Esha Deol performs the Odissi with grace. Hema Malini and her daughters performed for the cause of Prayas – who organized the event. HSBC was the main sponsor and Times Foundation was one of the supporters. (Photo by Ramesh Sharma)

Hema Malini’s graceful performance had the audience asking for more. Hema and her daughters performed for a social cause. Times Foundation was one of the supporters of the event. (Photo by Ramesh Sharma)

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hi DG..nice pics...thks...she is my all time fav girl as well...

it's strange how certain things are so nostalic and bring back memories...these picture remind me of younger days back home, my cousins were such big fan of her, her posters were plastered all over the wall in their room.

Hema Malini wants to do a ballet on Ganges river

Wednesday August 20 2008


DUBAI­- Bringing the Ganges river and the issues surrounding it today onstage is the next big dream of veteran Bollywood actres and internationally acclaimed Bharatanatyam dancer Hema Malini.

"The next ballet I want to do is on our great river Ganges," said Hema Malini in an interview here.

"I have already made the script. I want to bring the Ganges on to the stage," she said.

Hema Malini was here, along with her daughters Esha and Ahana Deol, at the invitation of the Indian Business and Professional Council (IBPC), Dubai, for a classical dance recital to mark India's 62nd Independence Day.

She explained that her new ballet on the Ganges would carry an environmental message.

"It is a beautiful concept, you know. It starts with the mythological beginning (of the Ganges). But it goes into today's time and issues associated with the river. An environmental message will be given," she said.

Talking about her other works, Hema Malini was very enthusiastic about another ballet she has developed, called Draupadi.

"I have 12 actors playing the roles of the Kauravas and Pandavas. I play the role of Draupadi. Our great epic Mahabharata is then told from Draupadi's point of view," she said.

The classical dancer also has big plans for a dance institute, Natyavihar Kalakendra, which she was planning to set up but lamented the fact that she was yet to get land for it.

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Hema Malini



Hema Malini

Profile

Date of Birth: 16 October 1948, Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu, India

Nickname: Dream Girl

Address: 17, Jai Hind Society, 12th JVPD Scheme, Mumbai- 400 049

Height: 5' 6" (1.68 m)

Debut Film: "Sapno Ka Saudagar"

Awards

Filmfare Best Actress Award for "Seeta Aur Geeta", Filmfare Life Time Achievement Award (1999)

Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian award from the Government of India (2000),

Zee Cine Award for Lifetime Achievement (2003),

Star Screen Award Jodi No. 1 for "Baghban "(with Amitabh Bachchan)

Lifetime Achievement Award at the Bollywood Movie Awards (2003)

Sports World's "Jodi of the Year" along with Amitabh Bachchan for "Baghban".

Living Legend Award by the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in recognition of her contribution to the Indian entertainment industry (2004)

Mini Biography

Hema Malini was born in a chakaravarthy family at Ammankudi in Tamilnadu. Her mother Jaya was a Tamil film producer. Hema Malini is a trained classical dancer and she has performed at a number of dance shows and concerts. Hema made her debut in Bollywood with the film "Sapno Ka Saudagar" opposite Raj Kapoor. Her next movie was "Johny Mera Naam" opposite Dev Anand. The movie "Johny Mera Naam" was super hit at box office and Hema became a top star. Hema Malini again worked with Deva Anand in the film "Tere Mere Sapne". Hema Malini played double role with Dharmendra and Sanjeev Kumar in the movie "Seeta Aur Geeta" which was also a successful film at box office. With these hit films she became one of the ruling divas in the Bollywood and her fans called her 'Dream Girl' of the Bollywood.

Though Hema had starred many hit movies in 70's and 80's but she is best remembered for her role in "Sholay" as talkative Tangewali. She had taken backseat from films for a few years and Hema joined politics, she is now a member of Rajya Sabha. Hema Malini had turned down marriage proposal from Jeetendra and Sanjeev Kumar before marrying her co-star Dharmendra. She has two daughters Esha and Aahan. Esha Deol is film actress and Aahan is set to enter Bollywood as film director. Besides acting in the films she had tried her hand at directing and made the film "Dil Ashna Hai" with Sharukh Khan and late Divya Bharti. Hema also directed and starred in the TV serial Noopur, in which she was depicted as a Bharatanatyam dancer going to America.


