B'day Gift' for legendary 'Sholay' director Ramesh Sippy by way of Society Achievers Cover released by his 'favorite' iconic actress-danseuse Hema Malini? By Sr. Journalist Chaitanya Padukone

It pleasantly coincided with 50 years of mega-blockbuster Sholay and iconic director Ramesh Sippy's birthday week ( January 23rd)!  An afternoon of elegance, nostalgia, and cinematic legacy unfolded as legendary evergreen actress-danseuse and star M.P.Hema Malini unveiled the latest issue of Society Achievers magazine, featuring iconic filmmaker Ramesh Sippy on the cover.

Hosted at star M.P. Hema Malini’s well-guarded, beautifully furnished Juhu residence, the private elite yet homely gathering was warm and filled with memories from one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated eras.

The dignified veteran director Ramesh Sippy attended with his charming, elegant actress- show host wife, Kiran Joneja. The exclusive private occasion brought together Ashok Dhamankar, Founder of Magnate Publishing; Andrea CostaBir, Chief Editor of Society Achievers; Team Magnate members, along with dynamic Anusha Srinivasan Iyer ( PR-Naarad). 

Conversations flowed effortlessly as friendships were celebrated over delicious refreshments in a relaxed and affectionate atmosphere.

Graceful and dignified as ever, Hema Malini spoke fondly about Ramesh Sippy — her Sholay director mentor and long-time friend — revisiting shared memories, creative trust, and the deep mutual respect that marked their collaboration.

She recalled the physical grit that film-making once demanded, sharing how she had to dance barefoot on scorching stones during a summer shoot for the iconic song 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan'. Her mother had tried to secretly protect her with concealed footwear, but Sippy’s sharp eye caught it instantly.

“Ramesh-jee told me to remove the slippers because it would show on camera,” Hema Malini said with a smile. “After every shot, I had to sit with a wet towel on my feet to soothe the burning. It wasn’t easy, but we trusted our director completely.”

Speaking about Sholay (1975), she revealed that Ramesh Sippy had once hesitated to offer her the role, unsure whether it was right for a leading star to be part of a powerful ensemble instead of a solo-heroine narrative.

“But I believed in his instinct,” she said. “I didn’t think about position. I thought about the story.”

The outspoken, articulate Sippy reflected on that mid-'70s era with humility. “Every actor in that film came with trust. We were working for the film, not for ourselves,” he said.