Things only Hema Malini can do

Hema Malini, the Dream girl of Bollywood who went on to become an active parliamentarian from the the holy city of Mathura, is celebrating her birthday today. From the lively Basanti of Sholay to a parliamentarian and a dynamic stage performer, Hema Malini has more than a few feathers in her proverbial hat. As the diva turns 66 this year, we ponder over what makes Hema Malini not just the most popular actress but a leader too. Undoubtedly, there cannot be another Hema and therefore we present the things that make her special.

Hema Malini is known for her endearing accent with which he effortlessly delivers her many dialogue in films. It wouldn't be a surprise if her voice is recognised as hers without even having to see a supporting video. Bollywood actor Shreyas Talpade, who is a big fan of the actress once mimicked Hema's style. From her Sholay banter to her emotional pleas in Baghban, the diva still sounds the same.

Hema Malini is the first woman to become an MP from the Mathura constituency. The legendary Bollywood actress didn't just have a landslide victory but also shut many wagging tongues by emerging as an active leader post her win. The diva is often spotted in the city looking into several issues from Vrindavan widows to cleanliness. Feeling blessed to be elected from the holy city of Lord Krishna, Hema Malini is now putting in maximum efforts to make a difference. While many celebrities are elected due to their popularity, ones like Hema Malini, who give up their glamourous lives to step into the shoes of a hard-working parliamentarian, are hard to find.

Hema Malini is counted among the most beautiful Bollywood actresses and is still as graceful even in her sixties. The diva has rendered the concept of age as a mere myth and continues to charm with her easygoing smile. Her fans continue to flock to catch a glimpse of her and there is a huge turnout each time the actress makes an appearance in the Mathura constituency, where she won the elections from.

Hema Malini is in her sixties but the diva is still an active dancer. Hema regularly performs live on various occasions and charity events. With not even a hint of weariness, Hema Malini rules the stage when she descends in the avatar of Goddess Sati or Durga. A trained Bharatnatyam dancer since childhood, who also knows other classical dance forms like Kuchipudi and Odissi, she still dances with the same grace and is occasionally joined by her daughters Esha and Ahana on stage.

It is impossible to imagine another actress playing Basanti's role in the film Sholay. Hema Malini portrayed the outspoken character with such ease, you would think she was as flamboyant in real life too. At a time when most actresses would have shied away from playing the role of a tonga-driver, Hema not only played one, she did so with conviction and her dialogue, ‘Yun ki...Ye kaun bola’ was the deal-clincher. Her style has been popular among her fans who still copy her Basanti traits. Not only this, her double role in Seeta Aur Geeta is considered as one of the best ones of her career and also fetched her the Filmfare award.

Besides her male co-stars Amitabh Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor, Hema Malini is also one of the yesteryear stars who manages to pull crowds to the theatre with her sheer screen presence. While many of her contemporaries have bid farewell to commercial cinema, Hema Malini is still a hot favourite among filmmakers. And what's praiseworthy is the fact that even at her age, Hema is never seen in a de-glam avatar. She managed to look absolutely fabulous, even though she was playing her age in films like Baghban and Veer Zaara. We sure do hope that the actress continues doing more such films. Reports that she is already working on her next comes as music to the ears.