My years in movies help me as politician, says Hema Malini!

Actress Hema Malini, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from Mathura Lok Sabha constituency, tells her years of toil in the film industry have helped her survive as a politician.

"All my years in movies - all the hard work, tough outdoor schedules, long hours - have all helped me in my new avatar as politician! Off to Baldeo kshetra (area) today with all your good wishes and blessings," the 65-year-old wrote on her Twitter page Wednesday.

The star of movies like "Seeta Aur Geeta" and "Sholay" said she received a warm welcome in Baldeo.

"Women coming out in hordes to welcome me - all promising to vote for me," she further added.

Hema was lately upset at news that her family was not by her side to support her in campaigning. She pointed out that while her daughters Ahana and Esha have been lending their support, her husband and actor Dharmendra will join her soon. 

The filmmaking is a risky business: Hema Malini

Actress Hema Malini, whose last production and directorial project "Tell Me O Kkhuda" failed at the box office, tells she is in no mood to invest money in another movie as it is a risky plan.

"I made a film recently but it did not work at all, my heart broke. If you tell me to make another film, I will not. If you give me money to make it, then I will. But I don't want to make a film because it is too much of a risk," the 63-year-old told here.

"Tell Me..." was meant to re-launch the actress' daughter Esha Deol into Bollywood, but her efforts failed to reap the desired results. Now, while Hema is ready to act and dance, film production is not on the anvil for her.

"I am not meant for that, my gestures are different, so I dance. If you to tell me to work in a film, I will, I act well, I can do that. But I will not produce a film," she further added.

Hema turned filmmaker with the 1992 movie "Dil Aashna Hai", starring Shah Rukh Khan and late Divya Bharti.

Hema is a much-admired classical dancer and gives various spirituality-based performances. However, Hema feels no one will ever make a film on mythology.

"They (filmmakers) must be very religious... everyone fears god. But the instant they come out, they see themselves as very modern. They are like, 'Oh what is this mythological and all!' I don't think they will ever make a film on god. TV serials yes, but film audience is different," Hema told.

Everybody will be in Kanjivaram saris in Esha’s wedding: Hema Malini

Esha Deol, Hema Malini

Actress Hema Malini has planned a distinctive South Indian wedding for her elder daughter Esha Deol, who will marry businessman Bharat Takhtani July 29, and tells everybody will be in Kanjivaram saris.

"Yes, it will be a complete South Indian style wedding which will take place in a temple," Hema said. A Tamil Iyengar, the veteran actress is married to Dharmendra who is from Punjab.

When asked what Esha will wear on her D-day, she told, "It will be Kanjivaram but I don't want to talk much about her look and costumes right now. You will have to wait and watch, but all of us will be in Kanjivaram saris."

Esha got engaged to Bharat Feb 12 at her mother's house.

Esha Deol-Bharat’s wedding in a temple on June 29!

Esha Deol, Bharat Takhtani

Esha Deol, Bharat Takhtani, Hema Malini

Hema Malini and Dharmendra’s daughter Esha Deol, engaged to Bharat Takhtani, is said to wed on June 29 at a temple.

Bharat Takhtani is a Bandra-based businessman whom Esha has been dating for quite some time.

Mother Hema told, “We are very happy and excited. The preparations have started. The marriage will take place on June 29 at a temple. We wanted to have the wedding in a temple.”

It is heard that the duo have decided to keep the marriage a private affair, with only near and dear ones attending the ceremony. However, The reception will be grand, at a suburban five star hotel on 30 of June.
“The reception will take place on June 30 at a five star hotel. We just want best wishes and love from everyone,” Hema further added.

There is no need for top notch actresses to endorse item songs: Hema Malini

The dream girl of Indian cinema, Hema Malini, feels there is no need for top notch actresses to endorese item songs.

"It's not my taste but people's taste has changed. What to do? People love to see all that. But I would like to say one thing that the big heroines who have earned a name for themselves don't need to do item numbers. There are a lot of other people to do item numbers," she told at an event celebrating 100 years of Indian cinema in Mumbai.

Lately some of the item songs like Katrina Kaif's "Sheila ki jawani" and "Chikni Chameli", Deepika Padukone's "Dum maaro dum" and Kareena Kapoor's "Chammak challo" became chartbusters.

Hema does not personally like them and further added: "The whole meaning of item numbers has changed from our time. Now they are 'Munni badnaam' and some 'Jalebi' and people like it. I personally don't like these songs."

