Debuting in the 1963 Tamil film Idhu Sathiyam, Hema Malini transitioned into Hindi cinema to become one of the most prominent leading actresses of her era. Known by the moniker Dream Girl, she garnered critical acclaim through dual roles and consistent collaborations with Dharmendra, spanning a prolific career that evolved from mainstream acting into production, direction, and national political office.
Early Career and Stardom
Born in 1948 in Ammankudi, Malini pursued acting after attending the Andhra Mahila Sabha. She secured her first lead role in the 1968 film Sapno Ka Saudagar. Her performance in the 1972 comedy Seeta Aur Geeta won her a Filmfare Award for Best Actress. Throughout the 1970s, she appeared in numerous high-profile projects, including Sholay, cementing her status as a mainstream success.
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Beyond her screen presence, Malini expanded her scope into film production and direction. In 1992, she directed and produced Dil Aashna Hai, featuring Shah Rukh Khan and Divya Bharti. She followed this in 1995 with Mohini. Her later production work included Tell Me O Kkhuda in 2011, a project that starred both her husband, Dharmendra, and her eldest daughter, Esha Deol.
Political and Public Service
Malini entered formal politics as a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party. She served as a member of the Rajya Sabha between 2003 and 2009. In 2014, she was elected to the 16th Lok Sabha and subsequently held a seat in the 17th Lok Sabha. Her public contributions have been recognized with honors, including the Padma Shri in 2000 for her service to the arts.
Personal Life and Associations
Malini married Dharmendra in 1980, following a ten-year acquaintance and a six-year relationship. The couple had two daughters, Esha and Ahana. She remains active in cultural spheres, holding a life membership with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Her career has featured extensive collaboration with contemporaries such as Rajesh Khanna, totaling over two dozen films with her spouse until his passing in 2025.
Fast facts
- Born: 1948, Ammankudi
- Citizenship: India
- Film debut: Idhu Sathiyam (1963)
- Padma Shri awarded: 2000
- First Lok Sabha election: 2014
- Notable work: Sholay
- Religion: Hinduism and Islam
Questions readers ask
Which film earned Hema Malini her first Filmfare Award?
She won the Filmfare Award for Best Actress for her dual role in the 1972 comedy Seeta Aur Geeta.
What political positions has Hema Malini held?
She served in the Rajya Sabha from 2003 to 2009 and as a member of the 16th and 17th Lok Sabha.
Achievements
- Notable work: Dream Girl
- Notable work: Seeta Aur Geeta
- Notable work: Sholay
- Notable work: Satte Pe Satta
- Worked as film actor, film director and film producer
