“Hema Malini : Renowned Bollywood actress, accomplished Bharatanatyam dancer, politician, and versatile film producer, continues to inspire through her multifaceted career.”
Personal details :
Born : 16 October 1948 (age 75)
Place : Ammankudi, Madras State, India
Spouse :
Dharmendra ( M. 1980)
Children : 02
Including Esha Deol
Occupation :
Actress : Producer
Director : Politician
Awards :
Padma Shri (2000)
Political party : BJP
Other political :
National Democratic Alliance
Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha
About
Hema Malini, born on October 16, 1948, is a distinguished figure in Indian cinema, known for her roles as an actress, director, producer, and politician. Currently serving as a Member of Parliament for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), she represents the Mathura constituency in the Lok Sabha since 2014. Prior to this, she was a member of the Rajya Sabha from Karnataka from 2011 to 2012, having been nominated to the chamber from 2003 to 2009.
Her cinematic journey commenced in 1963 with the Tamil film “Idhu Sathiyam,” and she gained acclaim with her lead role in “Sapno Ka Saudagar” (1968). Often referred to as the “Dream Girl,” she frequently starred alongside Dharmendra, whom she married in 1980. One of her notable achievements includes winning the Filmfare Award for Best Actress for her dual role in the comedy “Seeta Aur Geeta” (1972).
Beyond her acting prowess, Hema Malini has received numerous honors, including the prestigious Padma Shri in 2000, India’s fourth-highest civilian honor. In 2012, she was conferred an honorary doctorate by Sir Padampat Singhania University for her significant contribution to Indian cinema. Additionally, she has served as the chairperson of the National Film Development Corporation.
Recognized for her cultural contributions, Malini received the Sopori Academy of Music And Performing Arts (SaMaPa) Vitasta award in 2006. In 2013, the Government of Andhra Pradesh honored her with the NTR National Award for her outstanding contribution to Indian cinema. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Hema Malini is actively engaged in charitable and social ventures, exemplifying her commitment to both artistic and philanthropic endeavors. She is a life member of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).
Early Life and Family
Hema Malini, born into a Tamil Iyengar Brahmin family in Ammankudi, Tamil Nadu, embarked on her acting journey after completing her education at DTEA Mandir Marg.
Making her cinematic debut alongside Dharmendra in “Tum Haseen Main Jawaan” (1970), the two eventually exchanged vows in 1980.
Dharmendra, having children from his previous marriage, including Bollywood stalwarts Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, added to the familial mix. Hema Malini and Dharmendra are proud parents of two daughters, Esha Deol (born 1981) and Ahana Deol (born 1985).
Madhoo, celebrated for her roles in iconic films like “Phool Aur Kaante” and “Roja,” shares a familial connection as Hema Malini’s niece. In 2015, Hema Malini embraced grandmotherhood when her younger daughter, Ahana Deol, welcomed her first child, Darien Vohra. Two years later, the joy expanded as her elder daughter, Esha Deol Takhtani, gave birth to a daughter named Radhya Takhtani in 2017.
Beyond her illustrious career in Indian cinema, Hema Malini’s personal life weaves a tale of familial bonds, with her contributions extending to the joys of grandmotherhood and the continuation of a legacy within the Hindi film industry.
Conjugal Life
Hema Malini’s conjugal life reflects a captivating narrative intertwined with the glitz of Bollywood.
Her union with Dharmendra, initiated in 1980, evolved into a lasting partnership marked by shared professional endeavors and personal milestones. Dharmendra, already a seasoned actor with a familial legacy in the industry, brought a unique dynamic to their relationship.
The couple’s journey unfolded against the backdrop of film collaborations, the most notable being their first movie together, “Tum Haseen Main Jawaan” (1970). Despite Dharmendra’s prior marriage and children, Hema Malini and he carved their path, becoming parents to daughters Esha Deol and Ahana Deol. The bond transcends the screen, creating a harmonious blend of familial ties and shared artistic pursuits. Hema Malini’s conjugal narrative mirrors resilience, enduring love, and a harmonious balance between personal life and the glamorous world of Hindi cinema.
