Happy Birthday, Hema Malini: 5 Top Films Of Bollywood's 'Dream Girl' You Can't Miss
Hema Malini, the "Dream Girl" of Bollywood, celebrates her 77th birthday on October 16, 2025. The actress, director, producer, and politician has mesmerized audiences for decades with her grace, persistence, and seamless bridging of cinema, dance, and public life. Born in Ammankudi, Tamil Nadu, Hema Malini's journey began long before she stepped in front of the camera. Her film career, which started with a role in the Tamil film "Idhu Sathiyam" in 1963, blossomed into a remarkable journey in Hindi cinema, where she starred in numerous films, often opposite Dharmendra, whom she married in 1980.
Here are five of Hema Malini's most iconic films that showcase her versatility and enduring appeal:
- Seeta Aur Geeta (1972): Hema Malini won the Filmfare Best Actress Award for her dual role as twin sisters with contrasting personalities. Seeta is timid, while Geeta is fearless. The film, also starring Dharmendra and Sanjeev Kumar, is a lighthearted entertainer and one of Bollywood's finest romantic comedies.
- Sholay (1975): In this iconic film, Hema Malini played Basanti, a spirited and talkative tonga driver. Cast alongside Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan, and Amjad Khan, she brought infectious energy and rustic charm to the character, making Basanti one of Hindi cinema's most loved heroines.
- Dream Girl (1977): Hema Malini starred with Dharmendra, Ashok Kumar, and Prem Chopra in a film that played on her established image. She portrayed a quick-witted woman who adopts disguises to navigate tricky situations.
- Satte Pe Satta (1982): Opposite Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini played Indu, a sophisticated and kind-hearted woman who reforms her husband and his six unruly brothers. Her warmth and maturity added emotional grounding to the film's comic chaos.
- Baghban (2003): In her mature years, Hema Malini delivered a graceful and restrained performance as Pooja Malhotra, a devoted wife and mother neglected by her grown children. Starring opposite Amitabh Bachchan, the film touched hearts and highlighted her enduring screen presence.
Beyond these, Hema Malini's filmography boasts numerous other memorable roles in films like "Johny Mera Naam" (1970), "Andaz" (1971), "Lal Patthar" (1971), "Khushboo" (1975), and "Kranti" (1981). Her on-screen chemistry with Dharmendra was particularly celebrated, and they starred together in numerous films that remain favorites today.
Hema Malini has also directed films, including "Dil Aashna Hai" (1992) and "Tell Me O Kkhuda" (2011). She has received numerous awards and honors, including the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999, the Padma Shri in 2000, and the NTR National Award in 2013. In addition to her contributions to cinema and dance, Hema Malini has also made a successful transition to politics, serving as a Member of Parliament for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Hema Malini's timeless beauty, talent, and dedication to her craft have made her an icon in Indian cinema. As she celebrates her 77th birthday, fans across the globe are revisiting her remarkable journey and the golden age of Hindi cinema she helped create.
