India's beloved Dream Girl Hema Malini completed 77 today, having kept the film fraternity and fans alike mesmerised for decades, not just as an actress but virtually an institution, after seamlessly bridging the worlds of cinema, dance and public life with grace and persistence.

Born on October 26, 1948, in Ammankudi, Tamil Nadu, to V.S.R. Chakravarthy and Jaya Chakravarthy, Hema's artistic journey began long before the camera discovered her. A student of Andhra Mahila Sabha in Chennai, she was trained in Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi and Mohiniyattam, disciplines that instilled in her an enduring poise and rhythm.

Her debut in a supporting role in "Idhu Sathiyam" (1963) marked her first screen appearance, but it was "Sapno Ka Saudagar" (1969) opposite Raj Kapoor that introduced her to Hindi cinema. In a promotional strategy, she was introduced as the Dream Girl - a sobriquet that would become immortal. The film, however, tanked at the box office.

The 1970s marked Hema's golden reign. With unforgettable performances in "Johny Mera Naam", "Andaz", "Seeta Aur Geeta", "Sholay", "Trishul", "Naseeb" and "Satte Pe Satta", she became one of the most sought-after stars of her time. Her portrayal of Basanti, the feisty tanga driver in Sholay, became iconic, capturing the spirit of a generation.

In 1977, she played the title role in the Pramod Chakravorty-directed film Dream Girl, naturally.

Her on-screen pairings with leading stars like Dharmendra, Rajesh Khanna and Shashi Kapoor were adored by audiences. Her iconic on-screen pairing with Dharmendra translated into a real-life romance, culminating in marriage in 1979 after both converted to Islam, adopting the names Aisha Bi R. Chakravarthy and Dilawar Khan Kewal Krishn. Their daughters, Esha and Ahana Deol, have followed in their mother's artistic footsteps.

Beyond cinema, Hema Malini distinguished herself as a filmmaker, television presenter and classical dance exponent. Hema Malini made her directorial film debut with Dil Aashna Hai (…The Heart Knows) (1992), featuring Shah Rukh Khan in one of his earliest roles. In addition to her work in film and television, she served as editor of the women’s magazines New Woman and Meri Saheli (“My Friend”).

After a break from acting, Hema Malini returned in Baghban (2003; “Gardener”), followed by appearances in Veer-Zaara (2004), Laaga Chunari Mein Daag (2007; “A Stain on the Veil”), and Ek Thi Rani Aisi Bhi (2017; “There Was a Queen Like This”), where she portrayed Vijaya Raje Scindia, a politician and the consort of the last ruling Maharaja of Gwalior.

She founded the Natya Vihar Kalakendra dance school in Mumbai and has appeared in numerous ballets based on Hindu mythology, touring across India and internationally.

In 2024 she played Sita, consort of the Hindu god Rama, in a theatrical presentation staged ahead of the pranapratishtha (Sanskrit: “consecration”) ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

Recognised with Padma Bhushan in 1999 for her immense contribution to Indian cinema, Hema Malini also made a successful transition to politics, serving as a Member of Parliament representing Mathura for the Bharatiya Janata Party.