Hema, 63, has earned a name for herself in filmdom for her beautiful and charismatic dancing and acting abilities. She started her career with 1968 film "Sapno Ka Saudagar" and in her more than four decade career; she has done many movies in like "Seeta Aur Geeta" and "Sholay" which earned her great acclaim at the box office.

Hema is an acclaimed bharatanatayam dancer and does solo stage performances as well as with her two daughters - Esha and Ahana Deol.

After beautiful dancers like Sridevi and Madhuri Dixit, from the current lot Hema appreciates Aishwarya Rai and Vidya Balan.

"After Madhuri and Sridevi, I think Aishwarya is a nice dancer. She has done some good work. Vidya Balan is also nice. I have not seen anyone after that," told the actress who runs a classical dance institute Natyavihar Kalakendra.

Dharamji's honour was long due: Dream Girl Hema Malini

Hema Malini

Padma Bhushan Dharmendra and Hema Malini

Veteran actress Hema Malini is overjoyed to learn that her husband Dharmendra will be honored with a Padma Bhushan, the country's third highest civilian award, and tells that the honour was long due.

"I am obviously very happy that Dharamji is getting the Padma Bhushan. It was long due and I am glad that the government of India is conferring the title to him," Hema said.

"He has worked with the best of actors, directors and technicians in his career. I doubt any other actor can boast of such extensive and successful career in Bollywood. Dharamji is very shy so he doesn't speak much about himself," she included.

The actress wedded Bollywood's original 'He Man' in 1980 and the couple has two daughters -- Esha and Ahana.

"I keep telling him that he must act in more movies. I feel happy when his work gets appreciated. Such kind of national honor is always appreciated," she told.

Dharmendra, 76, is known for movies like "Bandini", "Satyakam", "Sholay", "Chupke Chupke" and "Seeta Aur Geeta". He was recently seen in movies like "Yamla Pagla Deewana" and "Tell Me O Kkhuda".

He has been chosen for the prestigious honor along with actress Shabana Azmi and filmmaker Mira Nair in the art-cinema category.

Dev Anand's leading ladies Hema and Asha remember their 'hero'!

Dev Anand and Asha Parekh

Dev Anand and Asha Parekh in a film

Dev Anand and Hema Malini

Dev Anand and Hema Malini

Dev Anand and Hema Malini in a film

For Hema Malini, he was a 'real hero', and for Asha Parekh, working with him was 'like being on an express train' -- two veteran Bollywood beauties remember their time with evergreen star Dev Anand who, according to them, lived life to the fullest.

Dev Anand, who devoted over six decades of his life to Indian cinema, died following cardiac arrest in London Sunday. He was 88.

'My mother was a huge fan of Dev saab, so I grew up hearing his name and watching his films. How was I to know that one day I'd go on to do many films with him? I started my career with one legendary actor Raj Kapoor, then I quickly did 'Johnny Mera Naam' with Dev Saab. You can imagine how nervous I was. I was so young and he was a huge star. But he never made me feel like a newcomer,' told Hema.

'We were signed for several films together. I had the privilege of being directed by all the three brothers Chetan Anand, Dev and Vijay Anand. But I didn't get a chance to be directed by Dev saab until very late in 'Shareef Budmaash'. He was a perfectionist. He would be the first on the sets with that trademark stick in his hand.’

'I asked him why he carried that 'chhadi' with him. He told me it was to prod those who wasted his time. Dev Saab was always on the move. He was so restless, and he didn't appreciate people around him who couldn't keep pace with him. Watching him at work was like taking a Vitamin tablet,' she included.

Hema and Dev Anand worked in other movies like 'Amir Garib' and 'Joshila' as well.

'He could convince me to do any role. I agreed to do a guest appearance in 'Tere Mere Sapne' because of Dev saab and Vijay Anand saab. Working with Dev saab was always a pleasure. He was a very learned man and he was so articulate. He spoke very beautiful English. He was a real hero,' told the 63-year-old.

Asha, who worked with Dev Anand in 'Jab Pyar Kisise Hota Hai', 'Mahal' and 'Kahin Aur Chal', is disturb that this year she lost two of her favourite co-stars -- first Shammi Kapoor, and now Dev Anand.

