Hema Malini is one of Indian cinema’s most enduring icons. Born on 16 October 1948 in Tamil Nadu, she rose from classical dance training to become a major star in Bollywood, known affectionately as the “Dream Girl”
Over a career spanning decades she has acted in over 100 films, displayed remarkable dance talent, and even transitioned into politics.
Her story is one of talent, discipline, reinvention and cultural significance. In this article we explore her early life, film career, dance legacy, political journey, key statistics, FAQs and sources.
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Table of Contents
Hema Malini’s Biography
Early Life & Background
Hema Malini was born as Hema Malini R. Chakravarty on 16 October 1948 in the village of Ammankudi, Tiruchirappalli district (then Madras Province), Tamil Nadu.1
She was born into a Tamil Brahmin family (Iyengar/Brahmin background) with her father V.S.R. Chakravarti and mother Jaya Lakshmi Chakravarti. 2
From a young age she trained in classical dance forms such as Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi and Mohiniyattam.
She studied at Andhra Mahila Sabha in Chennai for part of her schooling.
Her early upbringing blended the disciplines of classical dance with an interest in film.
What is happening is unforgivable! How can responsible channels spread false news about a person who is responding to treatment and is recovering? This is being extremely disrespectful and irresponsible. Please give due respect to the family and its need for privacy.
— Hema Malini (@dreamgirlhema) November 11, 2025
Entry into Films and Early Career
Her film journey began in the early 1960s. While her highly publicised Hindi debut is often listed as Sapnon Ka Saudagar (1968) opposite Raj Kapoor, she had earlier appeared in Tamil and other regional films.
The poster for Sapnon Ka Saudagar introduced her as “Dream Girl Hema Malini” a moniker that stuck.
Her breakout Hindi role came with Seeta Aur Geeta (1972) in which she played dual roles of twins separated at birth. Her strong performance garnered major acclaim, including the Filmfare Award for Best Actress. 3
During the 1970s and early 1980s she acted in numerous successful films, often alongside major male stars of the time. She established her status as a leading lady who could perform in commercial as well as women-centric narratives.
One of her most famous roles came in the cult classic Sholay (1975) where she played the memorable Basanti, the spirited tonga-driver and one of Hindi cinema’s most iconic characters.4
Film Career Highlights
Here are some of the major milestones and roles of Hema Malini’s film career:
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Sapnon Ka Saudagar (1968) – her first lead in Hindi films.
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Johny Mera Naam (1970) – one of her early hits.
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Seeta Aur Geeta (1972) – dual roles, major critical and commercial success.
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Sholay (1975) – Basanti role, cementing her star status.
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Dream Girl (1977) – a film whose title echoed her nickname.
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Razia Sultan (1983) – playing India’s only female monarch in a women-centric film.
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Later works include Baghban (2003), Veer‑Zaara (2004) and Ek Thi Rani Aisi Bhi (2017) where she took on more mature roles.
In addition to acting, she has directed and produced films and television series, expanding her creative footprint.
Dance, Stage & Cultural Contribution
Hema Malini’s classical dance training has been a crucial aspect of her public persona. She is proficient in Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi and Mohiniyattam, and has performed on stage both in India and internationally.
She founded the dance school Natya Vihar Kalakendra in Mumbai, to train and preserve classical dance forms.
Her dance performances added depth and grace to her film roles. Many of her song-performances in movies leveraged her classical dance background, distinguishing her from the typical commercial heroine of that era.
The blending of acting and classical dance gave her a unique position she was both a glamour star and a cultural ambassador for dance.
Political Career & Public Life
Beyond cinema and dance, Hema Malini has been active in public life and politics. She joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and has served as a Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) representing the Mathura constituency in Uttar Pradesh since 2014.
Earlier, she was nominated to the Rajya Sabha (the upper house) and she formally joined the BJP around 2004.
She is also involved in social causes like animal welfare and cultural preservation. For instance, she has actively supported vegetarianism and worked with organisations like PETA.
Her public-life presence has ensured she remains relevant beyond her film career, contributing to art, culture and politics.
Awards & Achievements
Hema Malini’s career has earned her many accolades:
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Filmfare Award for Best Actress for Seeta Aur Geeta (1973)
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Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian honour, in 2000.
