamil Nadu, in a Tamil-speaking Iyengar Brahmin family. Her father, V.S. Ramanujam Chakraborty, was a film producer, and her mother, Jaya Lakshmi Chakraborty, was a homemaker. Growing up, Hema showed an early interest in classical dance, especially Bharatanatyam, and also displayed a keen intellect. Her passion for acting led her to leave her studies after the 12th grade to pursue a career in the film industry.

Personal Life

Hema Malini’s married life with Dharmendra, a renowned actor, has been a significant aspect of her journey. Despite challenges arising from Dharmendra’s previous marriage, the couple has faced them with resilience. They share two daughters, Esha Deol and Ahana Deol, both of whom have followed in their parents’ footsteps and entered the entertainment industry.

Despite the demands of their respective careers, Hema Malini and Dharmendra have maintained a sense of privacy in their family life. Over the years, their marriage has been a symbol of enduring love and mutual support.

Hema Malini Movie Career

Hema Malini’s film career from 1963 to 1980 marked a significant period in Bollywood. From her debut in Tamil films to becoming one of the leading actresses in Hindi cinema, her journey is a tapestry of versatile roles and iconic performances. Collaborations with legendary filmmakers like Raj Kapoor and Dev Anand, and unforgettable characters like Basanti in “Sholay,” cemented her status as the “Dream Girl.”

The 1970s brought pivotal roles, including “Sita Aur Geeta,” for which she won the Filmfare Award for Best Actress. “Sholay” (1975) became a cultural phenomenon, and her pairing with Dharmendra resulted in several successful films.

Table: Some Movies by Hema Malini

Sapno Ka Saudagar (1968)	Kranti (1981)	Censor (2001): Radha
Johnny Mera Naam (1970)	Satte Pe Satta (1982)	Baghban (2003): Pooja Malhotra
Seeta Aur Geeta (1972)	Andha Kanoon (1983)	Veer-Zaara (2004)
Sholay (1975): Basanti	Razia Sultan (1983)	Shimla Mirchi (2020): Rukmini
Dream Girl (1977): Sapna	Ek Chadar Maili Si (1986)	–
Meera (1979): Meera	Baabul (2006): Shobhna Kapoor	–

Hema Malini’s Awards & Honors

Hema Malini’s contribution to Indian cinema has been acknowledged through numerous awards, including the prestigious Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award, Padma Shri (2000), and various other accolades from the industry. From her early films like “Seeta Aur Geeta” to her later achievements, Hema Malini’s legacy in Bollywood is firmly established.

Some Facts About Hema Malini

• Hema Malini is not only a Bollywood actress but also a trained Bharatanatyam dancer.
• Born in Ammankudi, Tamil Nadu, Hema Malini spent her formative years in the southern part of India before making her mark in Bollywood.
• Hema Malini’s initial performance in the film industry was as a child artiste in the Tamil film “Ithu Sathiyam” (1963).
• Hema Malini is known as the “Dream Girl” of Bollywood, a title given to her because of her ethereal beauty and grace.
• Apart from Hindi and Tamil, she has worked in films in many other languages, including Telugu and Malayalam films.
• Hema Malini and Dharmendra are one of Bollywood’s most loved couples, having worked together in many films and sharing successful on-screen and off-screen chemistry.

Hema Malini’s Political Journey

Beyond the arc lights, Hema Malini’s political journey is equally noteworthy. She joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and became an elected Member of Parliament from Mathura in Uttar Pradesh. Her contributions to cultural and social causes have been widely appreciated, showcasing her commitment to public service.

As we navigate through the myriad facets of Hema Malini’s life, one can’t help but marvel at the sheer depth of her contributions to Indian cinema and society. From the glittering world of Bollywood to the hallowed halls of Parliament, Hema Malini has donned multiple hats with grace and élan. Her legacy is not just a cinematic saga but a testament to the power of talent, resilience, and an unwavering spirit. As the “Dream Girl” continues to inspire generations, her journey stands as a shining beacon of success, reminding us that dreams, when pursued with dedication, can indeed become a reality.

Must Read:  Anil Kapoor Biography: Age, Height, Weight, Family, Career and Favorites

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Hema Malini

Hema Malini, an Indian actress, director, producer, and politician, was born on October 16, 1948. She has been a member of the Lok Sabha representing the Mathura seat for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) since 2014. She was elected as a member of the BJP from 2003 to 2009 and served as a member of the Rajya Sabha representing Karnataka from 2011 to 2012. She is best recognised for her work in Hindi films, where she has portrayed both comedic and serious characters. She is also one of the most well-liked and prosperous leading actresses in mainstream Hindi cinema.

In 1963, Malini made her feature film debut in the Tamil film Idhu Sathiyam. After starring in her first lead part in Sapno Ka Saudagar (1968), Malini went on to play a number of supporting roles in Hindi films, often opposite Dharmendra, with whom she eventually got married in 1980. At first, Malini was referred to as the “Dream Girl” and she starred in the film of the same name in 1977. She was nominated 10 more times before Baghban (2003), and she received the Filmfare Award for Best Actress for her dual performance in the comedy Seeta Aur Geeta (1972). Malini received the Filmfare Special Award for 50 Years of Outstanding Contribution to Cinema in 2019 in addition to the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 2000.

