Hema Ji, whether you are 17 or 70, how do you look so gorgeous?
(Laughs) I think it is the beautiful eyes of yours which are seeing something nice. With age, you have to grow and I think the transformation should be nice and good, whatever age you are. Every ten years, some change happens. In my life, it happened.
Is there anything special you do? For instance, is it your spirituality? Is it your dance or yoga or meditation? What is it that gives you this glow?
Nothing special. I am a vegetarian. I follow proper food system. I exercise. And then there’s dance. Of course, dance is the best thing that has happened to me. I did acting but it’s my dance that took over. Because I am performing, I have to be in the public eye, so I have to take care of myself. I have to look good. So, one has to know that they should look good. That feeling has to be there and shouldn’t give up thinking it’s unnecessary. Till the time you are on this Earth, you better be looking good. My mother always used to say that.
I remember your mother very well. At that time, people used to say that without your mother, Hema can’t exist. Means, Hema can’t do anything without her mother! That’s what people used to say at that time!
Yes, that was absolutely true. Actually, I fulfilled all her dreams.
She wanted to be a dancer?
Not a dancer per se, she wanted me to be very popular. She had an artistic mindset. So she wanted me to be like that. I became and fulfilled her dream.
So would you consider her one of your gurus?
Of course. She was my first guru. And then afterwards, I have my Guru Maa- Indira Devi. She has always guided me through whatever big steps I took in my life. She has been there with me.
After a certain age and doing a few films, it’s just going on and on but I don’t know what to do. She told me to continue with the dance and not to leave it. So she has helped me spiritually to do that. She only told me to do the film Meera, then Meera dance ballet also I made. So, everything she used to tell and I used to listen to her.
That offer to do Meera came out of the blue to you?
No, it was me. It was the suggestion of Guru Maa. She is a devotee of Meerabai. I can say that my Guru Maa is her reincarnation. I used to go and keep on asking how you are writing such beautiful poetries on Lord Krishna. Guru Maa has written so many songs like “Laagi Kaisi Lagan”. So, she used to tell her story that how she became a saint. She asked me to make a film on Meera. At that time, Premji wanted to sign me for a film. I told him, “Why don’t you make a film on Meera?” He also liked the idea. Then he asked who’ll direct it. I said that I think Gulzar ji will be good. Because at that time, I had already done Khushboo and Kinara. That’s how we all came together.
Plus, when you are performing the role of Meera on the stage, you become totally involved with Krishna. So naturally, you start liking him as a person. Of course, he is a God. But you become closer day by day.
You were born during Durga Puja. Isn’t it?
Yeah, October is a festival time.
And your mother named you Hema Malini after Goddess Lakshmi?
Yes, Goddess Lakshmi. But in those days, there was one more Hema Malini. She was a very popular dancer. So, my mother was very fascinated with that name and her art and how well she was doing it. So even before I was born, she decided that she would keep my name ‘Hema Malini’.
And you have lived up to everything that Goddess Lakshmi signifies. I mean, fame, fortune, you have got it all.
Yeah, everything is a blessing actually.
What does fame and fortune mean to you?
My mother always used to say that when you are born, you cannot be wasting your time. You have to leave your footprint behind. People should follow you and you should become a role model.
As a child, I used to play here and there. So she used to call me and make me do dance practice, music practice. From the beginning, she put it in my mind that I have to become somebody. What is it that I had to become? I don’t know! That is where she guided. She wanted me to become something. Maybe she saw something in me as a child. Otherwise, every child cannot become something. So, she found the spark in me and improved it.
You said that she guided you in a way that if she hadn’t been there, you may have done something wrong. Can you mention something about it?
Yeah, maybe. Because somebody insists you to wear some kind of dress for a role. My family background is also very different. We have come from a very orthodox family so we have to take care of the family prestige also. I had to take care of many things. So, my mother used to never allow me to wear any kind of a dress. She was very particular about everything.
Was there any particular film where you put your foot down after she said that you’ll not wear this?
Raj Kapoor ji came to me with Satyam Shivam Sundaram. At the same time, he himself said, “I don’t think you will do it but I am very keen that you should do it. But I know you will not do it.” So my mother is also sitting and saying, “No, no, she will not do all that.” It was a very sweet episode.
There are a lot of heroes and filmmakers who are actually scared of you. They respect you but are also very scared of you. You had that reputation that time also. You can’t mess with Hema Ji.