'We did three films together. Out of them Nasir Hussain saab's 'Jab Pyar Kissise Hota Hai' was a huge success. We had a ball shooting that film. I was relatively new and Nasir saab and Dev saab were big names. Dev saab was so full of beans, he made me feel like a has-been even at that young age. He could never sit still. He'd be all over the place, 'Asha, do this, do that. Don't stand there. Go go go...' The clock never stopped for him. Working with him was like being on an express train. The journey was relentless and exhilarating,' Asha Parekh told.

'We went on to do two other films 'Mahal' and 'Kahin Aur Chal'. Dev Saab was such a huge star that people didn't give him enough credit as an actor. He was very stylish. But he was also a brilliant actor. His clothes, hairstyle, the way he talked and waked exuded glamour and uniqueness. And he was a complete film person. Actor, director, writer, producer.... He lived breathed, ate and slept cinema, included Asha.

The 69-year-old says Dev Anand's passion for work was infectious.

'Today, I see that kind of passion only in Aamir Khan. Dev Saab's enthusiasm infected everyone he worked with. I couldn't keep in touch with him much because he spent most of his time in Mahabaleshwar writing, thinking new ideas. He would barely be finished with one film and he would already be planning his next.

'I think he lived, really lived. All of us others are just not that charged about life. There can never be another Dev Anand,' she included in his memory.

I worked hard to maintain 'Dreamgirl' tag: Veteran actress Hema Malini

Evergreen actress Hema Malini tells her 'Dreamgirl' tag is not for nothing -- she worked hard to achieve it and says it has taken her a lot to maintain it over her four decade-old film career.

'The 'Dreamgirl' title has been with me for a long time. My name got attached with it many years back, but I worked hard to achieve it, to maintain it,' Hema said at Colors' Golden Petal Awards ceremony here.

The 63-year-old kept true to her 'Dreamgirl' tag when she came on the stage in a golden sari with the 'Dreamgirl' song playing in the backdrop. Her poise and grace could give any new age actress a run for money.

However, Hema clarifies her hard work was never aimed at receiving any title.

'We (actors) don't work hard in films to earn titles like this 'Dreamgirl' one. We work hard to get the artist out of us. That's all,' told the actress, who earned fame with films like 'Sholay', 'Seeta Aur Geeta' and 'Johnny Mera Naam'.

At her age, she is fit as a fiddle, with glowing skin -- and when TV actors Apara Mehta and Himani Shivpuri asked her about her fitness secret, she said: 'You should all dance! And by dance I mean do classical, traditional Bharatnatyam, not 'Sheila ki jawaani'! And drink 17 bottles of water every day!'

Now that's quite a tip from the evergreen diva herself, who freshly directed 'Tell Me O Kkhuda' to re-launch her daughter, Esha Deol in the film industry.

I wanted Esha to do something other than acting: Hema Malini

Working in Bollywood is a demanding job, says Hema Malini adding that this is the reason why she was not very keen on her daughter Esha Deol joining filmdom as an actress.

'It is difficult to survive in the industry. You have to go through so much in this career. You have to be successful, but if your movies don't work you are sad and then there comes a burden to do much better. You have to keep working harder and harder, emotionally it disturbs a lot,' told Hema.

'In other professions, it is not noticeable. Here you are immediately in the eyes of people that's why I was not very keen. I wanted her to do something else, something like interior designing, or be a dancer, but she wanted to act and everyone should be given an opportunity. She is indeed a very fine actress,' she included.

Hema re-launched Esha with her directorial venture 'Tell Me O Kkhuda' but the film could not put a lasting impression on the audiences.

'Tell Me O Kkhuda' is not a flop: Hema Malini

Hema Malini

Esha Deol

Hema Malini tells that her directorial endeavor 'Tell Me O Kkhuda', which was re-launching pad for her daughter Esha Deol, is not a box office disappointment.

'It's you people (media) who says it flopped. 'Tell Me O Kkhuda' is doing well and it did not flop as you people are saying. Unlike 'RA.One', it has very less print so it is doing well accordingly,' Hema Malini said journalists at a press meet before the function to celebrate 56th Madhya Pradesh Foundation Day.

'Tell Me O Kkhuda', Hema's second directorial venture after 1992 movie 'Dil Aashna Hai', was received with not so supportive reviews. Also, the viewers were more excited about Shah Rukh Khan's sci-fi superhero movie.

The state is running Beti Bachao Andolan and Hema Malini, mother of two daughters, told, 'I will do a 20-minute show and will present how women were treated in earlier times and how their conditions have changed now.'

