Hema Malini, an enduring icon of Hindi cinema, seamlessly dons multiple roles as a producer, director for both film and television, a virtuoso dancer and choreographer, an accomplished magazine editor, an active Member of Parliament, and even a singer. Her multifaceted accomplishments in the industry stand unmatched, making her a singular figure in the entertainment world.
In an industry where the male lead traditionally wielded the greatest influence on a film’s commercial success, Hema Malini stood out as a remarkable exception. Her name alone carried the power to ensure a movie’s box-office triumph, arguably making her India’s first female superstar. Beyond her appearances in mainstream blockbusters like “Johny Mera Naam,” “Jugnu,” “Andaz,” “Seeta Aur Geeta,” “Sholay,” and, more recently, “Baghban,” she garnered critical acclaim for her performances in films like “Lal Patthar,” “Khushboo,” “Kinara,” “Meera,” “Ek Chadar Maili Si,” and “Razia Sultan.” However, her legacy extends far beyond her Bollywood journey.
From her dedicated efforts to revive and preserve classical dance forms to her graceful handling of her personal life and the controversies that have marked her political career, from her relationships to her spiritual beliefs and her recent foray into singing, “Hema Beyond the Dream Girl” provides a comprehensive exploration of her multifaceted life. Through in-depth interviews and exclusive anecdotes from her family, friends, and co-actors, this book offers an intimate glimpse into the extraordinary life of one of India’s greatest cinematic icons—an individual who has undeniably charted her own unique path in life.