Hema Malini on Vyjayanthimala: She showed me that one could be both a dedicated classical dancer and a successful film actress | Hindi Movie News
Hema Malini’s life story is a captivating blend of talent, determination and grace. Speaking in a candid interview with Women in Focus during her visit to Vancouver, she reflected on her long and illustrious career, which began with dance and led her to become one of India’s most admired figures in cinema.For Hema, inspiration came early and brightly in the form of the legendary Vyjayanthimala. “She was a true inspiration,” Hema said, her eyes lighting up at the mention of the iconic star. “Vyjayanthimala combined grace, talent and artistry both in classical dance and cinema. I always admired how she carried herself. She showed me that you could be both a dedicated classical dancer and a successful film actress.”
A dancer first, an actress by destiny
Born with a love for Bharatanatyam, Hema began learning the art at the age of six and was performing on stage by nine. Her mother was her guiding light. “My mother was the driving force behind me,” she recalled fondly. Though her heart was set on classical dance, destiny had other plans. “I never intended to be an actress,” she admitted. “I wanted to be only a dancer.” Yet, just like her idol Vyjayanthimala, Hema found herself gracefully bridging the worlds of classical art and cinema.
A cinematic journey marked by love and legacy
Looking back on her career, Hema expressed gratitude for the many celebrated co-stars she worked with, including her husband, Dharmendra. Describing their enduring bond, she smiled and said it was “love at first sight.” As a proud mother, she finds immense joy in seeing her daughters, Esha and Ahana, carry forward the family’s artistic legacy through Odissi dance. “It’s a wonderful feeling to share the stage with them,” she said, calling it deeply fulfilling and spiritually rewarding.
Empowerment through art and divine devotion
Beyond her artistic success, Hema Malini has long advocated women’s empowerment, urging women to be “independent, confident and capable of standing on their own.” Through her powerful dance ballets inspired by mythological women such as Durga, Savitri and Draupadi, she communicates strength, devotion and resilience. “Goddess Durga gives me strength,” she said, adding that spirituality is woven into her every performance.Her journey extends beyond the stage and screen. As former Chairperson of the National Film Development Corporation of India, she supported quality cinema and emerging filmmakers. Over the years, her contributions to art and culture have earned her the Padma Shri in 2000, the SaMaPa Vitasta Award in 2006 and an honorary doctorate in 2012.
Continuing the legacy
Even today, Hema Malini continues to inspire generations with her poise and purpose. To her, legacy is rooted in values. “It comes from discipline, devotion and the love of art,” she reflected. And just as Vyjayanthimala once inspired her to pursue both classical dance and cinema with equal grace, Hema now lights that same path for those who follow.
