Stories of her box-office success are legendary, be it the sale of tickets outside the cinema halls of Seeta aur Geeta in the 70s or her fiery dialogue delivery as Basanti in Sholay. She was the only female superstar, filmmakers dared to invest in big budget biopics like Meera and Razia Sultan. Her small budget films were equally significant be it Khushboo or Kinara, about women who maintained dignity despite adversities. Her screen presence, her dance ballets on stage, inspired millions across the globe. More than 50 years have gone by but the sparkle has not faded. On October 16 2023, the actor/ dancer /parliamentarian turns 75 and it is time to rewind and revisit her milestones….
When Jaya Chakravarti was pregnant third time, she attended a dance recital and was so enamoured by the performer that she made up her mind that if she had a daughter, she will groom her to become a classical dancer. Hema Malini was enrolled in Bharatnatyam dance class at the tender age of five and began performing on public platforms at the age of 10. Ananatha Swamy spotted Hema Malini at a private concert organized by a common friend in Madras and recommended her to Raj Kapoor. This was in the wake of Sangam 1964 when the showman had committed bulk dates to a South production house. They were keen to launch the film immediately and were desperately on the lookout for a new face and Hema Malini being an accomplished dancer fitted the bill.
To be concluded