Filmography

Pandava Vanavasam, Sapnon Ka Saudagar, Waris, Jahan Pyar Mile, Tum Haseen Main Jawaan, Sharafat, Aansoo Aur Muskan, Johny Mera Naam, Paraya Dhan, Naya Zamana, Lal Patthar, Andaz, Tere Mere Sapne, Seeta Aur Geeta, Raja Jani, Gora Aur Kala, Garam Masala, Bhai Ho To Aisa Babul Ki Galiyaan, Shareef Budmaash, Prem Parvat, Chhupa Rustam, Gehri Chaal , Jugnu, Joshila, Dulhan, Amir Garib, Dost, Prem Nagar, Patthar Aur Payal, Haath Ki Safai, Dharmatma, Khushboo, Pratiggya, Sholay, Sharafat Chod Di Maine, Naach Uthe Sansaar, Charas, Dus Numbri, Mehbooba Jaaneman, Shirdi Ke Sai Baba, Dream Girl, Dil Kaa Heera, The Burning Train, Alibaba Aur 40 Chor, Kranti, Meri Aawaz Suno, Satte Pe Satta, Desh Premee, Razia Sultan, Andhaa Kanoon, Hum Dono, Ek Chadar Maili Si Sitapur Ki Geeta , Jamai Raja, Hey Ram, Censor, Aman Ke Farishtey, Baghban, Veer-Zaara, Bhagmati, Ganga and Laaga Chunari Mein Daag.


Trivia

Hema Malni and Dharmendra both converted to Islam and changed their names to Aisha Bi R. Chakravarty and Dilawar Khan Kewal Krishn respectively.

Dharmendra has two sons from his first wife Prakash Kaur.

Hema has said in her interviews that she would never wear revealing outfits in movies, and has been true to her words till date.

She is daughter of Mr. V S R Chakravarthy and Mrs. Jaya Chakravarthy.

Her mother died in 2004 due to Gangrene on her leg.

Hema Malni is a member of Bhartiya Janta Party.
She was member of Chennai based Andhra Mahila Sabha in her early childhood.

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Hema Malini plays Rajmata Scindia



Dreamgirl to plays Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia in Ek Thi Rani Aisi Bhi

It seems Hema Malini's sojourn with historical biopic continues even after 30years. Bollywood eternal 'Dream Girl' is being signed by nationally acclaimed director Gulbahar Singh for his dream venture "Ek Thi Rani Aisi Bhi". The film is based on the life of Vijayaraje Scindia, queen of Gwalior, played by Hema Malini. The film will be produced by Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Smriti Trust. This will be Hema Malini's second historical feature film after Kamal Amrohi's "Razia Sultan". Hema intends to spend time with the Scindia family in Gwalior to know in details about the queen of Gwalior. "The last time I went to Gwalior with my daughter Ahana for a dance performance but never imagined that I would be playing the role of Rajmata," says Hema.

Visibly excited about the project the actress feels that she needs to read and research on Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia so that she can portray the character perfectly on screen. Hema made a stunning come back in Ravi Chopra's "Baghbaan" and later got busy with her dance ballet and parliament. Now, Hema is back to reign bollywood with pivotal role and interesting projects. The mahurat of the film will be commencing on 14th October 2008. BJP leader Smt. Sushma Swaraj and members of Scindia family are expected to attend the mahurat of "Ek Thi Rani Aisi Bhi."

