| 3 | 5 | Hindi star born in Madras. After Vyjayanthimala, Hema Malini is only the second major South Indian actress to become successful in Hindi films. Like her predecessor, she was trained in Bharat Natyam dance. Starring début with Raj Kapoor in Sapnon Ka Saudagar. Received top billing for her double role in Ramesh Sippy’s Seeta Aur Geeta. Established herself mainly in Pramod Chakravarty films (e.g. Naya Zamana) which promoted her as a 70s ‘dream girl’ (cf. the title of Chakravarty’s 1977 film with her). Associated in this period mainly with crime thrillers and love stories starring opposite Dev Anand (e.g. the hit Johnny Mera Naam followed by Tere Mere Sapne, Chhupa Rustom, Amir Garib) and Dharmendra (Tum Haseen Main Jawan, the epic Sholay). Tried to change her glamorous image via Gulzar’s lyrically realist films (Kinara, Khushboo and in the title role of the saint film Meera) and then in Basu Chatterjee’s art-house movie which she produced, Swami. Cast opposite Bachchan in the late 70s (Naseeb, Satte Pe Satta). Then concentrated on ‘character’ roles, often with feminist undertones (e.g. Rihaee). The TV series Noopur, which she directed, was designed to re-establish her as a classical dancer, playing a female star who abandons her career to return to her guru in Tanjore. Also directed Dil Ashna Hai. Most recent direction,Mohini, sponsored by a cable channel, ran into legal problems when the original author, Malayattoor Ramakrishnan, on whose novel Yakshi the film was based, alleged breach of contract. Married to Dharmendra. |