Oh! Really? So sweet. It’s good na, in a way. They can’t demand anything from me. I also respect everybody. I mean, they know my limitations, what and how much I can do.
And how far they can go with you!
Yes (laughs). Yes, it is a better way to put it.
I was told that when a co-star was trying to put his arm around you, you said, “Shot is not on!”.
No, no, not like that! But I remember one sequence with one of the directors. I always pin up my saree so that it never comes out. So, the director was very keen to make me remove the pin. I told him that the saree will fall off if I remove the pin. He said, “That’s what we want.” So, I said that I don’t want to do all that.
I don’t want to indulge too much with anybody. I have delivered what the director expects of me and I have given hit films. What more is required?
You know you were called “Dream Girl” when you were launched by B. Ananthaswami in 1968. At that time, what were the dreams of the little girl who was not even 19?
At that time my dream was that I have to make it. What instigated was that I was signed by Sridhar from Tamil film industry and then he took me and changed my name to Sujata and all. After shooting for four days, he rejected me like a hot potato. He didn’t find me good enough for his film. Jayalalitha was there and I was there in that film. But that gave me a big jolt. I was shocked that he saw my dance shows and came to me himself. At that time, a lot of classical dance shows used to happen in Chennai and a lot of producers used to attend those shows to find a good-looking girl. So, he saw me and then he signed. Very reluctantly, my mother and I agreed. And then he rejected me, so it was a little shock to me. But it’s good it happened because that gave me the push that I have to make it- ‘I have to show now. He has rejected me, how dare he!’ So, I took it as a challenge and wanted to do my best. And then immediately the offer of Sapnon Ka Saudagar came to me. Ananthaswami ji signed me and the history everybody knows.
I used to think, I used to tell my mother, ‘Now I have done this film, I don’t want to do any more films.’ Mummy was also in a little confusion as to what is to be done. So many offers started coming in even before it was released. BR Chopra, J Om Prakash and many other producers came with offers and everyone was controlled by Ananthaswami because I was under contract with him. Then there was no chance to get out. I made it. I had to be here only now. For the next so many years, I am going to be there. It’s been 50 years. At that time I didn’t know. I had planned to get out after doing just one film. I just had to show that person who rejected me that I could do it.
You don’t hold grudges, in your personal and professional life? Sridhar did this with you but then you did a film with him.
Why have any grudge? It happens in life. Never keep anything in your heart. Just forgive and forget and keep moving ahead.
Were you always like that?
Always!
So, that is why, if a relationship didn’t work out, you put it behind you and you were able to go on!
Yeah!
Did you take it out on Sridhar in any way?
No, no! He gave a nice role to me (in Gehri Chaal) and it’s extremely nice. And we never even mentioned about that incident. Neither of us talked about it as if it never happened. But for me, it was good that it happened.
So, don’t you believe that everything happens for the best?
Yes, I do believe! Otherwise, I would have been working in some Tamil films and I would have never come to Hindi films at all. Now I have done over 200 films. So all this wouldn’t have happened. When I look back, so many films like Sapnon Ke Saudagar, Abhinetri, Sharafat, Seeta Aur Geeta, Johny Mera Naam, all are beautiful films. Lovely songs and wonderful cameramen. The cinematographers were so great! I remember working with so many of them. They used to take so much interest in beautifying the face. Today when I look back and see those films, I see how beautiful I am looking. I would have definitely looked nice at that time also but they used to beautify it more, which I don’t see that kind of result in today’s films. Today’s filmmakers don’t take the pain to make you look good. One has to have that interest.
You have worked with practically every hero, lots of heroines also. You never had a problem working with any co-star.
No no, all are very nice! I had a very sweet relation with Parveen Babi. We were very friendly. Zeenat Aman and I travelled together to Russia for Alibaba Aur 40 Chor and then we were very friendly with each other. Good bond with Rekha always. They were all very sweet. I used to feel very hesitant in the beginning about whether they’ll talk or not. Same thing they used to feel. Once we came together, then everything was fine.
When you were so young, did you ever feel that you are working with Raj Kapoor who is in his 40s?
Yeah, but they are giving me an opportunity to come and work with that great actor. So, that was more in my mind than thinking that he is 40. I have only seen it this way that the character he performed suited him very well, he performed so nice and I was very scared in the beginning. It was my first film. With him, I had some very funny romantic scenes. I used to find it very difficult but my director helped me to cope with it.