--- SAMPURN

Reference Source

Briefs - Hema Malini to play Rajmata of Gwalior
Thu Oct 9, 2008 5:29pm IST



MUMBAI/NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Here is a round-up of Bollywood news from Indian newspapers on Thursday, Oct 9. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

HEMA AS RAJMATA - Actress Hema Malini is set to play Vijayaraje Scindia in “Ek Thi Rani Aisi Bhi,” a film based on the late Rajmata of Gwalior, the Mumbai Mirror reported.

Scindia, the mother of Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, had been an active member of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

AKSHAY IN JUMBO - Actor Akshay Kumar and mom-in-law Dimple Kapadia are working on an animation film about a baby elephant, the Indian Express reported.

The film “Jumbo” has Kumar narrating sequences as well as giving voice to the main character, the paper said.

SONAM TO PLAY EMMA - Actress Sonam Kapoor has been roped in for dad Anil Kapoor’s film based on Jane Austen’s novel “Emma”, the Mail Today reported.

SILK SMITHA BIOPIC - Television mogul Ekta Kapoor is producing a biopic on south Indian actress Silk Smitha who committed suicide more than a decade ago, the Mumbai Mirror reported.

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My only close friend in the industry is Rekha: Hema Malini

By Subhash K. Jha, Mumbai, Oct 16: Dream Girl Hema Malini turns an ageless 60 Thursday and her daughters - Esha and Ahana - have planned a grand birthday party where all her close friends will be present, and only one good pal from the film industry - Rekha.


"I've kept the birthday party for Saturday when I'll be back from the Tirupati temple after my annual visit with all my relatives. I like to have a birthday party every year for which family and close friends are invited," Hema told IANS.

"My close friends are all from outside the industry, except Rekha. I'll only call her. We're very fond of each other over the years. We've been colleagues and friends for decades. I've invited her. I hope she comes," she added.

Hema and Rekha featured in Feroz Khan's "Dharmatma", but they didn't have any scenes together.

The actress, who is gearing up to play erstwhile Gwalior queen Vijayaraje Scindia in the movie "Ek Thi Rani Aisi Bhi", says she had her first birthday party when she turned 16.

"I don't remember any birthday party as a child. Even that 16th birthday party was organised by my producer Ananthswamy who discovered me for Hindi cinema in 'Sapnon Ka Saudagar'. It was when he insisted that I have a birthday party I realised, 'My god, you have party on your birthday?'"

Excerpts:

Q: So what makes this birthday so special?

A: You tell me. People like you make it special for me. Believe it or not, I didn't know what a birthday was until I was 16 years old. I don't remember any birthday party as a child. Even that 16th birthday party was organised by my producer Ananthswamy who discovered me and gave me a chance in "Sapnon Ka Saudagar". It was when he insisted that I have a birthday party I realised, 'My god, you have party on your birthday?'

Q: What do you mean?

A: My mother never celebrated my or mine or my brother's birthday. I don't know why! Looking back it seems so funny. Sad, no? I think birthdays are big in North India, not so big in the South.

Q: So after 16 you became addicted to birthday parties?

A: Once you become a star, everyone is eager to celebrate your birthday. There would be a cake on the sets, co-artistes singing for me. I started looking forward to my birthdays.

Q: So how are you bringing in your birthday this year?

A: It started nicely enough two evening earlier with the 'mahurat' of "Ek Thi Rani Aisi Bhi" where I play Rajmata Vijayraje Scindia. I met Vinod Khanna, my parliamentarian colleague who plays my co-star. He's looking so good these days. We had done one of my favourite films "Meera" together many years ago. Now we're doing another film in the same Rajasthani ambience.

Q: You haven't changed at all since "Meera".

A: Neither has Vinod Khanna.

Q: What about the birthday party?

A: I've kept that for Saturday when I'll be back from Tirupati after my annual birthday visit with all my relatives. I like to have a birthday party every year for which family and close friends are invited. Everyone is so busy with their life. This is one time during the year when I'm able to meet all the people who matter to me.

Q: And who are they?

A: My close friends are all from outside the industry, except Rekha. I'll only call her. We're very fond of each other for years. We've been colleagues and friends for decades. I've invited her. I hope she comes.