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Many lifetime achievement awards recognizing her long career in cinema and dance.
Her contributions to film, classical dance, and public life have given her a standing as a cultural icon.
Personal Life
Hema Malini’s personal life has also been in the public eye. She married veteran actor Dharmendra in 1980.
They have two daughters: Esha Deol (born 1981) and Ahana Deol (born 1985). Dharmendra had children from his first marriage as well (Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol) so Hema became step-mother to them.
Her marriage, public life, and the manner she maintained her art and persona contributed to her ‘evergreen’ appeal.
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Legacy & Cultural Impact
Hema Malini remains a symbol of grace, talent and longevity in Indian popular culture. Her blending of classical dance, commercial cinema and public service sets her apart.
She broke many norms for actresses of her era taking roles in women-centric films, doing dual-roles, and sustaining her presence long after many contemporaries had faded.
Films like Seeta Aur Geeta and Sholay continue to resonate. Her image as the “Dream Girl” remains etched in popular memory. She also helped keep classical dance in mainstream consciousness and provided a bridge between performing arts and cinema.
In politics, she expanded her reach beyond entertainment serving as an MP and representing cultural values. As a mentor, dancer and actress, she continues to inspire new generations.
Quick Stats Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Hema Malini R. Chakravarty |
| Date of Birth | 16 October 1948 |
| Place of Birth | Ammankudi / Jeeyapuram, Tiruchirappalli district, Tamil Nadu |
| Nickname | “Dream Girl” |
| Primary Professions | Actress, Dancer, Director, Producer, Politician |
| Active Film Years | 1960s onwards (Hindi debut in 1968) |
| Number of Films | Over 100+ (some sources say 150 +) |
| Major Awards | Filmfare Award Best Actress (1973), Padma Shri (2000) |
| Political Affiliation | Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) |
| Parliamentary Seat | Mathura, Uttar Pradesh (Lok Sabha) since 2014 |
| Dance School | Natya Vihar Kalakendra, Mumbai |
| Family | Husband: Dharmendra; Daughters: Esha Deol, Ahana Deol |
FAQ’s
Q1. Why is Hema Malini called the “Dream Girl”?
A: The title “Dream Girl” was popularised early in her career her poster for her first Hindi film used the phrase “Dream Girl Hema Malini” and that stuck as a brand identity for her.
Q2. What was her most iconic role?
A: While she has many memorable roles, her portrayal of Basanti in Sholay (1975) remains one of the most iconic in Hindi cinema. She created a character that is still referenced, imitated and celebrated.
Q3. Does she still act in films?
A: While her peak acting years were the 1970s-80s, she has taken on selective roles in later years (for example Ek Thi Rani Aisi Bhi in 2017). She also focuses on dance, public appearances and her political career.
Q4. What is her background in dance?
A: Hema Malini was trained in Bharatanatyam from a young age, and later also in Kuchipudi and Mohiniyattam.
She founded a dance school and continues to perform on stage. Her dance skills were incorporated into her film roles, giving her a unique edge.
Q5. How did she transition into politics?
A: Hema Malini began campaigning in support of BJP candidates in the late 1990s, formally joined the party around 2004, was nominated to the Rajya Sabha, and later elected from Mathura constituency in 2014 as a Lok Sabha MP.
Q6. What kind of roles did she pick later in her career?
A: In her later years she took on more mature characters rather than typical romantic heroine roles. For example, she portrayed Vijaya Raje Scindia in Ek Thi Rani Aisi Bhi (2017).
Q7. What is her legacy in Indian cinema & culture?
A: Her legacy spans commercial cinema, classical dance, cultural influence and political service. She bridged tradition and modernity, maintained her star status for decades and remains a role model for longevity in show-business.
Conclusion
Hema Malini stands as a rare figure in Indian entertainment who successfully merged beauty, talent, discipline and public service.
From the spirited Basanti to the graceful dancer on stage, from the silver screen to the corridors of Parliament, her journey is rich and varied. She never limited herself to one role. She challenged norms, embraced change and kept evolving.
For those who admire Bollywood’s golden era, classical art, or the idea of reinvention, Hema Malini offers a remarkable story. Whether you know her as the Dream Girl, the dancer, the actress or the MP, she remains timeless.
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