Bollywood’s ‘Dream Girl’ Hema Malini turns 65! : Bhaghban

Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Bollywood’s ‘Dream Girl’ Hema Malini turns 65!

Happy Birthday Hema Malini

Born in Iyengar Brahmin family, for Hema Malini, acting was something which didn’t happen by chance. With a film producer at her house (her mother)- was more than an inspiration for her to drop out of the school in order to build her dream career – as an actor. Although she featured in a dance in a Tamil film ‘Idhu Sathiyam’, it was her debut in Hindi Cinema with the movie ‘Sapno Ka Saudagar’ that laid the first stone to success. From getting rejected for lead role in the initial days of her career to making it big in Hindi cinema; this diva has given innumerable hits.

As we celebrate Hema Malini’s birthday, let’s recall some brilliant characters played by her, which will remain etched in our memories forever.

Johny Mera Naam

Though Hema Malini got her first break in Hindi cinema with ‘Sapno ke Saudagar’ opposite Raj Kapoor, it was ‘Johny Mera Naam’, which helped her create a niche for herself. Hema starred opposite the then megastar Dev Anand and had a pivotal role in the movie. Apart from her beauty, this movie portrayed her acting prowess, thus projecting her as a ‘promising leading heroine’ of her times. The movie was a blockbuster, and it was Malini’s initial step to the ladder of success.

Andaz

After impressing the audience with her impeccable act in ‘Johny Mera Naam’, Hema Malini gave one of her finest performances in ‘Andaz’. The challenging role of a widow was carried out effortlessly by Hema. The presence of superstar Rajesh Khanna and Shammi Kapoor, didn’t overshadow her role in the film. This romantic flick gave Hema Malini the much needed exposure.

Seeta Aur Geeta

Hema Malini was one of the few actresses to accept challenging roles in those times. ‘Seeta Aur Geeta’ was entirely based on Hema Malini, who played two characters- of twin sisters. On one hand, she convinced the audience by playing the innocent and naive character of Seeta, while on the other she won over her fans by the effortless portrayal of cantankerous Geeta! This movie created ripples at the Box-Office and also helped Hema bag her first Filmfare Award for Best Actress.

Sholay

Hema Malini’s portrayal of ‘Basanti’ in the multi-starrer movie ‘Sholay’ is one of her best performances till date. The bubbly and talkative character wooed the audience with her cute conversations. Her horse ‘Dhanno’ and her dance for the dacoit Gabbar too stole thunders. Though there were big names like Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjeev Kumar associated with the film, ‘Sholay’ would have been incomplete without the lovely ‘Basanti’ and her antics.

Dream Girl

It was during the mid 70’s when Hema Malini was endowed with the title of ‘Dream girl’ by her fans. It was in 1977, that she starred in the movie with the same name opposite her husband Dharmendra. The story revolves around Hema Malini who played five different characters- Sapna, Padma, Champabai, Dream girl, and Rajkumari- to steal money in order to run an orphanage. The movie proved to be a dud at the Box Office but Hema continued to remain the ultimate `Dream Girl`.

Satte Pe Satta

Hema Malini starred in 1982 movie ‘Satte Pe Satta’ opposite Amitabh Bachchan. She played the role of a nurse who gets married into a family, which includes six unmarried brother-in-laws. With her role of a much disciplined nurse- Hema Malini proved that even a married actress can steal the hearts of her fans with her acting prowess and charm.

Bhaghban

In 2003, Hema Malini starred opposite Amiatbh Bachchan in the family drama- ‘Baghban’. The movie revolves around old parents –played by Bachchan and Malini, who are left alone out by their own children. Hema Malini looked convincing yet pretty in the role of a mother, and her pairing with Amitabh Bachchan garnered a lot of appreciation.

By- Harpreet Kaur