An interview with Hema Malini on her latest performance and life's work.
The legendary actor, director/producer (she discovered Shah Rukh Khan in Dil Aashna Hai), dancer and politician, unprecedented “Dreamgirl” Hema Malini, was in Toronto last week to perform a dance ballet, Durga.
I caught up with the fabled dancer to hear about her inspiration, interests and rendition as Maa Durga.
Malini started dancing at the age of six and started acting by 16. Her acting career flourished over 40 years, but always came second to her first love, dancing.
Interview with Hema Malini
Dancer
Trained in Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi and Odissi styles of dance, Malini started producing dance ballets with a small team.
Malini says, “Dance has been my first love I would say. I started at the age of six. I continued, then films came along. I danced and I acted, both together, and later I continued my dance and it has always been with me.”
Dance is empowering, a sentiment endorsed by Malini again and again. The dancing maven always takes time out from her busy life and other work to perform every month.
“It is very important for me to perform on the stage. It has become a part of my life. If I don’t do it, I feel like, 'My god, what is happening!' In a month I do three to four shows all over India or abroad. From the age of 16, I started working in films, so I’m used to this and I’m lucky my children also like dancing.”
Malini is planning a U.S. tour, Parampara, a dance ballet with her daughters, Esha and Ahana.
Actor
Last seen in Tell Me O Kkhuda, she has since streamlined her acting interest. However, we may soon see her in Ramesh Sippy’s next movie.
“A role has to be designed for me, because I have been in the industry for so many years, and done such wonderful roles. I’m very happy with whatever I did. It was really nice, and when I look back I feel really good. Now luckily Ramesh Sippy has offered me a film, and I will be doing that soon,” she says.
Politician
Recently elected as a member of parliament from Mathura, Malini plans to devote her time and resources towards the development of the city. “I’ve gained so much name and fame and people have always given me lots of love. This is like a seva bhav (act of service), which I can do it in a better way being a member of parliament.”
Performer
The 65-year-old is on fire onstage! I got to witness her grandiose performance firsthand.
Scene from Durga
Durga, the dance ballet, depicts the stories of Sati, Parvati and Durga from the Shiva Puranas. According to Hindu mythology, Sati, as an act of loyalty, immolates herself to uphold her husband’s respect. She is later reincarnated as Parvati and marries Shiva. This includes the first two acts of the ballet.
The last act of the ballet is the enactment of Maa Durga, who emerges to kill the evil king, Mahishasura.
A dramatic act of the ballet
Malini’s depiction of the Maa Durga is breathtaking. The accompanying groups of dancers from the Natyavihar Kalakendra are equally powerful.
The show was greeted with a well-deserved standing ovation. It’s a must-see for every artistic soul.
All Images Courtesy Of Ajay Modi Entertainment
Swati Bhatt Vyas
Author
With a master’s in Journalism from Mumbai University, Swati published her first book as one of the youngest female self-help authors in India. Later in 2011, she penned her second book. Since then she has worked extensively in print, web & broadcast media in India & Canada. She c...
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