Hema Malini On Sholay: Sholay’s Basanti Remembers Film’s Magic 50 Years Later, Calls Success Surprising

When Sholay was released on August 15, 1975, nobody could imagine that it would become one of India's biggest and most loved films ever.

By Sulena Majumdar Arora 11 Aug 2025 in Entertainment

New Update

Sholay’s Basanti Remembers Film’s Magic 50 Years Later

Listen to this article

0.75x1x1.5x

00:00/ 00:00

Hema Malini On Sholay: When Sholay was released on August 15, 1975, nobody could imagine that it would become one of India's biggest and most loved films (Hema Malini movies) ever. Today as the country celebrates its 50th anniversary, the excitement around Sholay is as strong as it was decades ago. From film festivals and special screenings to emotional tributes from film stars. Sholay's golden jubilee is being celebrated as a rare and historic occasion among the film industry and its countless fans.

Hema Malini On Sholay’s Legacy 50 Years Later

Hema Malini in Sholay

Hema Malini, who played Basanti's role (hema malini age), expressed her surprise at the film's everlasting youthful appeal. "I feel great. When I started working on 'Sholay'. I had no idea that it would become such a big hit and that even after 50 years, I would be asked questions about it in Parliament. Really, it was a different time then," she told reporters, expressing both joy and disbelief. "There can never be another 'Sholay', it is difficult to make another 'Sholay' again." Hema Malini said, reflecting on how unique the film is, especially with so many remakes being made these days.

Dream Girl' Hema Malini

Hema Malini, often called as Bollywood's 'Dream Girl' (Hema Malini Dream Girl), is extremely emotional and proud on the completion of 50 years of "Sholay", the film that gave her the unforgettable tag of chirpy Basanti. The wonder, joy, and nostalgia in her voice reflected how special the film and those memories are to her even today. She said, "Sholay is a cult film, but I would also like to say that it was one of the most difficult roles I have ever played because of various circumstances. I was shooting barefoot, without sandals or shoes, and that too in the scorching month of May, in Bangalore. The ground was always very hot, and it was very difficult to walk barefoot, especially if you were shooting in the afternoon. The weather conditions made shooting a little difficult, but overall, the experience of shooting with everyone is something I will always remember," she said.

She clearly pointed out that times have changed and the kind of cinema, amazing team spirit, and cultural moment that made "Sholay" such a classic cannot be easily replicated in today's Bollywood industry. Hema ji acknowledged not only the popularity of the film, but also its unique place in her personal and professional journey.

Sholay

When "Sholay" was made in 1975, Hema recalls beginning work on the film with very modest expectations, never imagining that "even 50 years later people would be celebrating Sholay, wanting to talk about it, and even in Parliament." The film's initial box office struggle and then its subsequent cult status made it all the more impressive.

Her portrayal of Basanti, (Hema Malini Sholay) a chirpy, vivacious, extremely talkative, and exquisite village girl driving a horse-drawn carriage (Hema Malini daughter) with a whip in her delicate hands, instantly became an audience favorite. Hema has often said that the role was very close to her heart and is one of the most beloved roles in Indian cinema. Even today, fans call her Basanti. Looking back, Hema marvels at how the dialogues from "Sholay," especially her own, "have become part of the everyday language of so many people."

Hema Malini Age, Net Worth, Height, Family, Husband, Biography

Although 'Sholay' is certainly the Kohinoor of Hema Malini's career, there are many more milestones in her acting career. She made her film debut in 1968 with "Sapnon Ka Saudagar" and became a superstar in the 1970s and 1980s. Even after her marriage to superstar He-Man Dharmendra (Hema malini first husband) and subsequent entry into politics (Hema Malini BJP), Hema has continued to work in films and is also a respected Member of Parliament (Hema Malini Mathura) and a cultural icon. Her acting and dance career includes countless awards, the Padma Shri, and recognition as one of India's most popular actresses".

Yeh Dosti - Celebrating 50 Years Of Sholay

As the Golden Jubilee celebrations of 'Sholay' take over India, the net world, the news, and the film fraternity, Hema Malini is garnering praise for her gratitude and humility for her role. For her, being a part of "Sholay" (Hema Malini Dharmendra) was not just a milestone in her career; it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, a film that gave her more than fame, an unbreakable bond with the audience, an iconic role, and memories she cherishes even half a century later.

Today, Hema Malini remains active in films, attending events, performing classical dance, and interacting freely with young fans and fellow politicians. Yet when someone mentions 'Sholay' or calls her 'Basanti', she smiles with the same joy she felt when the film was first celebrated so many years ago.

Hema Malini On Sholay: Sholay’s Basanti Remembers Film’s Magic 50 Years Later, Calls Success Surprising

Hema Malini On Sholay’s Legacy 50 Years Later

People also ask about Hema Malini...

**1. What did Hema Malini say about the 50th anniversary of Sholay?**

2. Did Hema Malini comment on AI and deepfakes recently?

3. Has she returned to acting or expressed interest in new films?

4. Has she done any notable public or cultural performances recently?

5. What political updates involve Hema Malini now?

6. What is Hema Malini's religion?

7. Who was the first husband of Hema?

8. Why does Hema Malini not live with Dharmendra?

9. What is the age gap between Hema Malini and Dharmendra?

10. Did Dharmendra change religion to marry Hema Malini?