Hema Malini On Falling In Love With Dharmendra During Sholay: 'We Shared So Much…'
Hema Malini reflects on her Sholay memories – from shooting in the summer heat to the beginning of her romance with Dharmendra.
As Sholay turns 50 this August, fans are once again celebrating the film that changed Hindi cinema forever. But for Hema Malini, the blockbuster isn't just about iconic dialogues, memorable characters, or legendary scenes – it's also where her real-life romance with Dharmendra began.
Speaking to NDTV, Hema revealed how their bond grew naturally while filming. 'He was very fond of me as I was of him. We had a lovely relationship because we had worked on so many movies together. We shared so much with each other — sometimes they were problems, sometimes it was happiness. Eventually, friendship led to love, maybe that's what was reflected on the big screen too, in the film. It's natural, isn't it? A lovely friendship ultimately leads to love and care for each other."
'Basanti' Hema Malini's First Day on Sholay Set
Hema's Basanti remains one of Bollywood's most beloved characters – a spirited tangewali whose energy lit up every frame. She still remembers her very first day on Sholay's set. 'The Mandir scene was the first scene I shot. It was a lot of fun. So innocently, Basanti was accepting everything and answering back to Lord Shiva. Everything was very different. Shooting happened outdoors in hot summers; I don't think we shot anything indoors. Even Ramanagara in Karnataka, where the climax scene happens, is as it was. They have not built anything there."
Sholay – A Historic Film with a Dream Cast
Released in 1975 and directed by Ramesh Sippy, Sholay was a casting triumph, bringing together Dharmendra, Hema Malini, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Sanjeev Kumar, and Amjad Khan in a film that went on to define generations of Hindi cinema. Dharmendra and Hema would go on to star together in hits like Tum Haseen Main Jawan, Seeta Aur Geeta, and Alibaba Aur 40 Chor – but it's Sholay that remains the most cherished chapter in both their careers and their love story.
About Sholay
Sholay (1975), directed by Ramesh Sippy, is one of Indian cinema's most iconic films, blending action, drama, comedy, and romance into a genre-defining classic. Set in the fictional village of Ramgarh, the story follows two small-time criminals, Jai (Amitabh Bachchan) and Veeru (Dharmendra), who are hired by retired policeman Thakur Baldev Singh to capture the ruthless bandit Gabbar Singh (Amjad Khan). Known for its unforgettable dialogues, memorable characters, and RD Burman's timeless music, Sholay remains a cultural milestone that continues to influence Bollywood storytelling decades after its release.
First Published:
August 13, 2025, 08:55 IST
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