Q: Who's planning the party?

A: Esha and Ahana. Everything is being organised by them while I'm off to Tirupati with about 15 of my relatives including the brother.

Q: Will Dharamji be there at the party?

A: Of course, he will. What do you mean? He has to be there.

Q: And your fans, how do they connect on your birthday?

A: There're some fans for years who would go crazy if I don't let them wish me. I make it a point to take their call on my birthday. There's a lady from Nasik Lata Shirke. She's so fond of me. She sends all kinds of gifts like perfumes. I truly value this kind of love. And when you say no one in the industry speaks badly of me I feel my life is worth it.

Q: When you visited Tirupati on your birthday what you prayed for?

A: I hardly have anything to ask for. I just want to be doing the right things in life. And to create new opportunities for myself. I can feel god with me all the time. Also, I'd like to produce a film with Esha in the lead. I don't know why that isn't happening as quickly as I want.

Q; What gift would you like this birthday?

A: Some new level of excitement in my life? Can you suggest something

Hema Malini turns 60, but feels 16

Indo-Asian News Service
Mumbai, October 16, 2008
First Published: 13:07 IST(16/10/2008)
Last Updated: 14:24 IST(16/10/2008)


Dream comes true!: As the dream girl of Bollywood turns 60 today, she leaves
behind a trail of memorable roles. Even today her kitty is full with promising films.


An actor, classical dancer, filmmaker and politician - Bollywood's 'dream girl' Hema Malini who juggles different roles with aplomb, turns 60 on Thursday but says she still feels 16 at heart.

"I feel 16 at 60. I guess age has nothing to do with creativity, but it certainly has a lot to do with maturity and dedication. I have lived life on my own terms and conditions and now when I look back, I feel happy about all the decisions I have taken," Hema said in a statement released here on Wednesday.

The actress, who is also a Bharatanatyam dancer-choreographer, plans to start her special day by offering prayers at the famed Tirupati Temple in Andhra Pradesh with daughters Esha and Ahana Deol.

"The best way to celebrate one's birthday is by praying to the lord for peace and harmony in the world. In times of terrorism and global financial depression, I guess we can only find peace in our prayers," Hema said.

Known for her memorable performances in films like Johnny Mera Naam, Seeta aur Geeta, Jugnu, Sholay, Dream Girl, Satte Pe Satta, Khushboo and Baghban, the actress has had a successful film career spanning almost 40 years.

However, Hema's entry into films was not a cakewalk for her. In 1964, she was rejected by director for not having star appeal when she tried her luck in southern cinema.

Hema got her break in Sapnon ka Saudagar opposite Raj Kapoor in 1968 but became an overnight star with Johnny Mera Naam in 1970.

By 1972, she gained the status of the reigning Bollywood star and the success of her double-role in Seeta Aur Geeta fetched her the Filmfare award for best actress in 1973.

Throughout her career, Hema has been paired opposite a range of actors but it was her on-screen chemistry with actor Dharmendra - whom she later married - that made the duo a hit pair in films like Sholay, Charas, Jugnu, Seeta Aur Geeta and The Burning Train.

Hema took a sabbatical from the big-screen in the early 1990s during which she tried her hand at direction with box office dud Dil Aashna Hai in 1992 that was Shah Rukh Khan's launchpad.

The actress made a comeback in 2003 with box office hit Baghban opposite Amitabh Bachchan and since then has been seen in films like Veer-Zaara, Baabul and Laaga Chunari Mein Daag.

An acclaimed dancer, Hema does not think age is a deterrent and plans to continue performing Bharatnatyam and her dance ballets across the country and abroad.

Representing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Hema is a Rajya Sabha member.

Asked how she manages to juggle different roles in life, she said: "Its all about time management and I guess one can do even more than this if we sort out our priorities."

Hema's future projects include Ek Thi Rani Aisi Bhi, Saadiyan and Deepa Sahi's directorial venture opposite Nana Patekar.

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