Daily News & Analysis

Oct 16: Like Cleopatra, neither age nor custom can stale her infinite variety. Superstar Hema Malini, who is turning 58 on Monday, is having a small birthday party for her family and friends. “Aahna is organising it. Esha is away shooting in Cape Town and Dharamji is away in the US,” she reveals.

Reflecting on her multi-hued life, she says, “God has blessed me with much. Of course, there have been ups and downs, but I’ve taken it in my stride. Yes, there’s something lacking in my marriage. My man cannot spend much time with me. But I don’t crib about it. I take it positively as something which gives me independence.”

So what’s the best gift her husband’s given her? “What can be more beautiful than Esha and Aahna. My beautiful bungalow is also a gift from him. What more can I ask for?”
The eternal Dreamgirl has dreams still to discover. “Time is short. I want to make a film, launch my dance institute and promote Indian culture. I want to return all that I have gained from society. I want to work for the girl child.”

Compliment her on her never fading beauty and she says, “I owe it to my dance, spirituality and the fact that I am a complete woman.”