Veteran actor Hema Malini marked 60 years in Indian cinema at a star-studded event attended by several Bollywood veterans, political dignitaries and close friends. Dressed in a silk saree for the occasion, the film industry’s ‘dream girl’, where she got candid in a chat with her friends and in an emotional moment, paid tribute to her late husband, Dharmendra.
Hema Malini pays tribute to Dharmendar
In photos and videos of the ceremony, shared online by lawyer Ashish Shelar, the veteran actress was seen offering flowers in front of Dharmendra’s portrait in a heartfelt gesture. She was joined by Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju as they paid their respects in a solemn ceremony before moving on to other lighter conversations and looking back on her illustrious career.
Hema Malini for Dharmendra’s creative side
During a recent chat with IANS, the actress shared an anecdote about the making of the popular song ‘Kal Ki Haseen Mulaqaat’ from the 1976 film ‘Charas’ and revealed how Dharmendra brought his own creative touch to her performances. The actress-turned-politician shared, “This song was written here but it was shot abroad. We were all shooting and there were so many wonderful songs. Dharam ji used to add a lot from his side. Whatever the dance director’s choreography, it wouldn’t always happen exactly like this. Dharam ji would bring his own ideas and expressions to it. Naturally, I would adjust my performance accordingly. The opening of Kal Ki Haseen Mulaqaat was very interesting. I was pushing it and then going back inside. Those little things made the performance special.”
Hema Malini celebrates 60 years in cinema
The celebration also turned into a reunion of sorts as veteran actors Jeetendra, Shatrughan Sinha and the filmmaker-actor. Rakesh Roshan were among the many guests. Jeetendra arrived in a stylish black bandahgala sherwani embellished with a gold brooch, while Rakesh Roshan opted for a gray patterned kurta teamed with his signature amber colored glasses. Shatrughan Sinha later made his entrance in a royal blue kurta, matching stole and white pajama.The evening featured a special musical tribute celebrating some of Hema’s most memorable performances starting with her turn in ‘Sapno Ka Saudagar’ in 1968. Over the decades, she became one of the most famous leading ladies in Hindi cinema, delivering iconic performances in films like ‘Seeta Aur Geeta’, ‘Sholay’, ‘Batte Pemet Satta’, ‘Dream Satta’ and ‘Dream Pegh Saban’.