In 2000, the Indian government bestowed upon Malini the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian decoration. Malini received an honorary doctorate from Sir Padampat Singhania University in 2012 as a thank you for her contributions to Indian cinema. Malini presided over the National Film Development Corporation as its chair. Malini was given the Vitasta award by Bhajan Sopori of the Sopori Academy of Music and Performing Arts (SaMaPa) in Delhi in 2006 in recognition of her services and contributions to Indian dance and culture. The Andhra Pradesh government awarded her the NTR National Award in 2013 in recognition of her contributions to Indian film. Malini has participated in philanthropic and social endeavours. Malini is a lifelong member of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) at the moment.

More Details

Name	Hema Malini
Also Known as	Hema Malini
Date of Birth	16/10/1948
Current Residence	Tiruchirappalli district, Tamil Ndau
Religion	Hinduism
Nationality	Indian
Height	168 CM
Father	VSR Chakravarthi
Mother	Jay Laxshmi
Spouse	Dharmendra
Children	Esha Deol,Ahana Deol
Marriage Date	01/05/1980

Debut Movies
Language	Movie Name
Hindi	Idhu Sathiyam
Telugu	Pandava Vanavasam

--> --> --> --> --> -->

Awards List
Year	Award	Category	Movie Name
2000	Civilian award	Padma Shri
1973	Filmfare Awards	Best Actress	Seeta Aur Geeta
1999	Filmfare Awards	Lifetime Achievement
2003	Screen Awards	Star Screen Award Jodi No. 1	Baghban
2003	Zee Cine Awards	Lifetime Achievement

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PM Narendra Modi pens foreword for Hema Malini's authorised biography

The launch of biography also marks the celebration of hema malini's glorious run of 50 years in indian showbiz..

Its launch also marks the celebration of Hema Malini's glorious run of 50 years in Indian showbiz."Our PM has written very briefly in the book about his feelings for Hemaji. It's short, crisp and sweet, not rubble and bubble. It's an honour for me as an author and for Hemaji also that it is perhaps the first time that an active Prime Minister has written a foreword for a book on a Bollywood actor," said Mukherjee. 

Having started her film career in 1968 with Raj Kapoor-starrer "Sapno Ka Saudagar", she regaled movie buffs with roles in films like "Seeta Aur Geeta", "Sholay", "Dream Girl" and "Satte Pe Satta". An accomplished classical dancer, Hema Malini earned the epithet of 'Dreamgirl' for her flawless beauty, and became a pioneering female superstar in an otherwise male-oriented film industry. In 1999, Hema Malini campaigned for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate in the Lok Sabha elections in Gurdaspur, Punjab. She is now a BJP MP from Mathura constituency. 

"I guess it's all because of Hemaji's credentials and contribution to art and cinema that Mr Modi agreed to pen the foreword. When I was interacting with his office, they were very happy that Hemaji did not just limit her talk in the book to Bollywood," said Mukherjee, who had in 2005 released a coffee table book called "Hema Malini Diva Unveiled". "Beyond The Dreamgirl", published by HarperCollins India, will give readers an in-depth look into her life.

"It is divided into 23 chapters, covering her childhood, teens, Bollywood, rise as an actor, romance, colleagues, marriage, her second innings, launching Shah Rukh Khan in 'Dil Aashna Hai' - which she directed - her ballet, her political journey and spiritual journey. There are two chapters dedicated to her daughters Esha and Ahana. "She has also spoken about her Agra accident and her singing career. We have summed it all up with a chapter called 'Bliss'. This book will also have Hemaji's family tree, which has not been published earlier, and there will be a lot of exclusive unseen photographs from her personal, professional and political spheres," Mukherjee said. The ageless talent has shared an insight into her life with Dharmendra as well as spoken on political figures like Modi, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, L.K. Advani and Sushma Swaraj .

"It was almost like a miracle to have Mr Modi write for us. When I discussed it with Hemaji, her first expression was, 'I hope you know what you're saying. I know you're under pressure, but I think you're losing your mind'. "When I said there's no harm in trying, she said, 'You try and do whatever you want to do'. Then it was a process." The writer feels it's the actress' constant effort in promoting Indian classical music and dance through her ballets on Hindu mythological characters like Durga and Meera, which Modi appreciates.

The actress who earned the epithet of dreamgirl for her beauty is a pioneer of classical dance and music. She promotes the art at various international platforms. This is Hema Malini's USP, says the author of the biography.

(With IANS inputs)

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Hema Malini, Tamil Nadu Girl Dies After Consuming Pesticide At Ashram

The girl hema malini was brought to the ashram by her parents in 2020 as she was suffering from severe stomach and neck pain. malini lived in the ashram for two years..

Twitter hashtag Justice For Hema Malini started to trend on February 17. It was a reaction to the death of a 20-year-old college student in Tamil Nadu's Tiruvallur district. As per the police, the girl allegedly died by suicide after drinking pesticides.

