Hema Malini Was Unaware of Raj Kapoor's Iconic Status During Their First Film Together
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Mumbai, Dec 13 (NationPress) Esteemed actress and politician Hema Malini disclosed that her debut film was alongside Raj Kapoor, and she was just 16 at that time. She expressed that she had no idea that the late legendary star was such a prominent figure.
"My first film was with Raj Kapoor, and I was only 16 back then. There were many remarkable artists like Savitri Ji, and while I wasn't frightened, it felt unusual since it was my first film, and I was unaware that Raj Kapoor was a legendary figure," Hema shared.
Hema made her film debut in 1968 with "Sapno Ka Saudagar," directed by Mahesh Kaul. The film also featured Tanuja and Nadira.
She noted that it was Raj Kapoor's presence that contributed to her rise in popularity.
"I wouldn't have achieved as much fame if I had collaborated with anyone else. Just yesterday, I watched a program commemorating Raj Kapoor's 100th anniversary, where his family was engaging with our Prime Minister. It was truly heartwarming to witness the respect and support the Prime Minister extends to artists," she stated.
The veteran actress described Raj Kapoor as a humble individual.
She reminisced: "In Sapno Ka Saudagar, the 'Dream Seller,' he brought dreams to everyone, spreading happiness. My role in that film was my first, and I had the honor of working with such a distinguished artist. Rajkumar Ji was a remarkable director, and all of his films are worth viewing. His movies remain renowned worldwide, particularly in Russia, where people still recognize me as Marjina from Alibaba Aur 40 Chor."
"Raj Kapoor was the first artist to create something groundbreaking in the film industry."
"As Prime Minister Modi highlighted, Raj Kapoor had the vision and executed his ideas in films. Cinema is a medium that unites people, and even though I no longer act in films, people still recognize me for my contributions to cinema. It's due to the films I've been part of that I have this recognition today, and individuals from villages and towns still acknowledge me," she concluded.