So, Mahesh Kaul helped you with romantic scenes?
Yes. And actually, in those days, there was no film institute or anything where you can go and learn acting. Dance is the only thing that I learned. So, the director used to sit with me, explain the scene and would ask me how would I express myself through dancing. So, he taught me to use hand gestures and eye movements like we do in dancing to express ourselves. So, maybe, I did a little overacting in my first film. But he guided me through it. That was my only school.
You know, people call you a feminist and you are a symbol of feminism because you’ve been independent. Even after marriage, you lived in your own house. You have brought up your children in your own house and they have grown up learning Tamil. And they did dance which Dharam Ji did not like in the beginning. So, you are the ultimate symbol of feminism. But is that how you really saw yourself?
Nobody ‘wants’ to be like that. It happens. Automatically, naturally, what happens, you have to accept it. Every woman wants to have a husband, children and a normal family. But somewhere it went out of the way. That is where my Guru Maa always used to help me so I am on the track. I am alright. I am not feeling bad or anything about it. I am happy with myself. I have two children. I have brought them up very well. And of course, he (Dharmendra) is there always! That’s the best part!
So Guru Maa helped you during that phase also when you were confused about whether to go ahead with your marriage or move ahead! She helped you make up your mind?
Yes! It was a difficult decision to take.
But you pulled it off!
Yeah! And then I became busy with my own work also. So much work I had.
In one of your recent interviews, you said you’ve lived an unconventional life. So, that’s again, not by design. Isn’t it?
No, not planned at all! I accepted the circumstances and moved ahead.
You told me that you saw Dharam ji first at a premiere and you thought to yourself, ‘What a good-looking man!’. He also said something like that about you that you are a good-looking girl. Later on, when you got to know him and became close, I am sure it was more than good looks.
Yeah, naturally. We had a liking for each other!
So what qualities did you like apart from good looks?
He is a nice person. He is always there with me. Those days we were working together in a lot of films. And there were a lot of outdoor shoots. So, most of the time, he was there to support me and help me out. So naturally, you start getting dependent. He is a very straightforward and simple person which I think anybody will like.
You know what Dharam Ji told me about you? He said, “I get the fragrance of purity from her.”
(Laughs and blushes) So sweet of him.
When we come to feminism, you have done films that no other mainstream heroines of that time were doing. How is it that you did films like those?
I am lucky, I feel. Before I came into films, I think different kinds of films were made. When I was entering, there were more stronger women characters that started to happen. So, even in my first film, Sapnon Ke Saudagar, I am living all alone. A gypsy girl living all alone and controlling her whole life herself. And she meets a person and falls in love and demands that love from him. That was a very strong character.
Then afterwards, I did Seeta Aur Geeta. Even in Sholay, Basanti is a Taange-wali. Her character is empowered. So, I did a lot of films like that. I was the first Taange-wali. I guess that’s what the people liked.
And then in every film if there’s a fight sequence, they would put me in that scene though my character won’t be suitable for that scene. But still they were like, you should hold a leash, people will like it.
It’s not only these films but even if we pick something like Lal Pathhar. It was something way beyond its time. You are not married to the man in Andaz. You play an unmarried woman with a child.
Yeah, which happens in real life with many people. So that is what we are showing in the film.
But at no stage did you feel that it might affect your career?
Why? We are doing a role na! We are only performing a character.
But you never thought that you should be a conventional heroine?
I did conventional roles in films like Dulhan, Jyoti etc. I am glad that I got so many variety of roles to do. Ek Chadar Maili Si was also different. Then Baghban came recently. Even that’s 20 years ago now!
I believe, because of your chemistry with Amit Ji, Dharam Ji never saw that film!
I don’t know (laughs). I have no idea about it. It was a lovely film. I remember, before the muhurat of the film, BR Chopra ji came and was very keen that I should perform the role perfectly as he designed. Then he narrated me the story. It was his blessings that the film became such a big hit. Till today, people talk about that film. That was a very conventional role.
But it was different because the romance was between an elderly couple. So, it was path-breaking again.
Yes, that’s right! I remember when I was hearing the story from Ravi Chopra, my mother was sitting. Then after he left, I said, he’s asking me to play the role of a mother of four such big boys. She said, “No, No, you must do it.” I asked why! She said that the story was very good. She was after me. So I said that okay I’ll do it.
