Hema Malini: Still our Dream Girl at 64

The Dream Girl of Bollywood, Hema Malini, turns 64 today. Actress, mother, politician, classical dancer-choreographer and director, Hema Malini has played many roles in life. On her birthday we take you on a magical tour, giving you a glimpse of her journey.

  • The <i>Dream Girl</i> of Bollywood, Hema Malini, turns 64 today. Actress, mother, politician, classical dancer-choreographer and director, Hema Malini has played many roles in life. On her birthday we take you on a magical tour, giving you a glimpse of her journey.
    The Dream Girl of Bollywood, Hema Malini, turns 64 today. Actress, mother, politician, classical dancer-choreographer and director, Hema Malini has played many roles in life. On her birthday we take you on a magical tour, giving you a glimpse of her journey.
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  • Hema Malini was born on October 16, 1948 to a Tamil Iyengar family in Tiruchirapalli. Her mother was a film producer and she has two elder brothers.
    Hema Malini was born on October 16, 1948 to a Tamil Iyengar family in Tiruchirapalli. Her mother was a film producer and she has two elder brothers.
  • Hema Malini first appeared as a dancer in 1961 Telugu film <i>Pandava Vanavasam</i>.
    Hema Malini first appeared as a dancer in 1961 Telugu film Pandava Vanavasam.
  • Hema Malini marked her Bollywood debut with 1968 movie <i>Sapnon Ka Saudagar</i> opposite Raj Kapoor. She was promoted as the Dream Girl and the tag stuck with her.
    Hema Malini marked her Bollywood debut with 1968 movie Sapnon Ka Saudagar opposite Raj Kapoor. She was promoted as the Dream Girl and the tag stuck with her.
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  • Among her most successful movies was the blockbuster <i>Seeta Aur Geeta</i>, in which she played a double role opposite Dharmendra and Sanjeev Kumar.
    Among her most successful movies was the blockbuster Seeta Aur Geeta, in which she played a double role opposite Dharmendra and Sanjeev Kumar.
  • Hema Malini also left a lasting impression in <i>Sholay</i>, <i>Naseeb</i>, <i>Satte Pe Satta</i> and <i>Razia Sultan</i>.
    Hema Malini also left a lasting impression in Sholay, Naseeb, Satte Pe Satta and Razia Sultan.
  • Hema Malini, the highest paid Hindi actress of 70s, married her <i>Sholay</i> co-star Dharmendra in 1980. Their romance blossomed on set, but Dharmendra was already married with children, and had to convert to Islam to be able to marry Hema.
    Hema Malini, the highest paid Hindi actress of 70s, married her Sholay co-star Dharmendra in 1980. Their romance blossomed on set, but Dharmendra was already married with children, and had to convert to Islam to be able to marry Hema.
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  • Hema and Dharmendra's screen chemistry was responsible for many hit films like <i>Dream Girl, Seeta Aur Geeta</i> and the immortal <i>Sholay</i>.
    Hema and Dharmendra's screen chemistry was responsible for many hit films like Dream Girl, Seeta Aur Geeta and the immortal Sholay.
  • Hema Malini and Dharmendra have two daughters ? Esha and Ahana Deol. Esha is a Bollywood actress who recently married businessman Bharat Takhtani. Ahana is an Odissi dancer.
    Hema Malini and Dharmendra have two daughters – Esha and Ahana Deol. Esha is a Bollywood actress who recently married businessman Bharat Takhtani. Ahana is an Odissi dancer.
  • Before she married Dharmendra, Hema Malini was famously pursued by actors Sanjeev Kumar and Jeetendra, both of whom proposed to her and were turned down. In her biography, Hema reveals that she nearly accepted Jeetendra's proposal. Sanjeev Kumar reportedly turned to alcohol after his proposal was rejected and he stayed single for the rest of his life.
    Before she married Dharmendra, Hema Malini was famously pursued by actors Sanjeev Kumar and Jeetendra, both of whom proposed to her and were turned down. In her biography, Hema reveals that she nearly accepted Jeetendra's proposal. Sanjeev Kumar reportedly turned to alcohol after his proposal was rejected and he stayed single for the rest of his life.
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  • Hema Malini was awarded the <i>Padma Bhushan</i> in 1999 for her contribution to Indian cinema.
    Hema Malini was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1999 for her contribution to Indian cinema.
  • In 2003, she was nominated to the Rajya Sabha. She formally joined the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) in 2004.
    In 2003, she was nominated to the Rajya Sabha. She formally joined the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) in 2004.
  • Hema Malini's first film as director was 1992's <i>Dil Ashna Hai</i>, in which she cast rookie actor Shah Rukh Khan, giving him one of first breaks in Bollywood. The movie tanked at the box office and Hema put her directing career on hold to focus on dance.
    Hema Malini's first film as director was 1992's Dil Ashna Hai, in which she cast rookie actor Shah Rukh Khan, giving him one of first breaks in Bollywood. The movie tanked at the box office and Hema put her directing career on hold to focus on dance.
  • Hema Malini is well-known for her classical dance performances, usually featuring both her daughters. She last performed at designer Neeta Lulla's show at fashion week in Mumbai.
    Hema Malini is well-known for her classical dance performances, usually featuring both her daughters. She last performed at designer Neeta Lulla's show at fashion week in Mumbai.
  • In 2003, Hema Malini made a comeback in <i>Baghban</i> opposite co-star of old Amitabh Bachchan. She also had a cameo in Yash Chopra's <i>Veer-Zaara</i> (2004).
    In 2003, Hema Malini made a comeback in Baghban opposite co-star of old Amitabh Bachchan. She also had a cameo in Yash Chopra's Veer-Zaara (2004).