Did Hema Malini Really Not Rehearse for ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’ in ‘Sholay’?
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Synopsis
Hema Malini reflects on her iconic role in ‘Sholay’ as the film approaches its 50th anniversary. Discover her insights on rehearsal, character impact, and her journey through a pivotal moment in Bollywood history. This fascinating dialogue reveals the artistry behind her unforgettable performance.
Key Takeaways
- No rehearsals were done for the song ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’.
- Filming took about 15 days to complete.
- Hema’s role, although small, was pivotal.
- The film industry operated without bound scripts back then.
- Hema trusted the director’s vision for her character.
Mumbai, Aug 14 (NationPress) Acclaimed actress Hema Malini revealed that she did not engage in any rehearsals for the song ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’ from the legendary film ‘Sholay’.
In a conversation with IANS, in light of the film's upcoming 50th anniversary, she noted that the song required less dancing and more acting.
Discussing her experience, Hema stated, “There was no rehearsal at all. It’s more about acting; it’s a scene. It’s a combination of scene and dance. Everything was done on the spot based on the situation and the director’s vision. It was not complicated, but it took at least 15 days to film the song.”
The actress recounted how she was offered the role. Back then, the film industry operated without finalized scripts; scenes were crafted and filmed as they progressed.
She explained, “In those days, when we accepted a film, the director would narrate the story to us. If I liked it, I would agree. If not, I would decline. When ‘Sholay’ was presented to me, the director Ramesh Sippy said, ‘There are many characters, and you are one of them.’ I felt a bit disheartened, wondering why I had such a small role.”
However, Ramesh Sippy assured her that her character would have a significant impact, which led her to accept the part.
She further mentioned, “I trusted him. So I agreed. On the first day of shooting, he told me that this role was different from anything I had done before.”
“I asked, ‘Is it similar to Geeta’s role in Seeta Aur Geeta?’ He replied, ‘That was different; this is different, yet similar.’ They explained my lengthy dialogue, which needed to be delivered continuously. That was the charm of the character—it was witty, and I was the one providing comic relief in the film,” she shared.
‘Sholay’ will celebrate 50 years of its release this Friday.
Point of View
It's crucial to acknowledge Hema Malini's significant contribution to Indian cinema. Her candid reflections on the production process of ‘Sholay’ not only highlight her artistic integrity but also serve as a reminder of the evolving nature of storytelling in Bollywood. This narrative enriches our understanding of film history while celebrating the enduring legacy of a classic.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Hema Malini rehearse for ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’?
No, Hema Malini did not rehearse for the song. She emphasized that it was more of an act and everything was done on the spot.
How long did it take to film the song?
It took at least 15 days to picturize the song ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’.
What was Hema's initial reaction to her role in ‘Sholay’?
Hema felt a bit disappointed at first, thinking her role was small but was assured by the director that it would have a significant impact.
What does Hema Malini say about the film industry back then?
She mentioned that films were accepted based on story narration without finalized scripts, allowing for a more fluid creative process.
What anniversary is ‘Sholay’ celebrating?
‘Sholay’ is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
