Happy Birthday Hema Malini: From converting to Islam to getting proposed by Jeetendra and Sanjeev Kumar; have a look at some fascinating facts about OG Dream Girl

When Hema Malini was called Dream Girl after Seeta Aur Geeta

Hema Malini made her debut in Tamil film, Idhu Sathiyam and Bollywood debut with Sapno Ka Saudagar with Raj Kapoor. She earned the title of Dream Girl due to her memorable performance in the 1977 film Seeta aur Geeta. The actress also gained massive popularity for her role in Sholay.

When Hema Malini proved to be trendsetter

Early in her career, Hema Malini was scolded by her mother for wearing a swimsuit in a film scene. Since then she never wore any kind of revealing outfits in the future films. She was among the first actress to bring the trend of bell-bottoms in Bollywood.

Hema Malini directed Shah Rukh Khan

She marked her directorial debut with film Dil Aashna Hai in which she starred Shah Rukh Khan.

Hema Malini was among highest paid actress

Hema Malini was the highest-paid Bollywood actress along with Zeenat Aman. She continued her successful run as the second-highest-paid actress from 1982 to 1985.

Hema Malini is a trained classical dancer

Apart from her acting prowess, Hema Malini steals heart with her dance performances. She has received training in various classical dance forms, including Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi and Mohiniattam. She owns the Natya Vihar Kalakendra dance school, where she continues to promote and preserve the rich traditions of dance in India. Even her daughters- Esha and Ahana are trained dancers.

Did you know Hema Malini and Dharmendra converted to Islam?

Hema initially rejected Dharmendra’s proposals too because he was already married to Prakash Kaur. However, their feelings for each other grew and they eventually became a couple. Dharmendra and Hema Malini got married after converting to Islam. Following their conversion, Hema was named Aisha Bi R Chakravarty, and Dharmendra became Dilawar Khan. She is 9 years elder to Sunny Deol. Currently, Dharmendra resides with his first wife while Hema Malini stays separately with her daughters and they are on good terms.

Jeetendra and Sanjeev once proposed Hema Malini

Both Jeetendra and Sanjeev Kumar proposed marriage to Hema Malini, but she turned down their proposals. Infact, her parents even faked her marriage with Jeetendra as they were against her love with Dharmendra.

Hema Malini political career

Hema Malini’s foray into politics began when she was nominated to the Rajya Sabha by President APJ Abdul Kalam in 2003. She officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2004 and later became its general secretary in 2010. In the May elections, she won the Mathura Lok Sabha seat for the BJP, becoming a Member of Parliament.

Awards and recognition by Hema Malini

Hema Malini was bestowed with the Padma Shri in the year 2000. She was honoured with the Indian Film Personality of the Year Award at the 52nd International Film Festival of India in 2021.