She included that she is lucky to have daughters - Esha and Ahana - and that 'I have no wish of having sons as I know, I will get two jamais (sons-in-law) because of my daughters.'

Hema Malini, a Rajya Sabha member, was taken off guard when journos asked her whether she is charging for her performance at the Madhya Pradesh day celebrations or was doing it for free?

'Why would I do it for free. There is an entire team who works with me,' she answered in surprise, adding, 'But yes, I am charging a nominal fees.'

Madhya Pradesh is ruled by the Bharatiya Janata Party, Hema Malini has been elected to the Rajya Sabha from Gujarat, another BJP ruled state, and is a vice-president of the party.

Recent snaps in AsiaSpa of Esha Deol, Hema Malini and Ahana

Esha Deol, Ahana Deol

Hema Malini, Esha Deol, Ahana Deol

Esha Deol

Esha Deol

Hema Malini, Esha Deol

Vyjayanthimala is like my elder sister: Hema Malini

Actress Hema Malini told Vyjayanthimala has always been a 'role model' and like an 'elder sister' to her. The legendary actress who turned 75 Aug 13 was felicitated at a programme.

'I am grateful to get an opportunity to felicitate Vyjayanthimalaji. She was one of the most talented actress of her time. At the same time she also garnered huge respect as a classical singer. She has always been my role model. After I entered the industry, I tried many times to felicitate her but I didn't get an opportunity,' Hema Malini said journalists at the Swatanta Veer Smarak auditorium here, where Vyjayanthimala was felicitated.

'I am thankful to finally get this opportunity. She is like my elder sister. We keep meeting in social functions and now she has become very close to my family,' she told.

Vyjayanthimala's brother Deepak Kanegaonkar and his wife Sulekha had organized the program to honor her.

Vyjayanthimala, who stays in Triplicane in Chennai, told, 'I am very happy to see such a function in my honour. This became possible because my brother Deepak and his wife Sulekha called me to attend this function with lots of love. I am here to show my gratitude and accept the honour.'

She added, 'I had come from South India to work in the Bombay film industry and it has given me everything. It has given me name, fame and above all respect. I got the opportunity to work with the best directors like Bimal Roy, Hrishikesh Mukherjee and actors like Dilip sahab, Dev Anand, Raj Kapoor,' said the actress who featured in films like 'Sangam', 'Devdas', 'Leader', 'Madhumati' and 'Jewel Thief'.

Vyjayanthimala made her debut in Hindi films with 'Bahar' in 1951.

Singer Sanjeevani Bhelande fascinated the audience by crooning some of the tracks from Vyjayanthimala's movies.

Former Maharashtra chief minister Manohar Joshi also attended the function.

Hema Malini doesn’t like Item Nos. in her films!

Hema Malini, the original dream girl of Bollywood, tells she will never have skimpily clad women doing item songs in the movies that she makes.

'I won't keep item songs in my films. I'll try my best not to include them. Only if a distributor really forces me to do it, I might incorporate one. But even then it will not be vulgar. It will be decent,' Hema told.

Freshly Bollywood films have seen a spate of item numbers like 'Shiela Ki Jawaani', 'Munni Badnaam hui', 'Shaalu Ke Thumke' and 'Jalebi Bai', among others.

Hema Malini says, Ahana Deol is ready to take acting professionally!

Esha, Hema Malini and Ahana Deol

Ahana, Hema Malini and Esha Deol

Ahana Deol

Ahana Deol

Ahana Deol

When Esha Deol entered into Bollywood in 2002, it was considered that younger sister Ahana would follow suit soon, but nothing of the sort happened. And now mother Hema Malini discloses that Ahana is willing to take up acting if something interesting comes her way.

'Ahana does lots of things, that's the problem with her. She is a fashion designer and she is writing some scripts. Then she also gets acting offers. She has decided that only if she really likes something, then she will take it up. She doesn't want to do the regular, commercial stuff. But now she is open to acting,' Hema said in a chat.

Ahana is two years younger to Esha and she has been avoiding the arc lights saying she would like to direct. However, acting is a family thing for the 26-year-old, who is a trained Bharatnatyam dancer just like her mother and sister.

As far as Hema is concerned, after staying away from the big screen for more than a year, the 'Dream Girl' of an earlier era is looking forward to 'Bbuddha...Hoga Terra Baap', in which she will share screen with Amitabh Bachchan after five years.