So, she helped you make that choice.
Yeah! Before that, I wasn’t doing many films. So, after a long gap I was working. So, I felt why should I do this. But she convinced me saying that the role is very nice.
There was also a film called Rihaee. It was very bold for its time. It was supposed to be done by Smita Patil but after that, it came to you! So, how did you do that? I mean, how did you agree to do it?
Firstly, I wanted to experience working under a female director, that is, Aruna Raje. And then, the story was very interesting. I liked doing that. Something different I wanted to do at that time. I liked playing a rural woman from Gujarat. It was very sweet and interesting but very bold.
Were you always like this, that you liked challenges?
Yes! As an actor, you should be able to take up anything. It’s a challenge for you.
Was there any particular film or role that you felt was very difficult to do?
No! Once I get into it, I am able to do it. Because when you are working continuously and playing different characters, you are able to accept it and do it. But the director has to be very clear and needs to tell me what he wants and I will execute whatever he needs. I mean, with proper limitations and not going overboard! Nowadays, films are very challenging. I don’t think I would fit into these kind of films.
People respect you and are also scared of you in Bollywood. Is it the same in politics as well? Do people behave themselves?
Yes, they give me full respect. Getting into politics was again a challenge for me. Without knowing anything about it and jumping into that. I mean, pushed into that! I accepted that!
You were so shy in the beginning but you have flowered into a person who can give a speech and address a rally. Isn’t that a fantastic transformation?
It happens naturally when you are put into it. You have to swim and come out. You start learning everything. Now as a politician, you have to speak every now and then. Film acting is different. You are given dialogues and then you are projecting a particular character. But here, you have to be Hema Malini and you have to speak about few things. So, it is a little difficult but it is challenging.
You said you were put into it and so you had to do it. So how were you put into politics?
Because of Vinod Khanna ji. He was contesting from Gurdaspur so he wanted me to campaign for him. I was like, I don’t know. Then again, my mother was like, you have to do it. I said why is it that you want me to do things every time. I said, “What do I know about politics? I have no interest at all.”
She was a big fan of Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji. She convinced that I must campaign as it is his party. She had a beautiful liking for that party and all those leaders. I was like, “What am I going to speak?” So she wrote a beautiful speech for me. She was excellent in Hindi. So, I gave those speeches and Vinod Khanna helped me. Then everyone came after me. Then they gave me Rajya Sabha also. I was nominated for 5-6 years. My God! What an experience meeting all those big shots!
You never felt like what am I doing here?
Yes, I felt that what am I doing here? But when you are there, you have to learn. Many people used to come and help me. They told me the topics on which I should talk. Then I started liking it so much because there are so many things like the economy and whatever is happening in our nation. When you are in films, you are only concentrating on your acting and the roles you do. That’s all! You are not looking into the other side of life. So, I started understanding how people are suffering and how people are looting. So, I took an interest and decided that I would contest from Mathura.
Okay, so that was your choice?
Yes, it was my choice. I come from Iyenger family. So my father worships Lord Vishnu always. I have watched him doing it my whole childhood. So naturally, you also follow in those footsteps. When I started learning dance, so our classical dance is also divine. So, I have danced to many shlokas of Lord Vishnu.
Then a lot of devotees used to call me to Mathura to perform my dance ballet. I visited Mathura and I loved it so much. I used to feel nice there. Then, when the Rajya Sabha term got over, they asked me to fight an election. I didn’t want to do it initially. But at that time, Dharam Ji had become an MP from Bikaner. And he was finding it very difficult to do because it was a very far away place. So, I wanted to experience what it is like to be an MP from Lok Sabha. Lok Sabha means you have to be with the public the whole time. My whole life I was with the public like when you are performing. But at the same time, when you are working, hundred people are there. But being an MP meant going to villages, meeting people, understanding their problems. So, it was very exciting for me. So, I wanted to fight the elections. I said that if you are giving me a seat from Mathura, then I would love it. So, that’s how they gave me.
So, will you be contesting the third time? In 2024?
If my party wants me to do it, then I will. But then my age is the limitation na! I will be 75. I can’t believe I am that old. I just said that when I was in my 50s, I did Baghban. It’s been over 20 years. I was talking to my brother the other day! I said, it’s so funny because people say that I am so much but I don’t believe I am so much. Because my mindset is still 30-40 yr old. I am not behaving like 75 yr old. I don’t want to also!
