Hema Malini
Hema Malini 
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| Born | 16 October 1948 (age 77) Ammankudi, Madras Province, India (now Tamil Nadu) |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Education | Andhra Mahila Sabha, Chennai |
| Alma mater | DTEA Mandir Marg |
| Occupation | Actress, Dancer, Politician, Director, Producer |
| Years active | 1961–present |
| Known for | Sholay, Seeta Aur Geeta, Baghban |
| Awards | Padma Shri (2000) Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award (1999) |
| Spouse | Dharmendra (m. 1980) |
| Parents | V. S. R. Chakravarti Iyengar (father) Jaya Lakshmi (mother) |
| Religion | Hinduism |
Hema Malini is an Indian actress, classical dancer, filmmaker, and politician. Popularly known as Bollywood’s “Dream Girl”, she is regarded as one of the most successful and influential actresses in the history of Hindi cinema. In addition to her film career, she has served as a Member of Parliament and remains an active cultural figure in India.
Early Life and Education
Hema Malini was born on 16 October 1948 in Ammankudi, Tamil Nadu, into a Tamil Iyengar Brahmin family. Her parents were Jaya Lakshmi and V. S. R. Chakravarti Iyengar. She completed her schooling at Andhra Mahila Sabha and DTEA Mandir Marg before entering the film industry. From a young age, she trained in classical dance and developed a deep interest in Indian performing arts.[1]
Career
Film Career
Hema Malini began her acting career with minor roles in Tamil and Telugu cinema, including Idhu Sathiyam (1963) and Pandava Vanavasam (1965). She made her Hindi film breakthrough with Sapno Ka Saudagar (1968), which earned her the enduring title of the “Dream Girl.”[2]
During the 1970s, she rose to superstardom with a series of successful films such as Johny Mera Naam, Andaz, Lal Patthar, and the dual-role blockbuster Seeta Aur Geeta (1972), for which she won the Filmfare Award for Best Actress. Her performances in films like Sholay, Trishul, Sanyasi, Dharmatma, and Pratigya cemented her status as a leading actress.
Throughout the 1980s, she continued her success with films including Kranti, Naseeb, Satte Pe Satta, and Rajput. Notably, she took on strong, female-centric roles in films such as Ek Chadar Maili Si, Rihaee, Ramkali, and Durga, balancing commercial cinema with socially driven narratives.
In the 1990s and 2000s, Malini expanded her work to direction and production with projects like Dil Aashna Hai and Mohini. She made a widely appreciated comeback with Baghban (2003) and later appeared in films such as Veer-Zaara, Baabul, Laaga Chunari Mein Daag, and Shimla Mirchi.
Dance and Cultural Work
A trained Bharatanatyam dancer, Hema Malini has also studied Kuchipudi and Mohiniattam. She has performed extensively in India and abroad, presenting classical dance dramas such as Sita, Durga, Parvati, and Narasimha. She founded the Natya Vihar Kalakendra dance school and continues to promote Indian classical arts through stage productions and festivals.
Political Career
Hema Malini entered politics in the late 1990s and formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2004. She served as a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha from 2003 to 2009. Since 2014, she has represented the Mathura constituency as a Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha, winning consecutive elections in 2014, 2019, and 2024.
Personal Life
Hema Malini married actor Dharmendra in 1980. The couple has two daughters, Esha Deol and Ahana Deol. She is also a stepmother to Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol. Despite her public life, Malini is known for maintaining a disciplined and spiritually inclined personal lifestyle.
Legacy
Hema Malini is widely regarded as one of the greatest actresses of Indian cinema. Her beauty, elegance, versatility, and dedication to classical arts have made her a cultural icon. She consistently ranked among the highest-paid actresses of the 1970s and 1980s and remains a symbol of grace and longevity in Indian entertainment.
Notable Works
- Sapno Ka Saudagar
- Seeta Aur Geeta
- Sholay
- Satte Pe Satta
- Baghban
- Veer-Zaara
Achievements and Recognition
Hema Malini has received numerous honours, including the Padma Shri for her contribution to Indian cinema and culture. She has been awarded multiple lifetime achievement honours and continues to be celebrated by critics, filmmakers, and audiences worldwide for her enduring impact.