Lifestyle /
Meet Hema Malini As Maa Durga
An interview with Hema Malini on her latest performance and life's work.
The legendary actor, director/producer (she discovered Shah Rukh Khan in Dil Aashna Hai), dancer and politician, unprecedented “Dreamgirl” Hema Malini, was in Toronto last week to perform a dance ballet, Durga.
I caught up with the fabled dancer to hear about her inspiration, interests and rendition as Maa Durga.
Malini started dancing at the age of six and started acting by 16. Her acting career flourished over 40 years, but always came second to her first love, dancing.
Interview with Hema Malini
Dancer
Trained in Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi and Odissi styles of dance, Malini started producing dance ballets with a small team.
Malini says, “Dance has been my first love I would say. I started at the age of six. I continued, then films came along. I danced and I acted, both together, and later I continued my dance and it has always been with me.”
Dance is empowering, a sentiment endorsed by Malini again and again. The dancing maven always takes time out from her busy life and other work to perform every month.
“It is very important for me to perform on the stage. It has become a part of my life. If I don’t do it, I feel like, 'My god, what is happening!' In a month I do three to four shows all over India or abroad. From the age of 16, I started working in films, so I’m used to this and I’m lucky my children also like dancing.”
Malini is planning a U.S. tour, Parampara, a dance ballet with her daughters, Esha and Ahana.
Actor
Last seen in Tell Me O Kkhuda, she has since streamlined her acting interest. However, we may soon see her in Ramesh Sippy’s next movie.
“A role has to be designed for me, because I have been in the industry for so many years, and done such wonderful roles. I’m very happy with whatever I did. It was really nice, and when I look back I feel really good. Now luckily Ramesh Sippy has offered me a film, and I will be doing that soon,” she says.
Politician
Recently elected as a member of parliament from Mathura, Malini plans to devote her time and resources towards the development of the city. “I’ve gained so much name and fame and people have always given me lots of love. This is like a seva bhav (act of service), which I can do it in a better way being a member of parliament.”
Performer
The 65-year-old is on fire onstage! I got to witness her grandiose performance firsthand.
Scene from Durga
Durga, the dance ballet, depicts the stories of Sati, Parvati and Durga from the Shiva Puranas. According to Hindu mythology, Sati, as an act of loyalty, immolates herself to uphold her husband’s respect. She is later reincarnated as Parvati and marries Shiva. This includes the first two acts of the ballet.
The last act of the ballet is the enactment of Maa Durga, who emerges to kill the evil king, Mahishasura.
A dramatic act of the ballet
Malini’s depiction of the Maa Durga is breathtaking. The accompanying groups of dancers from the Natyavihar Kalakendra are equally powerful.
The show was greeted with a well-deserved standing ovation. It’s a must-see for every artistic soul.
All Images Courtesy Of Ajay Modi Entertainment
Swati Bhatt Vyas
Author
With a master’s in Journalism from Mumbai University, Swati published her first book as one of the youngest female self-help authors in India. Later in 2011, she penned her second book. Since then she has worked extensively in print, web & broadcast media in India & Canada. She c...
COMMENTS
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
-
Not Into Flu Shots? Try These Centuries-Old Desi Home Remedies Instead!
-
Diwali Gift Guide: Barbie® Diwali Doll & 8 More Unique South Asian Gift Ideas
-
From Turkey To Tadka: Desi-Inspired Thanksgiving Recipes
-
Mommy's Time-Out: How To Reclaim Your Zen After The Back-to-School Scramble
-
Khichdi Cups & 5 South Asian School Lunch Recipes For Busy Desi Parents
-
6 Complaints Desi Grandparents Have About Keeping Pets & How You Can Counter Them
-
Raksha Bandhan Gift Guide: Celebrate The Festival With A Modern Twist!
-
Summer Elixirs: Healthy South Asian Cooling Drink Recipes To Beat The Heat
-
Stay Cool: Build a Summer Garden Oasis At Home With Tulsi & Shade
-
Celebrating International Yoga Day: Find Your Balance Through Chakra Meditation
-
Spice Up Your Summer BBQ With These 5 Mouthwatering South Asian Recipes
-
South Asian Heritage Month: Journey Through Time With 8 Iconic South Asian Travel Destinations
-
How To Add Ancient South Asian Spiritual Cleansing Rituals To Modern Spring Cleaning Techniques
-
Toronto's Living Luxe Design Show Sets a New Standard for Luxury Exhibitions
-
Savouring South Asian Style: Elevate Your Home Decor with Cultural Flair
-
6 Ways To Create Fun Quality Time With Your Kids & Parents That Both Will Love!
-
Celebrating South Asian Literature: Must-Read Books by Female Authors
-
Flavourful Festivities: Traditional Holi Recipes To Spice Up Your Table
-
The Living Luxe Design Show Presented By JennAir Announces Powerhouse Program Of Speakers
-
7 Ways Yoga Will Save Your Mental Health
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Can I Convince My Friend That Her Threatening Boyfriend Is The Problem, Not Me?
-
10 Tips To Manage & Survive Long-Distance Relationships
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: I'm Afraid My Childhood Bully Will Be Back In My Life, What Do I Do?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Create "Me Time" In My Demanding Life?
-
Hot Spot Alert: Mishree Cocktails & Cuisine Exhilarates With South Asian X Middle Eastern Cuisine
-
BioAro Founder Dr. Anmol Kapoor Wants You To Be The CEO Of Your Health
-
Savour the Holidays With This Paneer Pakora Recipe By KFI Sauces!
-
Here's How To Craft And Achieve Meaningful New Year's Resolutions
-
Snack It Up This Holiday Season with Indian-Inspired Potato Wedges by KFI Sauces
-
Butter Chicken Nachos Recipe By KFI Sauces Is Perfect For Your Holiday Spread
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Friend She's Taking My Emotional Support For Granted?
-
Anjali Pathak of Patak's Shares Her Favourite Recipes For The Holiday Season
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: Why Does Our Family Get Togethers Always End With A Fight?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Sis-In-Law To Stop Intruding In My Daughter's Wedding Plans?
-
Event Alert: The Auric Living Conference Brings Holistic Healing To Toronto
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: I'm On The Outs With My Friend Because I Supported Her Breakup What Do I Do?
-
Event Alert: The Desai Foundation Rings In 10th Anniversary of "Diwali On The Hudson" Gala
-
South Asians & Arthritis: Busting Myths And Sharing Facts About This Disease In Our Community
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Convince My Kids That My Granddaughter's Best Friend Is A Bully?
-
Make Your Brunch Brilliant With This French Buckwheat Crepes & Dosas Recipe!
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Sis-In-Law That Her Messy Dog Is Not Welcome At My House?
-
You Just Need A Hot Pot To Make This Amazing Masala Style Vegan Tomato Soup
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Friend To Stop Interrupting Me?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Trust My Husband After He Cheated On Me?
-
Check Out This Insane Recipe For Mini Masala Idli
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Brother That His Cottage Rules Ruins All The Fun?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: What Do I Do When My Fiancé Shares His Dog With His Ex?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Convince My Partner That Our Six-Year-Old Is To Young For Sleepovers?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Deal With My Friend Who Always Wants To Start A Fight?
-
Here's Why Paris Calls Tharshan Selvarajah The Best Baguette Baker In The City
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: Help! My Bestie Roommate Is A Nightmare
-
Pride 2023: Why Is India's Supreme Court Taking So Long To Legalize Same Sex Marriage?
