Fans across India celebrate the birthday of Hema Malini the original “Dream Girl” of Hindi films every year on 16th October. She is widely known as a gracious actress and politician. However the icon who is a multi-talented woman has a lot more to her than what meets the eye. Here are seven lesser-known yet interesting facts about the Bollywood superstar that are sure to catch you by surprise! 1. A Gruelling Start to Tamil Cinema Even before she was famous in the Hindi film industry she made her first-ever appearance in the Tamil film Ithu Sathiyam in 1961. Although the film was not a huge success it did provide her with the push that she needed to begin acting. 2. She Romanced Every Kapoor The interesting fact about her being a perfect match for the whole family: Hema Malini is the only actress in the history of Bollywood who has worked with all five members of the Kapoor family Raj Shammi Shashi Randhir and Rishi in films spanning generations. 3. An Iconic Dance Legacy Bharatanatyam dancer Hema Malini has won the adoration of her fans with her performances in films. She’s committed to preserving and promoting traditional Indian culture in a way that few others have by founding Natya Vihar Kalakendra dance academy a dance school. In addition to India she has also performed on international stages. 4. Vegan Diet Born from Compassion Hema has been following a vegetarian diet with no meat or fish since childhood. PETA India felicitated her with the “Person of the Year” award in 2011 because of her efforts in safeguarding and nurturing animals. 5. Transitioning to the Political Arena She then took a step in the right direction and entered politics when she was nominated to the Rajya Sabha (2003-2009) and was subsequently inducted into the BJP. Over the years she has taken up a number of social causes using the influence she has as an actress and politician. 6. On-Screen Chemistry with Co-star Dharmendra When she and her co-star Dharmendra shared the screen in many films they also shared a special on-screen and off-screen friendship. The mutual love that the actors shared for each other in real life was especially notable in films like Sholay which heightened the film’s story line (Veeru and Basanti). 7. Origin of the “Dream Girl” Tag The title “Dream Girl” first appeared when she acted in the film by the same name in 1977. It became Hema Malini’s calling card and she has been known by that title ever since. The reason she is an icon In a world where people come and go all the time Hema Malini is the exception not the rule. This is the woman who has managed to remain an artist over the decades without losing popularity. Her artistry elegance and values are the cornerstones that have made her not only a Bollywood legend but also a symbol of Indian culture. On the occasion of her birthday her fans and followers revisit her life of beauty talent discipline and kindness and celebrate her. We wish Hema Malini many more years of grace and beauty.