October 15, 2017
The first full-length biography of "evergreen beauty"
Hema Malini, also a BJP Parliamentarian, will be launched on Monday to coincide
with the 69th birthday of the actress.
In one of his first forewords for
any book, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded Hema Malini's cinematic
brilliance during her 50 years in Indian showbiz.
"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 popularise Indian classical dances, particularly among
youngsters, are deeply commendable," Modi says in his foreword to "Beyond The
Dreamgirl," the authorised biography of the actress.
Expressing his
delight on the publication of the book, Modi said "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".
The
book, by former editor of Stardust and producer Ram Kamal Mukherjee, will be
launched on October 16, when the "dreamgirl" turns 69. Its launch also marks the
celebration of Hema Malini's five decades in show business.
"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," Modi added in the foreword.
Having started
her film career in 1968 with Raj Kapoor-starrer "Sapno Ka Saudagar", she regaled
movie buffs with roles in films like "Seeta Aur Geeta", "Sholay", "Dream Girl"
and "Satte Pe Satta". An accomplished classical dancer, Hema Malini earned the
epithet of 'Dreamgirl' for her flawless beauty and became a pioneering female
superstar in an otherwise male-oriented film industry.
In an earlier
interview to IANS, Mukherjee (the biographer) had said that the book is divided
into 23 chapters, covering her childhood, teens, Bollywood, rise as an actor,
romance, colleagues, marriage, her second innings, launching Shah Rukh Khan in
'Dil Aashna Hai' -- which she directed -- her ballet, her political and
spiritual journey. There are two chapters dedicated to her daughters Esha and
Ahana.