Film career
Malini had minor roles in Pandava Vanavasam (1965) and Idhu Sathiyam (1962). In 1968, she was selected for the lead role opposite Raj Kapoor in Sapno Ka Saudagar and was subsequently promoted as the “Dream Girl.”
1960–1970 (Early work)
Hema Malini took the lead in Johnny Mera Naam (1970), and her subsequent roles in films like Andaz (1971) and Lal Patthar (1971) firmly established her as a leading actress. In the notable year 1972, she delivered a memorable performance in Seeta Aur Geeta, portraying a double role opposite Dharmendra and Sanjeev Kumar, which earned her a Filmfare Best Actress Award.
Her successful film journey includes Sanyasi, Dharmatma, Pratigya, Sholay, Trishul, and more. Collaborating in 28 films, Hema Malini and Dharmendra’s on-screen partnership produced memorable hits such as Sharafat, Tum Haseen Main Jawan, Raja Jani, and the iconic Sholay.
While her chemistry with Rajesh Khanna was praised in Andaz and Prem Nagar, later collaborations like Mehbooba and Janta Hawaldar did not fare well at the box office. Hema Malini’s career reflects a blend of successful ventures, iconic collaborations, and her enduring presence as a versatile actress in the Indian film industry.
1980–1997 (Commercial success)
In the 80s, Hema Malini continued her successful stint in big-budget films like Kranti, Naseeb, Satte Pe Satta, and Rajput. Even after becoming a mother, she took on strong, heroine-centric roles in movies like Aandhi Toofan, Durgaa, Ramkali, Sitapur Ki Geeta, Ek Chadar Maili Si, Rihaee, and Jamai Raja.
During this period, her collaborations with Dharmendra included Alibaba Aur 40 Chor, Baghavat, Samraat, Razia Sultan, and Raaj Tilak.
She also maintained her on-screen chemistry with Rajesh Khanna in films like Dard, Bandish, Kudrat, Hum Dono, Rajput, Babu, Durgaa, Sitapur Ki Geeta, and Paap Ka Ant, achieving considerable success in her career.
Transitioning into the 1990s, Hema Malini took on new roles as a producer and director. She directed the 1992 film Dil Aashna Hai, starring Divya Bharti and Shah Rukh Khan, and later directed her second feature, Mohini (1995), featuring her niece Madhoo and Sudesh Berry. Subsequently, she shifted her focus to dance, television, and occasional film appearances, including her role in Vinod Khanna’s production Himalay Putra in 1997.
2000(s)–Present
After a break from films, Hema Malini made a strong comeback with Baghban (2003), earning a Filmfare Best Actress Award nomination. She also made guest appearances in Veer-Zaara (2004) and Laaga Chunari Mein Daag (2007), along with a supporting role in Baabul (2006).
In 2010, she starred in Sadiyaan alongside Rekha. However, her 2011 production and directorial venture, Tell Me O Khuda, featuring Dharmendra and daughter Esha Deol, faced box office challenges.
In 2017, she portrayed Vijaya Raje Scindia in Ek Thi Rani Aisi Bhi, alongside Vinod Khanna in his final film. The movie, directed by Gul Bahar Singh, was released on April 21, 2017. Hema Malini’s recent film, Shimla Mirchi, featuring Rajkummar Rao and Rakul Preet Singh, premiered in India on January 3, 2020, and on Netflix on January 27, 2020.
In a significant recognition of her illustrious career, Hema Malini was honored with the Indian Film Personality of the Year Award at the 52nd International Film Festival of India in 2021.
Political career
In 1999, Hema Malini actively supported Vinod Khanna, a former Bollywood actor and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate, during the Lok Sabha Elections in Gurdaspur, Punjab. By February 2004, she formally joined the BJP. Her political journey continued as she served as a Member of Parliament (MP) in the Rajya Sabha from 2003 to 2009, nominated by the then President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
In March 2010, Malini assumed the position of general secretary within the BJP, marking a significant role in her political career. This elevation came on the recommendation of Ananth Kumar, the party’s general secretary, in February 2011. In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Hema Malini contested and emerged victorious in Mathura, defeating the incumbent Jayant Chaudhary (RLD) by a significant margin of 3,30,743 votes.