According to reports, police are interrogating a self-proclaimed godman of a ashram where the deceased student was staying. The girl's family have raised allegations of a conspiracy behind the incident.As soon as the news broke out, many social media users started tweeting on the subject demanding justice for the girl.

Who Is Hema Malini?

The 20-year-old girl, Hema Malini was a B.Sc computer science student at a private engineering college. She was staying at the ashram and was undergoing treament for many diseases for over a year. Reportedly, the girl started vomitting on February 15 at the ashram. Her aunt then informed the godman of the ashram, Munasamy and asked the girl to be admitted to a hospital. As per reports , Munasamy then arranged a autorickshaw after a couple of hours. When the girl finally reached the hospital, the doctors informed that the girl had drank pesticides. The girl reportedly died during the treatment. Her body has been sent for postmortem.

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The said ashram is located near Poodi at Vellathukottai where individuals come to get "herbal treatment" for ailments and worship. The girl Hema Malini was brought to the ashram by her parents in 2020 as she was suffering from severe stomach and neck pain. Malini lived in the ashram for two years. After Malini's death, her parents alleged that Munasamy was involved in inappropriate practices, they said that he is worshipped by his disciples only on Amavasya and Poornima. The parents also alleged that their daughter Hema Malini was made to worship Munasamy late at night. Many women reportedly come to the ashram to seek blessings for marriage.

The social media campaign started after Malini's death and many people also asked for a CBI inquiry. Social media users asked for a ban on such ashrams. The BJP Tamil Nadu President K. Annamalai has also been asked to raise his voice about the issue.

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On October 16, 1948, Hema Malini was born in Jeeyapuram, Tiruchirappalli district, Madras Presidency, India. The sign of the zodiac she belongs to is Libra. She was born into the Chakravarthy family, which speaks Tamil.

Hema Malini Biography: Hema Malini, an Indian politician, film producer, and prominent Bollywood actress, was born on October 16, 1948. Her most renowned contributions were to Hindi cinema. Initially marketed under the title “Dream Girl,” she appeared in a 1977 film of the same name. Malini made her acting début in “Sapno Ka Saudagar” in 1968, and she subsequently appeared in a number of Hindi films, frequently opposite Dharmendra, whom she married in 1980. She is among the most renowned prominent women in Bollywood. Malini has appeared in Tamil films as well as notable Hindi films. After the release of her début film, she never looked back. Malini received two distinguished awards in 2019 and 2000: the Filmfare Special Award for 50 Years of Outstanding Contribution to Cinema and the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award.

Hema Malini Birthday

On October 16, 1948, Hema Malini was born in Jeeyapuram, Tiruchirappalli district, Madras Presidency, India. The sign of the zodiac she belongs to is Libra. She was born into the Chakravarthy family, which speaks Tamil. Jaya is her mother’s name, and V.S.R. Chakravarthy is her father. In South India, her mother was a renowned and esteemed film producer. Malini is the younger sibling of the film producers R.K. Chakravarthy and R.J. Chakravarthy.

History was her preferred subject at Andhra Mahila Sabha, an educational institution she attended in Chennai. After graduating from D.T.E.A. Mandir Marg in the eleventh grade, she commenced her vocation as an actress. Her film producer mother strongly encouraged her to pursue an acting career. In contrast, Malini was unable to achieve widespread acclaim as an actress in the realm of South Indian cinema. Nonetheless, she maintained her occupation as a performer. “Idhu Sathiyam,” her inaugural Tamil film, was theatrically released in 1963, featuring her in the supporting actress role. She was appointed the main actress of the 1968 Hindi film “Sapno Ka Saudagar.”

After being captivated by Malini’s beauty, Bollywood thespian Sanjeev Kumar extended a marriage proposal, which she declined. She developed an emotional attachment to Dharmendra subsequent to their collaboration on the set. The union of the couple took place in 1980. Following the refusal of Dharmendra’s first wife to grant him a divorce, the couple married in Khandala in a private ceremony after converting to Islam. Throughout her twenty-year career, she collaborated with every major actor of the era. Prominent artists including Rajesh Khanna were among her collaborators. Malini has solidified her status as one of the preeminent Bollywood actresses in history.

Hema Malini Net Worth, Height

Name	Hema Malini
Nickname	Dream Girl
Birth date	October 16, 1948
Age	75
Zodiac Sign	Libra
Height	5′ 6″
Relationship Status	Married
Net Worth	$60 million
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Hema Malini Biography: 5 INCREDIBLE FACTS

Hema Malini asserts that the fact that her dietary decisions benefit the environment and animals brings her joy.

Malini was influenced to pursue a career in dance rather than acting by her mother, who opposed her desire to become an actress.

She ceased her academic pursuits in order to devote herself to dancing.

Out of a total of 45 films, she and her spouse Dharmendra have shared 31 appearances in which they have been romantically matched.

Malini presided over the National Film Development Corporation (N.F.D.C.) as its inaugural female leader.

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