Hema Malini, the “Dream Girl” of Bollywood, is a multifaceted personality—a veteran actress, a successful film producer, and a prominent Indian politician. Beyond her dazzling screen presence, her life story is a captivating blend of personal triumphs and controversies.

Biography/Wiki

Hema Malini Chakravarthy was born on October 16, 1948, in Jeeyapuram, Tiruchirappalli district, Madras Presidency, India. Her mother’s career as a film producer provided early exposure to the industry. However, dance was her first love, and she aspired to be a dancer in films. Interestingly, she made her film debut as a dancer while still in twelfth grade.

In 1964, she auditioned for the Tamil film “Venniradai” but was rejected. Undeterred, she debuted in the Hindi film “Sapno Ka Saudagar,” though it didn’t achieve box office success. However, this setback was short-lived; her subsequent roles led to immense stardom.

Her performances in films like “Seeta Aur Geeta” and “Sholay” garnered critical acclaim and cemented her position as a leading actress.

Physical Appearance

• Height: 5′ 6″
• Weight: 60 kg
• Eye Color: Dark Brown
• Hair Color: Black

Family, Caste & Husband

Hema Malini hails from a Tamil-speaking Hindu family. Her mother, Jaya Lakshmi Chakravarti, was a prominent South Indian film producer. Her father’s name was VSR Chakravarti. She has two elder brothers, R.K. Chakravarti and R.J. Chakravarti, who are also involved in film production.

She received marriage proposals, including one from actor Sanjeev Kumar, which she declined. A subsequent relationship with co-star Jeetendra also ended. Her marriage to Dharmendra, while working on “Sholay,” was a significant event, requiring a conversion to Islam due to Dharmendra’s prior marriage. The couple have two daughters, Esha and Ahana Deol, and Hema Malini is also stepmother to Sunny and Bobby Deol.

Film Career

Hema Malini’s passion for dance began in childhood. She received training in various Indian classical dance forms, including Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, and Mohiniattam. While her mother encouraged an acting career, her early attempts in South Indian cinema were unsuccessful, leading to a Hindi film debut in 1968 with Raj Kapoor’s “Sapno Ka Saudagar.”

Her career spanned over two decades, collaborating with numerous iconic actors like Rajesh Khanna (with whom she starred in over 15 films), Dev Anand, Jeetendra, Amitabh Bachchan, and many others. She quickly became one of the highest-paid actresses of her time.

Her extensive filmography includes notable films such as “Tum Haseen Main Jawaan,” “Sholay,” “Lal Patthar,” “Andaaz,” “Naseeb,” and many more. She continued to perform on stage throughout her acting career, and her daughters have followed in her footsteps, training in Odissi and performing with her.

Hema Malini also ventured into television, appearing in shows like “Jai Mata Ki” and “Kamini Damini.” She even made her directorial debut with “Dil Aashna Hai,” Shahrukh Khan’s first signed film. Her comeback role in “Baghban” (2003) earned her a Filmfare Best Actress Award nomination.

Political Career

Hema Malini’s political career began with campaigning for Vinod Khanna (BJP) in 1999. She joined the BJP in 2004, becoming a Rajya Sabha MP. Her political journey included serving as a general secretary of the BJP and eventually winning Lok Sabha elections in 2014 and 2019 from the Mathura Constituency in Uttar Pradesh.

Controversy

Hema Malini’s career has not been without controversy. She faced criticism for a land allotment issue and for her remarks about widows in Vrindavan. A car accident in 2015, resulting in the death of a child, also drew significant media attention, as did her attendance record in Parliament.

Car Collection

• Audi Q5
• Mercedes-Benz M-Class
• MG Hector

Net Worth

In 2014, her net worth was estimated at approximately 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
• Subject: History

Facts

Hema Malini’s numerous achievements and contributions include:

• Working in 35 films with her husband, Dharmendra, romantically paired in 31.
• Serving as editor for magazines “New Woman” and “Meri Saheli.”
• Running a dance school, Natya Vihar Kalakendra Dance School.
• Being a member of PETA India and advocating for animal rights.
• Receiving the PETA’s Person of the Year Award in 2011.
• Being considered a trendsetter, notably for popularizing bell-bottoms.
• Winning the Best Actress Award for “Seeta Aur Geeta.”
• Being awarded the Padma Shri in 2000.
• Being the first woman to chair the National Film Development Corporation.
• Authoring a biography, “Beyond The Dream Girl,” launched by Deepika Padukone.

References

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