Happy Birthday Hema Malini

Hema Malini – The Timeless Beauty Queen turns 77

From being crowned Bollywood’s Dream Girl to delivering a wide range of unforgettable performances, Hema Malini remains one of Indian cinema’s most enduring and admired icons.

Her journey began in 1968 with Sapno Ka Saudagar opposite Raj Kapoor, followed by Abhinetri with Shashi Kapoor. Critics initially focused on her beauty, one even writing — “Abhinay kam, netri zyada!” — but soon, her poise and acting brilliance silenced all doubts.

Johny Mera Naam opposite Dev Anand made her a sensation and began a series of hits — Joshila, Ameer Garib, Jaaneman, Chhupa Rustam, and Shareef Badmash. With Dev Anand, she formed one of the most successful screen pairings of the 1970s.

And then came Dharmendra — her most celebrated co-star and later, life partner. Together they lit up the screen in Dream Girl, Jugnu, Raja Jani, Charas, Patthar Aur Payal, and of course, Sholay. Their romance, both reel and real, remains legendary in Bollywood history. They did almost over 30 films together .

Her roles in Andaz and Seeta Aur Geeta highlighted her impeccable comic timing and emotional depth. The Sippy association that began there reached its peak in Sholay, where as Basanti, Hema Malini became a cultural icon — vivacious, independent, and unforgettable.

In Gulzar’s Khushboo (1975), she played the quietly strong Kusum with remarkable sensitivity, while Meera (1979) and Razia Sultan (1983) reflected her courage to take on complex, unconventional roles.

She shared equally memorable screen chemistry with Rajesh Khanna (Prem Nagar, Kudrat), Amitabh Bachchan (Kasauti, Satte Pe Satta, Nastik, Baghban), and with Jeetendra (Waris,Kinara, Khushboo and many films down South).

She also set up her own Production HM creations and directed films like Sharara and Dil Aashna Hain.

For over five decades, Hema Malini has been more than a star — she’s been an inspiration, a symbol of grace, talent, and timeless beauty. Even today, when someone is complimented, the phrase lives on — “Apne aap ko Hema Malini samajhti hai!”

A three time and incumbent MP  from Mathura she was also in the Rajya Sabha before that (2003-2009)

Here’s wishing Hema ji a very Happy Birthday — may our Dream Girl continue to shine forever with elegance and charm.

Long live our Dream Girl! 

SUNNY SANSKARI KI TULSI KUMARI

Walking into Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari feels like walking into a glittering Bollywood wedding — the kind where hearts break, heal, and dance all in one song. Shashank Khaitan, the man behind Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania and Badrinath Ki Dulhania, returns with a film that’s drenched in nostalgia yet designed for the Insta generation. (A Trilogy of sorts)

At its heart is Sunny Sanskari (Varun Dhawan) — a hopeless romantic with more emotion than sense, whose grand proposal goes hilariously wrong when his love Ananya (Sanya Malhotra) calls it a “situationship.” Enter Tulsi Kumari (Janhvi Kapoor) — a simple, soft-spoken schoolteacher nursing her own heartbreak. When the two decide to fake a romance and crash a lavish destination wedding, chaos, comedy, and chemistry follow in full Bollywood style.

Varun Dhawan is in fine form — funny, flamboyant, and full of heart. His comic timing meets real emotion, making Sunny both ridiculous and relatable. Janhvi Kapoor shines as Tulsi — tender, expressive, and quietly strong. She plays heartbreak with a raw honesty that lingers. Sanya Malhotra adds a layer of complexity to Ananya — a woman caught between desire and duty — while Rohit Saraf brings warmth and sincerity to his role. Maniesh Paul adds the perfect dose of madness.

Sure, the second half stumbles a bit — a few subplots stretch longer than needed — but the heart of the film never loses rhythm. It keeps you smiling, tapping your foot, and feeling that old familiar tug of filmy love.

Khaitan paints his story on a canvas of chandeliers, colours, and emotions. The film sparkles with classic romcom energy — witty dialogues, dreamy songs, dramatic slow-mos — yet there’s a self-aware charm that makes it feel fresh. It laughs at Bollywood clichés even as it lovingly celebrates them.

Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari isn’t just a romcom — it’s a mood. A reminder that no matter how much life changes, the magic of love, heartbreak, and second chances never goes out of style. It’s loud, colorful, and unabashedly emotional — and that’s what makes it work.(To an extent)

Favourite moments: Varun’s poetry, Janhvi’s tearful monologue, the “Bijuria” dance, and the alternate chemistry of both pairs..that says more than words ever could.

Watch it once for: Its heart, its humour, and its unapologetic love for love.