Hema Malini Biography – Life, Career and Legacy

Quick Info →
Age: 77 Years
Hometown: Ammankudi, Tiruchirappalli
Husband: Dharmendra

Bio/Wiki

Full NameHema Malini Chakravarty
ProfessionActress, Dancer, Director, Producer, Politician
Known ForHindi films and classical dance

Physical Stats & More

Eye colourDark Brown
Hair ColourBlack
Height5' 6" (168 cm)

Career

Political PartyBharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
Political Journey2003: Hema Malini entered parliamentary politics as a BJP member of the Rajya Sabha. She remained associated with the Rajya Sabha through 2009. 2004–2009: During her Rajya Sabha tenure, she served on several parliamentary committees, including committees related to Transport, Tourism and Culture; Industry; and the Empowerment of Women. 2011–2012: She again served as a Rajya Sabha member. 2014: She contested the Lok Sabha election from Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, on a BJP ticket and was elected to the 16th Lok Sabha. 2014–2019: As a Lok Sabha member, she served on parliamentary committees including Information Technology and Housing and Urban Affairs. 2019: Hema Malini was re-elected from Mathura and became a member of the 17th Lok Sabha. 2024: She won the Mathura Lok Sabha seat again and entered the 18th Lok Sabha for a third consecutive term from the constituency. 2024–Present: Her parliamentary profile lists her as a member of the Committee on Housing and Urban Affairs. Since April 2025, she has also been a member of the Committee on the Empowerment of Women.
Awards & AchievementsFilmfare Best Actress Award (1973): Hema Malini won the award for her dual role in Seeta Aur Geeta. Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award (2000): She received this honour for her contribution to Indian cinema. Padma Shri (2000): The Government of India honoured her with the Padma Shri for her contribution to Indian cinema and the arts. SaMaPa Vitasta Award (2006): She received the award for her contribution and service to Indian classical dance and culture. Honorary Doctorate (2012): Sir Padampat Singhania University conferred an honorary doctorate on her in recognition of her contribution to Indian cinema. Filmfare Special Award (2019): She was honoured for 50 Years of Outstanding Contribution to Cinema. Indian Film Personality of the Year Award (2021): She received this honour at the 52nd International Film Festival of India (IFFI) for her contribution to Indian cinema.
Popular Films- Sapno Ka Saudagar - Johnny Mera Naam - Andaz - Seeta Aur Geeta - Sholay - Dream Girl - Khushboo - Kranti - Naseeb - Baghban

Personal Life

Date of Birth16 October 1948
Age77 years (as of 2026)
BirthplaceAmmankudi, Tamil Nadu, India
Zodiac SignLibra
NationalityIndian
ReligionHinduism
Educational QualificationCompleted her schooling up to the 11th standard before leaving her formal education to pursue a career in acting.
Controversies2015: Faced criticism following a fatal road accident in Rajasthan. 2014: Her remarks about Vrindavan widows drew criticism. 2019: Faced an election-code violation controversy. 2019: Comments about Mathura’s monkey problem attracted attention. Politics: Her constituency outreach has sometimes been questioned.

Relationships & More

Marital StatusWidow

Family

Husband/SpouseDharmendra
FatherV.S.R. Chakravarti (government civil servant)
MotherJaya Chakravarthy
ChildrenEsha Deol and Ahana Deol

Favourites

HobbyClassical dancing, yoga, driving, photography, and horse riding
FoodIdli and rasam, as well as kadis and paneer parathas
ActorShashi Kapoor, Dharmendra, the late Rajesh Khanna and Dev Anand
DestinationMathur, lonavala and indore
PoliticianNarendra Modi

Money Factor

Net Worth (approx)₹122 crore to ₹142 crore ($15–17 million)

Social Media

X@dreamgirlhema

Some Lesser Known Facts

  • She was trained in classical dance from a young age. Hema Malini became highly skilled in Bharatanatyam and later incorporated dance into her film career and stage performances.
  • She was initially rejected by a Tamil film producer. Despite the early setback, she continued pursuing acting and eventually became one of Hindi cinema’s most recognizable stars.
  • Her original screen debut was in a Tamil film. She appeared in Idhu Sathiyam in 1963, before making her Hindi-film debut in Sapno Ka Saudagar.
  • She earned the nickname “Dream Girl.” The title became strongly associated with her after the 1977 film Dream Girl, in which she played multiple roles.
  • She has performed dance ballets based on Indian mythology. Her productions have featured stories and characters inspired by traditions such as Radha-Krishna and the Ramayana.
  • She is also an accomplished dancer and choreographer. Her passion for Indian classical dance has remained an important part of her career alongside acting.
  • She directed films as well as acting in them. Hema Malini made her directorial debut with Dil Aashna Hai in 1992.
  • She worked with Dharmendra in several successful films. Their on-screen pairing became particularly popular with audiences during the 1970s and 1980s.
  • She has had a long career in television. Besides films, she appeared in and produced television programs connected with dance and Indian culture.
  • She has received major national recognition for her contribution to cinema. Among her honours are the Padma Shri and the National Film Award for her work in Indian cinema.
  • She has been involved in public life beyond entertainment. Hema Malini has also served as a member of the Indian Parliament.
  • She has continued performing and promoting classical dance. Even after decades in the film industry, dance has remained an important part of her artistic identity.