They were last seen together in 2006 movie 'Baabul'.

'I'm playing Amitji's wife in the film, but we are separated and it's basically about how later we meet and everything is rejuvenated. It's a nice role. I accepted it because it's always nice to keep coming back on screen,' told the 62-year-old actress.

'Bbuddha...Hoga Terra Baap', directed by Puri Jagannath is slated to hit screens July 1.

The actress, who has worked with the Bollywood megastar in many movies including 'Satte Pe Satta', 'Nastik', 'Sholay', 'Baghban' and 'Veer-Zaara' among others, tells there has been no change in the 68-year-old actor in all these years.

'There has been no change in Amitji in so many years. He is a good and dedicated actor... whatever role is given to him, he does it so well. It's a pleasure to work with him.

'He is also very lucky, he keeps getting good roles. We heroines don't get good roles. I feel very jealous about that,' included the actress who is also busy with her directorial project 'Tell Me Oh Khuda', which is said to be her daughter Esha's relaunch vehicle.

Hema will also be seen in a cameo in 'Aarakshan' that again has Amitabh in a key role.

From acting to directing to dancing, Hema packs a punch. When asked how she juggles so many roles, she told, 'I'm glad that I'm able to do everything. But it is a tough thing. It's not easy because you have to look after the house, family, children, acting, dance, production. Sometimes I go mad. But I'm happy that I'm still able to do it.'

Hema says, Aishwarya is the dream girl of 21st Century!

Dream Girl Hema Malini

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Bollywood’s original ‘Dream Girl’ and veteran actress Hema Malini, tells she would like to pass this popular title to former beauty queen Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.

Hema told that if she had to select a ‘Dream Girl’ among today’s actresses then she would absolutely go for Ash. “All actress are more than a dream girl today…they are very high and way above it. Each and every girl is very beautiful. They all have made a name for themselves specially Aishwarya. I will give the title to her,” Hema told.

On a lighter note, the 62-year-old actress told, Aishwarya will have to pay me a crore for the precious label I have carried with dignity, all these years.

Hema, who is looking forward to her upcoming movie ‘Bbuddah… Hoga Tera Baap’, will be seen along with superstar Amitabh Bachchan. The movie releases on July 1.

Arjan Bajwa praises Hema Malini’s multitasking Iron woman Personality!

Arjan Bajwa with Co-star

Esha Deol and Arjan Bajwa

Arjan Bajwa, who has so far worked with only male directors, tells he enjoyed working with Hema Malini in her directorial venture 'Tell Me Oh Khuda' and says she is authoritative yet fun to work with.

'Hemaji is an 'iron woman'. She has taken up so many roles in her personal life. She is a politician, a TV producer, a mother, a danseuse, a homemaker; she has been associated with social causes and now a filmmaker. One can learn so much from her and her work spirit,' Arjan said.

The movie is said to be Hema's attempt to re-launch her daughter Esha Deol in the film industry. It tracks the story of a girl's passionate quest to know her origins. Apart from Arjan, the film also stars Chandan Roy Sanyal.

Arjan, who forayed into Bollywood with Mani Ratnam's 'Guru' and then featured in movies like 'Faishon', calls himself fortunate to have got a chance to work with the 'Dream Girl'.

'I have grown up watching Hemaji's film. She is the ideal Hindi film heroine and has a vast experience as an actor. I consider myself fortunate enough to have got a chance to work with her in close proximity. I would say she is much more beautiful in real-life than she looks on screen,' told Arjan, 33.

'Hemaji is authoritative yet fun to work with. She has an amazing sense of humour, she would make remarks and you can't stop laughing on her jokes. She has complimented me for my work,' he included.

'Tell Me Oh Khuda' also brings together yesteryear stars Rishi Kapoor, Vinod Khanna and Dharmendra.

'All three of them are different. And you can learn a lot of things from them individually. Rishiji is very energetic and behaves like buddies. Vinodji is such a good looking man, one can learn so much from his life and Dharamji is like a father figure,' told Arjan who shared a special bonding with Bollywood's original He-Man on the sets.

'Since both Dharamji and I are Punjabis, we connected instantly. We used to sit together and talk in Punjabi. He used to tell me about the culture of Punjab. I had grown close to him during the shooting of the film,' he included.

'Tell Me Oh Khuda' is currently in post-production stage.

Arjan is also working on a movie with Manoj Bajpayee tentatively titled 'Bijnor'.