Hema Malini recalls Goddess Kali role in 'Maa Dakshineshwari Kali' on Durga Saptami
Synopsis
On Durga Saptami, Hema Malini revisited a lesser-known chapter of her career — her portrayal of Goddess Kali in the 1996 devotional film 'Jai Dakshineshwar Kali Maa', produced by singer Anuradha Paudwal. The throwback clip, shared by a fan, is a reminder that the 'Sholay' star's screen journey stretches well beyond mainstream blockbusters into devotional cinema.
Key Takeaways
Hema Malini shared a throwback video clip on Durga Saptami from the 1996 devotional film 'Jai Dakshineshwar Kali Maa' on Instagram.
The clip was originally shared by fan Vishal Kumar ; the film's song was sung by Anuradha Paudwal , who also produced the film.
The film was directed by Shantilal Soni and starred Mrinal Kulkarni as the lead devotee Jyoti.
Malini, 78 , had also performed her dance ballet 'Durga' in Telangana earlier this Navratri season.
The actress and BJP MP has a longstanding association with mythological and devotional projects alongside her mainstream film career.
Veteran actress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament Hema Malini on 16 October recalled her portrayal of Goddess Kali in the 1996 devotional film 'Jai Dakshineshwar Kali Maa', sharing a throwback video clip on the auspicious occasion of Durga Saptami. The 78-year-old actress extended festive wishes to her followers while revisiting one of the more spiritually significant roles of her screen career.
The Instagram Post and What She Shared
Taking to Instagram, Hema Malini shared a video clip from the film, originally sent in by a fan identified as Vishal Kumar. In her post, she wrote: 'On the auspicious day of Durga Saptami, presenting a video clip shared by one of my ardent fans, Vishal Kumar. The clip is from the movie Maa Dakshineshwari Kali, and this beautiful song was sung by Anuradha Paudwal.'
She further recalled the devotion behind the dance sequence, adding: 'When I saw this clip I remember the love and devotion with which Anuradha Ji got this dance number shot.' The clip shows Malini dressed as Goddess Kali, performing a dance sequence alongside figures portraying demons.
About the Film 'Jai Dakshineshwar Kali Maa'
Directed by Shantilal Soni and produced by celebrated singer Anuradha Paudwal, the 1996 devotional film cast Hema Malini as Goddess Kali. The narrative follows Jyoti, played by Mrinal Kulkarni, a devoted follower of the goddess who faces hardship at the hands of her family and mother-in-law. Malini's divine character intervenes to shield Jyoti and help her overcome these adversities.
The film remains a notable entry in the actress's expansive filmography, which spans mainstream Hindi cinema as well as mythological and devotional projects.
Navratri Performances and Devotional Connection
This is not the first time Hema Malini has marked the Navratri season with a tribute to the divine feminine. Earlier this Navratri, she performed her acclaimed dance ballet 'Durga' at a special event in Telangana, sharing glimpses of the performance on social media. The ballet paid homage to Goddess Durga and conveyed the message of good prevailing over evil.
Known equally for her work in landmark Hindi films such as 'Sholay' and 'Baghban', Malini has consistently returned to devotional and classical themes throughout her career, reflecting a deep personal and artistic association with Indian spiritual traditions.
Significance of Durga Saptami
Durga Saptami, the seventh day of Navratri, marks the worship of Goddess Kali — making Malini's choice to revisit this role on this specific day particularly resonant for her followers. The post drew an outpouring of festive greetings from fans who connected the throwback clip to the spirit of the occasion.
Point of View
Nostalgia, and politics. For a BJP MP, publicly invoking devotional roles during Navratri carries cultural messaging that resonates beyond a simple festive greeting. What the post also quietly surfaces is the largely overlooked tradition of Bollywood stars producing and starring in devotional cinema — a genre Anuradha Paudwal helped commercialise in the 1990s, and which deserves more critical attention than it typically receives.
NationPress
17 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which film did Hema Malini recall on Durga Saptami?
Hema Malini recalled her role as Goddess Kali in the 1996 devotional film 'Jai Dakshineshwar Kali Maa', directed by Shantilal Soni and produced by singer Anuradha Paudwal. She shared a fan-sourced video clip from the film on Instagram on 16 October.
What is the story of 'Jai Dakshineshwar Kali Maa'?
The 1996 film follows Jyoti, played by Mrinal Kulkarni, a devoted follower of Goddess Kali who faces mistreatment from her family and mother-in-law. Hema Malini's character as the goddess intervenes to protect Jyoti and help her overcome hardship.
What did Hema Malini write in her Instagram post on Durga Saptami?
Malini wrote: 'On the auspicious day of Durga Saptami, presenting a video clip shared by one of my ardent fans, Vishal Kumar. The clip is from the movie Maa Dakshineshwari Kali, and this beautiful song was sung by Anuradha Paudwal.' She also recalled the devotion with which the dance sequence was filmed.
What else did Hema Malini do during Navratri 2026?
Hema Malini performed her classical dance ballet 'Durga' at a special event in Telangana earlier in the Navratri season, sharing highlights on social media. The ballet paid tribute to Goddess Durga and the theme of good prevailing over evil.
Who produced 'Jai Dakshineshwar Kali Maa'?
The film was produced by veteran singer Anuradha Paudwal, who also sang the song featured in the clip Hema Malini shared. Paudwal was a prominent figure in devotional music and film production in the 1990s.
