She defied gender standards as an actress.
For a variety of reasons, Hema Malini is a legendary Bollywood actress.
She established herself as a versatile performer who could handle a variety of parts, becoming one of the most popular leading actresses of her era by acting in more than 150 movies.
She also went by the moniker “Dream Girl” due to her remarkable beauty and grace on screen.
She was one of the first female performers to delve into production and direction, and she was a trailblazer for women in the film industry.
Her contributions to Indian cinema have solidified Hema Malini’s standing as an icon, serving as an example to subsequent generations of actresses and directors.
Sholay
In the 1975 film Sholay, Hema Malini played the role of Basanti, a feisty and outspoken horse carriage driver who falls in love with the character played by actor Dharmendra.
Basanti is known for her iconic dialogue delivery and her memorable scenes, including the horse-riding chase sequence and the famous “chakki peesing” scene.
Hema Malini’s performance in Sholay is widely regarded as one of the highlights of her career, and the film itself has become a cult classic in Indian cinema.
As a result, Basanti remains one of the most beloved and iconic characters in Bollywood history.
Baghban
Hema Malini co-starred with actor Amitabh Bachchan as Pooja Malhotra in the 2003 film Baghban.
The couple Raj and Pooja, who give their all for their kids but are ultimately abandoned by them as they age, are the subject of the movie.
The emotional nuance and compassion of Hema Malini’s portrayal of Pooja, a dedicated and loving wife and mother, received high appreciation.
Both spectators and critics praised her connection with Amitabh Bachchan, who she had previously appeared in several movies with.
Hema Malini’s performance in Baghban, which was both a critical and financial success, is regarded as one of her most memorable ones.
Seeta Aur Geeta
Hema Malini played both Seeta and Geeta in the 1972 movie Seeta Aur Geeta.
In the movie, identical twin sisters are separated at birth, nurtured in completely dissimilar environments, and develop radically different personalities.
Geeta is fearless and adventurous, whereas Seeta is reserved and obedient.
Hema Malini’s performance in the movie received a lot of praise from reviewers and viewers alike for how well she was able to represent two very different characters with very different personalities.
Seeta Aur Geeta is regarded as a Hindi film classic and was a huge commercial success.
Hema Malini won the Filmfare Award for Best Actress for the role, solidifying her place as one of the era’s top actresses.
Naseeb
In the 1981 film Naseeb, Hema Malini played the lead female role of Deepa Kapoor, opposite actor Rishi Kapoor.
The film follows the story of a man named Raju, played by Amitabh Bachchan, who works at a dockyard and dreams of becoming rich.
Deepa Kapoor, played by Hema Malini, is Raju’s love interest in the film.
Hema Malini’s performance in Naseeb was appreciated by audiences and critics alike, and her chemistry with Rishi Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan was particularly noted.
The film was a commercial success and its music, composed by Laxmikant-Pyarelal, was also well-received.
Naseeb is considered one of the classic films of Indian cinema and is remembered for its memorable dialogues and songs.
Johny Mera Naam
Hema Malini co-starred with actor Dev Anand as Rekha, the lead female character in the 1970 movie Johny Mera Naam.
In the movie, Dev Anand plays a man named Johny who vows to exact revenge on the mobster who murdered his mother.
Rekha’s portrayal by Hema Malini was well-received, and songs from the movie like ‘Pal Bhar Ke Liye’ and ‘Nafrat Karne Walon Ke’ gained popularity.
The Hindi film Johny Mera Naam was a box office hit and is now regarded as a masterpiece.
Hema Malini became known as one of the top actors of her era thanks to her depiction of Rekha, a strong and independent lady who aids Johny in his mission.
Satte Pe Satta
In the 1982 film Satte Pe Satta, Hema Malini played the lead female role of Indu, opposite actor Amitabh Bachchan.
The film tells the story of seven brothers who live in a farmhouse and are taken care of by their oldest brother Ravi, played by Amitabh Bachchan.
Hema Malini’s character Indu enters the brothers’ lives as a nurse and eventually falls in love with Ravi.
Hema Malini’s performance in the film was highly praised, and her chemistry with Amitabh Bachchan was noted as one of the highlights of the movie.
The film was a commercial success and is considered a classic of Hindi cinema, known for its memorable songs and entertaining storyline.
Hema Malini’s portrayal of Indu helped to establish her as one of the top actresses of her time.
Trishul
Hema Malini portrayed the lead female role of Shanti opposite actor Sanjeev Kumar in the 1978 film Trishul.
In the movie, Amitabh Bachchan plays a young guy named Vijay who vows to exact revenge on a wealthy businessman who abandoned his mother in the past.
Shanti, played by Hema Malini, is a doctor who aids Vijay in completing his objective.
The movie garnered positive reviews for both Hema Malini’s performance and Khayyam’s music, which was also well-liked.
Trishul is regarded as a masterpiece of Indian cinema and was a box office hit.
Hema Malini’s portrayal of Shanti contributed to her being one of the most well-known actors of her era.
Kranti
In the 1981 film Kranti, Hema Malini played the lead female role of Rajkumari Meenakshi, opposite actor Dilip Kumar.
The film is set in the 19th century and depicts the Indian Rebellion of 1857 against British rule.
Hema Malini’s character, Rajkumari Meenakshi, is a princess who joins the rebellion and fights against the British.
Hema Malini’s performance in the film was highly appreciated, and the film’s music, composed by Laxmikant-Pyarelal, was also well-received.
Kranti was a commercial success and is considered one of the classic films of Indian cinema.
Hema Malini’s portrayal of Rajkumari Meenakshi, a strong and brave character who fights for her country, helped to establish her as one of the leading actresses of her time.
Meera
Hema Malini portrayed Meera, a Hindu mystic poet and devotee of Lord Krishna, in the 1979 movie Meera.
The movie chronicles Meera’s life, from her union with a Rajput prince to her adoration of Lord Krishna and her eventual passing.
The portrayal of Meera by Hema Malini earned a lot of praise, while Pandit Ravi Shankar’s music for the movie was well welcomed.
One of the most well-known films in Indian cinema, Meera was a box office hit.
Hema Malini is known as one of the best actresses of her day thanks to her depiction of Meera, a character who lived her life on her terms and followed her heart.
Khushboo
In the 1975 film Khushboo, Hema Malini played the lead role of Chand, a young woman who falls in love with a writer played by actor Jeetendra.
The film tells the story of Chand’s struggles to win the love and acceptance of her conservative father, who disapproves of her relationship with the writer.
Hema Malini’s performance in the film was highly appreciated, and the film’s music, composed by R.D. Burman, was also well-received.
Khushboo was a commercial success and is considered one of the classic films of Indian cinema.
Hema Malini’s portrayal of Chand, a woman who follows her heart despite societal pressures, helped to establish her as one of the leading actresses of her time.
The way Hema Malini opened the way for women in the industry, both in front of and behind the camera, is an indication of her influence on Bollywood.
She defied gender standards as an actress by playing strong, independent women who weren’t hesitant to question authority.
She also dabbled in production and directing, which at the time was uncommon for female actors.
The success of Hema Malini in these fields helped change preconceptions of what women might accomplish in the historically male-dominated sector of Indian cinema.
It also provided chances for other women in the business.
Women in Bollywood today are still inspired by and empowered by her legacy.
Loading ...