Hema Malini

Early films and breakthrough

Hema Malini began her film career with supporting roles in Tamil-language movies such as Idhu Sathiyam (1963; “This Is the Truth”). Her first lead role was in the Hindi film Sapnon Ka Saudagar (1969; “Merchant of Dreams”) opposite actor Raj Kapoor. Producer B. Ananthaswami introduced her on the poster as “Dream Girl Hema Malini.” The phrase gained popularity with audiences and became associated with her. Her breakout role came with Johny Mera Naam (1970; “Johny Is My Name”) in which she played a strong-willed woman entangled with a criminal gang. She appeared opposite superstars Rajesh Khanna and Shammi Kapoor in Andaz (1971; “Style”) and played dual roles of twins separated at birth in Seeta Aur Geeta, for which she won the 1973 Filmfare Award for best actress.

Stardom and dance skills

Through the 1970s and 1980s Hema Malini appeared in a series of box-office hits opposite prominent male actors such as Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Jeetendra, and Rajesh Khanna. Her role as the spirited tanga (horse-cart) driver Basanti in Sholay became iconic. Other commercial successes included Sanyasi (1975; “Hermit”), Dus Numbri (1976; “Number Ten”), Trishul (1978; “Trident”), Naseeb (1981; “Fate”), and Satte Pe Satta (1982; “Seven on Seven”). Her success was also marked by memorable dance performances. Notable examples include “Haa Jab Tak Hai Jaan” in Sholay, “Nav Kalpana” in Mrig Trishna (1975; “Deer Thirst”), featuring a blend of classical dance forms, predominantly bharatanatyam, and “Jhoote Naina” in Lekin… (1990; “However”), choreographed in kathak.

Women-centric and parallel cinema

Hema Malini was known for portraying empowered and independent characters. She played the central role in films such as Seeta Aur Geeta and Razia Sultan (portraying Delhi’s only female monarch), taking precedence over the male leads. In other films, she played characters with a degree of autonomy that was uncommon in the Bollywood of her time. They often had careers—in Trishul her character holds a corporate position—and at times these roles challenged gender norms, as in Sholay, where Basanti remarks on the unconventionality of her profession (horse-drawn carts were generally driven by men).

Hema Malini also appeared in films aligned with the parallel cinema movement—a form of Indian filmmaking that emerged as an alternative to mainstream Bollywood and focused on realism, social issues, and artistic experimentation. Notable examples include Ek Chadar Maili Si (1986; “A Dirty Bedsheet”), in which she played an abused wife, and Rihaee (1988; “Liberation”), which presented a progressive depiction of female sexuality.

Explore Britannica Premium!

The trusted destination for professionals, college students, and lifelong learners.

SUBSCRIBE

Other work

Hema Malini’s television work includes Terah Panneh (1985; “Thirteen Pages”), in which portrayed the Rajput queen Padmavati, Rangoli (1989; named after an art form), a music program she hosted on the national broadcaster, Doordarshan, and Jai Mata Ki (1999; “Glory To Mother Goddess”), in which she appeared as multiple Hindu goddesses—including Durga, Lakshmi, Parvati, Saraswati, and Kali.

Hema Malini made her directorial film debut with Dil Aashna Hai (…The Heart Knows) (1992), featuring Shah Rukh Khan in one of his earliest roles. In addition to her work in film and television, she served as editor of the women’s magazines New Woman and Meri Saheli (“My Friend”).

After a break from acting, Hema Malini returned in Baghban (2003; “Gardener”), followed by appearances in Veer-Zaara (2004), Laaga Chunari Mein Daag (2007; “A Stain on the Veil”), and Ek Thi Rani Aisi Bhi (2017; “There Was a Queen Like This”), where she portrayed Vijaya Raje Scindia, a politician and the consort of the last ruling Maharaja of Gwalior.