What is your opinion about the BJP and Mr Modi? Are you happy with the choice you have made?
Of course! Best choice of my life, I would say! Got a chance to work under the leadership of such a big leader. Under his leadership, I have been able to be an MP two times. Maybe, third time also, you don’t know!
What is it about Mr. Modi that you like about him as a leader?
What he says, he does it! He is very bold and his decisions are wonderful. He comes out with unimaginable things and then he makes it possible. Like, when I first joined, I felt Mathura was very dirty. And at that time, he introduced Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. It was a wonderful idea. He used to talk about the importance of building toilets. People used to criticize that such a big leader is talking about toilets. But what an idea! How important it is! Now everybody realizes. So many things he has come out with!
So politics is something that you were put into, but you are now happy being into it!
Yeah, now I am happy! I am comfortable with the party and Mr. Modi.
What is he like as a person?
Very very simple! You won’t feel like you are talking to the Prime Minister. But he is the Prime Minister.
Do you remember your first meeting with him?
Yes, I do remember because I did campaigning for him in Gujarat also when he was a Chief Minister, first time and second time also. So, it was a very nice feeling for me. I explain the problems of Mathura to him, especially cleaning of Yamuna etc. We discuss and try to solve everything. He immediately tells all the other departments and asks them to get the work done.
You have also done a lot of Television, isn’t it? And you did it before others, when it was ripped down apart! People used to say, you can’t take a big screen person and reduce him to small screen. But you did it!
Yeah, I did it. My first was Terah Panne. Shantaram Ji made it, Gulzar wrote it. It was a very beautiful subject as it had thirteen different women of India. That time Television was coming up and we used to watch it.
Then I myself made Noopur. It was based on dance which also became very popular, written by Gulzar Ji. That inspired me to direct a film called Dil Aashna Hai with Shah Rukh Khan. And like that, I was growing as a director.
Your first impression about Shah Rukh Khan? Because that was the first film he signed.
He was very cute and very sweet as a Fauji in that TV serial. I used to watch that. So at that time, my script was also getting ready. For that character, I thought I wanted somebody new. So, I looked at Shah Rukh and thought that this boy is looking nice and I want him only. Then my sister called him. He came. Dharam Ji also loved him.
Has he changed over the years?
Little bit change happens with time.
And this too also, my Guru Ma only told. I said that Ma I am making a film. And she gave the name ‘Dil Aashna Hai’. She was very good in Urdu also. Then she said, “You are getting a very big hero”. I was wondering who is she talking about. I told her that he is not a big hero, he is very new. She was like, “No, no, no, you are getting very big hero.” And he became big. So, she can see over the years what is going to happen.
And then, the same thing she said for Baghban. She said, “You are getting a very nice role as a mother. It will be very big hit.” That time I didn’t even sign the film and then Baghban came with a mother’s role.
You have done a variety of roles. You are a dancer, you have done television, you are a politician. Plus you are a mother, a grandmother. Which is your favorite role?
My favorite and the best role is being a grandmother. So lovely it is. So beautiful to be with all my grandchildren.
Recently, Dr. Padma Subramanium was in the news because of the Sengol. She is the one who brought it to Mr. Modi’s notice. I believe you have a very strong equation with her from the past. I believe her father had predicted that you’d be a superstar.
My childhood was in Delhi. My father was working there as a regional officer. But my mother was very keen that I should improve my dance. So, she requested my father to transfer to Chennai. Then in Chennai, we didn’t know anybody. Then someone introduced mummy to E.Subramanium, Padma Ji’s father. I was 10 or 12. My mother went to him and told that I dance well. She asked that a dance performance has to be arranged where the Chennai people can come and see her performance. In his house, there was a dance institute where I did my first performance in Chennai. Padma was also there. Many dance experts were invited. Padma and I developed a good relation there. Many people used to say that I resemble a lot to her.
And is it true that her father had predicted super-stardom for you?
Maybe that time he would have told my mother.
Any regrets in your life? And when you look back, anything you would want to change in your life?
No, nothing! I am very happy with my life. It’s very satisfying and happy because I lived with my dignity and people respect me a lot. And God has blessed me with whatever any woman would ask for! So, what else can I ask? I am happy!