Hema Malini Celebrates 60 Glorious Years in Cinema
Veteran Bollywood actor Hema Malini, 77, marked her 60-year milestone in Indian cinema with a grand charity concert titled 'Hema Malini Live in Concert: Celebrating the Dream Girl's Diamond Jubilee - 60 Glorious Years in Cinema' at Mumbai's Shanmukhan Hall on July 10, 2026. The event featured a 15-piece live orchestra performing songs from her illustrious career, and raised Rs 10 lakh for CINTAA and FWICE.
Gratitude for Support and Legacy
Malini expressed her gratitude to her mother, family, filmmakers, co-stars, and technicians for their unwavering support. 'I'm thankful to my mother, she stood by me. I believe mothers play an important role in the life and career of their children. My family was with me, and that is why I was able to grow,' she said. She added, 'I'm extremely happy and proud to be part of this beautiful film industry, which has given birth to so many stars in the past and present. The few decades that I've spent in the industry, I've done nearly 200 films and so many memorable songs to my credit, and worked with so many directors and actors.'
Career Highlights and Directorial Ventures
Malini has acted in over 200 films, including classics such as 'Sholay', 'Seeta Aur Geeta', 'Satte Pe Satta', 'Khushboo', 'Naseeb', and 'Baghban'. She also directed two films: 'Dil Aashna Hai' (1992) starring Shah Rukh Khan, and 'Tell Me O Kkhuda' (2011) featuring her daughter Esha Deol. 'The film industry is so vast and beautiful it gives opportunity to each and every one. The only thing is you've to be talented and dedicated and then you will reach the top,' she remarked.
Tribute to Technicians and Co-stars
Malini acknowledged the contributions of costume designers, makeup artists, and cinematographers, stating, 'They worked with so much love and dedication in all my films. It is because of their contribution that I looked the way I did on screen.' When asked about a potential biopic, she said Deepika Padukone could play her: 'If she wants, she can do it. Anybody can do it. Deepika is a beautiful, talented girl.'
Concert Performances and Attendees
The concert featured performances by singers such as Sudesh Bhosle, Suresh Wadkar, Padmini Kolhapure, Shabbir Kumar, Anu Malik, Anup Jalota, Kavita Krishnamurti, Vijeta Pandit, and Purnima Shrestha, who recreated popular songs including 'Meri Makhna Meri Soniye', 'Hori Khele Raghuveera', and 'Ek Na Ek Din Ye Kahani Banegi'. Industry friends like Madhoo, Poonam Dhillon, Rakesh Roshan, Shatrughan Sinha, Jeetendra, Ramesh Sippy, Kiran Juneja, Babul Supriyo, and Sanjeev Gupta attended. Malini noted that her elder daughter Esha could not attend due to a viral infection.
Director Ramesh Sippy Reminisces
Director Ramesh Sippy, who worked with Malini on 'Sholay', 'Seeta Aur Geeta', 'Andaz', and 'Shimla Mirchi', praised her professionalism. 'We've had a great rapport workwise. She understands everything and she has a photographic memory, the way she remembers her dialogues is amazing. I remember she jumped at the idea of playing a double role in Seeta aur Geeta. We've worked on a few films but people fondly remembered her as Basanti even after 50 years of Sholay,' he said.
Madhoo on Malini's Composure
Malini's cousin and actor Madhoo admired her ability to remain composed during difficult times. 'There are problems in life but Hema has always looked impeccable, she does not sit and talk about her sob stories. I asked her how she manages to do this and she said, 'The whole world wants to know how Hema Malini copes with problems but I'll not give into that. Every morning I meet Mr Krishna and I discuss things with him and he solves it,'' she shared.
