Vinita Chaturvedi (BOMBAY TIMES; December 21, 2018)

The year has been about women empowerment, with women fearlessly speaking their minds. Understandably, this makes Hema Malini happy, considering her dance ballets also veer around empowered characters.

Having witnessed the changing pulse of the society, Hema says, “Times have changed. Girls no longer let people treat them like doormats. They take their decisions and stick to them. This makes me happy. However, I also feel that there are still a lot of women in our country, especially in the rural parts, who either don’t realise their potential or are still not ready to take that first step towards empowerment because they are still shackled to the ‘Log kya kahenge’ thought. This needs to change. Women must follow their passion and dreams without fear.”

A seasoned actress, Hema has a vast body of work but is rarely seen in films these days. Ask her the reason and she says, “Most of the filmmakers today are too scared to cast senior actresses in their films. Although senior male actors keep getting roles, even if they turn 100. I feel senior actresses must come together and make films for themselves.” However, Hema opines that ever since big studios have stepped in, filmmaking has become a very expensive and complicated process. “After spending so much money on a film, getting screens is a major issue. It is getting difficult to survive. No wonder most of the old filmmakers have stopped making films now. Who would want to lose money in old age,” she shares.

Hema reveals that she is back to producing films. “I have finished the shoot of my Punjabi film Matti. Regional films are making waves now and, if I get a good script, I’d like to make films in Marathi too, provided the budget is also reasonable. In 2019, I plan to produce a Hindi film too,” she informs.

For Hema, everything takes a backseat when it comes to her grandchildren. Reveals the doting granny, with a hearty laugh, “Every morning Ahana’s son Darien and Esha’s daughter Radhya come home to meet me. That is the most precious time for me even as the whole house is turned upside down. My room looks like a nursery and I love it!”

Ask the original Dream Girl of Bollywood, as to who among the newer actresses would the tag suit and she replies, “All of them are good, but I feel Deepika Padukone is the Dream Girl of today. She can carry every apparel with effortless ease and looks stunning every time. Most importantly, I like the dignified way with which she carries herself and the way she lives life on her own terms. I share a very special bond with her.”