Hema Malini

Classic 1963–present

Crowned the “Dream Girl,” Hema Malini was among the most bankable and accomplished actresses of the 1970s, and a classically trained Bharatanatyam dancer. Her spirited Basanti in Sholay is iconic. She later became a director, dancer-choreographer and Member of Parliament.

Honours: Filmfare Lifetime Achievement; Padma Shri.

Filmography

The 1970s–80s

1975

Sholay

Action Adventure Dir. Ramesh Sippy

The greatest curry western — Gabbar Singh became cinema’s most iconic villain.

1975

Sholay

Action Adventure Dir. Ramesh Sippy

The retro touchstone every masala film still measures itself against.

Signature Roles

Seeta Aur Geeta

Dream Girl

Satte Pe Satta

Baghban

Best known for: Sholay · Seeta Aur Geeta · Dream Girl · Satte Pe Satta · Baghban

Did You Know?

Kishore Kumar had no formal training in classical music, yet became one of the most influential playback singers ever.
Aamir Khan’s Lagaan (2001) is one of only three Indian films nominated for the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar.
The song “Mere Sapno Ki Rani” from Aradhana was famously picturised on a moving toy train in Darjeeling.

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