Iconic Hindi film Baghban will complete 20 years of release this October. The film directed by Ravi Chopra and produced by BR Chopra had a lasting impact on the minds of Indian parents and children. Even after 20 years, it is one of the most popular films in Indian households and has developed a cult status. It tells the story of an elderly couple whose children are not ready to take up their responsibilty after the retirement. The film featured Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini in the lead roles and their romantic chemistry as an elder couple won millions of hearts. However, did you know that Hema was initially reluctant to do Baghban?
In an exclusive interview with senior journalist Bharathi S Pradhan, Hema recalled when BR Chopra and Ravi Chopra came to her with the film narration and she was reluctant to play the role. She also revealed who convinced her to finally sign the film. She said, “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.
It was Hema Malini’s mother who convinced her for Baghban. Hema said, “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.”
Hema also revealed that her Guru Maa predicted that Baghban will be a huge hit. She revealed that her Guru Maa had 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,” revealed Hema.
“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,” Hema concluded.
Baghban was released in 2003 and was the year’s fifth-highest-grossing Indian film. The film also featured Salman Khan and Mahima Chaudhry.
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