Veteran actor Hema Malini believes Deepika Padukone would be the ideal choice to portray her if a biopic on her life is ever made. Speaking at an event celebrating her 60-year journey in cinema, the veteran actor praised Deepika's talent and screen presence while responding to a question about who she would like to see play her on screen.
When asked whether Deepika would be the right person for the role, the 77-year-old said, "If she wants, she can do it. Anybody can do it. Deepika is a beautiful, talented girl."
The admiration between the two actors dates back several years. In 2017, Hema invited Deepika to launch her biography, Hema Malini: Beyond The Dream Girl, written by Ram Kamal Mukherjee.
Their connection is also reflected in Deepika's Bollywood debut, Om Shanti Om (2007), where her character Shantipriya was inspired by Hema Malini's iconic "Dream Girl" image.
Hema also expressed gratitude for the grand celebration commemorating her six decades in the film industry.
Sharing her thoughts, she wrote, "What a memorable and wonderfully organised event. The celebration of my years in the film industry (Diamond Jubilee) was conducted with such pomp and grandeur that it was truly incredible."
She also thanked the audience for their enthusiastic response, adding, "The wonderful audience in the auditorium seemed completely immersed in the music of my films, and they stayed until the very end."
HEMA MALINI'S CAREER
Fondly known as Bollywood's "Dream Girl", Hema Malini is an acclaimed actor, classical dancer, film producer and politician. She rose to prominence in the late 1960s and went on to become one of Hindi cinema's most celebrated leading actors through the 1970s and 1980s.
She made her Bollywood debut opposite Raj Kapoor in Sapno Ka Saudagar (1968) and went on to deliver memorable performances in films including Seeta Aur Geeta, Sholay, Dream Girl, Satte Pe Satta, The Burning Train, Jugnu and Baghban.
Her most recent film appearance was in the 2020 romantic comedy Shimla Mirchi, directed by Ramesh Sippy and co-starring Rajkummar Rao and Rakul Preet Singh.
