ONE of the most enduring divas of Hindi cinema, a producer and director for films and television, dancer and choreographer par excellence, magazine editor, an active member of Parliament and, now, a singer, Hema Malini wears many hats with admirable ease. No other industry name comes close to matching the breadth of her achievements.
In an industry where the male star has traditionally driven the commercial success of films. Hema was an exception, with her name alone sufficing to ensure a film's box-office glory. She was, arguably, India's first female superstar. Apart from starring in mainstream super-hits like Johny Mera Naam, Jugnu, Andaz, Seeta aur Geeta. Sholay and, more recently. Baghban. she received critical acclaim for her performances in Lal Patthar, Khushboo. Kinara, Meera, Ek Chadar Maili Si and Razia Sultan. But, even as she completes fifty years in cinema, there is much more to her than just her Bollywood journey.
From her efforts at reviving and sustaining classical dance to her graceful handling of her personal life and the controversies that have plagued her in her political avatar, from her relationships to her religious beliefs and her recent tryst with singing. Hema Malini: Beyond the Dream Girl covers it all With detailed interviews and exclusive anecdotes from her family, friends and co-actors, this is a close look at the remarkable life of one of our greatest cinema icons, someone who has truly lived life on her own terms.
RAM KAMAL MUKHERJEE started his career with The Asian Age, Kolkata, in 2001. In another two years, he would go on to host his own television chat show. Talk Bangla. He was also the youngest - and possibly first - journalist to host a sex-education show, called Chokhey Amar Trishna, for Asian Television Network.
Ram Kamal went on to work with several leading publications, including Stardust. Mumbai Mirror. Mid-Day. ABP Group's Ananda Bazaar Patrika and Anandalok, and TV18. His column for Mumbai Mirror, 'Ram Katha', enjoyed a large following. He also worked for Pritish Nandy Communications as vice president. Special Projects.
He is the author of the coffee-table book, Diva Unveiled: Hema Malini, which won the Best Author Award 2006 given by the Kalakar Awards Foundation, Kolkata, and Long Island Iced Tea. He has also produced a television series. Bin Kuch Kahe, for Zee TV. Ram Kamal was honoured with the Best Journalist Award in 2006 by Lions Club, Mumbai. He has also won the Power Brand best film journalist award for outstanding contribution to Indian cinema in 2017.
I am delighted to know that the book Beyond the Dream Girl is being published on the life of noted actor and political leader, Hema Malini-ji.
Hema-ji has distinguished herself as one of the leading Indian actors of our times. Her cinematic brilliance has spanned several films through the various decades. Her many roles have connected and endeared her to a wide range of cinema lovers. The efforts of Hema-ji to popularize Indian classical dances, particularly among youngsters, are deeply commendable.
It is gladdening to note that the biography on Hema-ji also covers her early years and how she gained a foothold in the film industry through hard work and dedication.
Hema-ji has also been an active BJP member for many years. She has served diligently in the Rajya Sabha and is currently serving in the Lok Sabha. I have found her extremely sensitive towards the development aspirations of the people of Mathura, her constituency. Once again, congratulations on the book and may it further connect Hema-ji to the lakhs of well-wishers she has in India and the world.
Dreams don't work out, unless you work.
If I was asked to choose the one enduring lesson Hema Malini left me with, it would be the above. Her aura had been described perfectly by Sanjeev Kumar when the late actor, after having worked in half a dozen films with her, declared, 'Hema Malini is neither a goddess nor a saint, but she is someone who is worshipped for both qualities.
When I decided to write my second book on her this time, an authorized biography - I was keen on exploring the person beyond the superstar. I was equally aware that I had my work cut out. Hema is an introvert and barely talks about her personal life. What added to the challenge was venturing into the same territory after nearly two decades.
My first book on Hema Malini, Diva Unveiled, published in 2003, was a pictorial depiction of the actor's life. A cub reporter at that time, I remember how she had told me I was too young to take up the project. Moreover, veteran journalist and editor of Screen Weekly, Bhawana Somaaya, was already writing her biography. I stuck to my resolve nonetheless.
Although well received by film aficionados, Diva Unveiled, because of its pricing, ended up more a collectors' item. But I have no regrets. The book helped me find a new lease of life in Bollywood, as well as recognition as an author.
Over the last fifteen years, I have had the opportunity to observe Hema's life from close quarters. From Seeta Aur Geeta to Baghban, from campaigning for Vinod Khanna in Gurdaspur to becoming an MP from Mathura, from being the Dream Girl to becoming the flag- bearer for liberated, independent women - it has been a phenomenal life.
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