Jackie Shroff wishes Hema Malini on 78th birthday with throwback photos
Synopsis
Jackie Shroff's birthday tribute to Hema Malini on her 78th is a mood: throwback monochrome photos set to Lata Mangeshkar's 'O Ghata Sanwari' from 1970's 'Abhinetri'. From Ammankudi to 'Sholay' to Bharatanatyam ballets — the post quietly captures why she remains Bollywood's original Dream Girl, still performing on stage at 78.
Key Takeaways
Jackie Shroff wished Hema Malini on her 78th birthday on 16 October 2025 with throwback photos on social media.
The post was accompanied by Lata Mangeshkar's song 'O Ghata Sanwari' from the 1970 film 'Abhinetri' .
Hema Malini was born on 16 October 1948 in Ammankudi, Tamil Nadu , and made her Hindi film debut in 1968 .
Her career spans landmark films including 'Sholay' , 'Dream Girl' , and 'Seeta Aur Geeta' , as well as directorial ventures like 'Dil Aashna Hai' .
She continues to perform Bharatanatyam on stage and produce mythology-based dance ballets.
She married actor Dharmendra on 2 May 1980 ; they have daughters Esha Deol and Ahana Deol .
Bollywood actor Jackie Shroff marked veteran actress Hema Malini's 78th birthday on 16 October 2025 by sharing a nostalgic series of photographs on his social media account, celebrating the enduring grace of one of Hindi cinema's most iconic figures.
A Musical and Visual Tribute
Shroff paired the throwback images with the melody of the late Lata Mangeshkar's evergreen song 'O Ghata Sanwari', composing a tribute that blended music and memory. He captioned the post simply: 'Warm Wishes!', accompanied by the hashtag #HappyBirthday.
Among the photographs shared, one monochrome image shows Hema Malini in a traditional classical dance costume, captured mid-pose. Another black-and-white close-up highlights her expressive eyes, graceful features, and signature smile — images that have defined her screen persona across generations.
The song 'O Ghata Sanwari' is from the 1970 film 'Abhinetri', which starred Hema Malini alongside Shashi Kapoor. Sung by Lata Mangeshkar, the track was composed by the legendary duo Laxmikant–Pyarelal, with lyrics penned by Majrooh Sultanpuri.
A Career That Defines an Era
Born on 16 October 1948 in Ammankudi, Tamil Nadu, Hema Malini began her classical dance training in childhood before making early screen appearances in South Indian cinema. Her Hindi film debut came in 1968 opposite Raj Kapoor in 'Sapno Ka Saudagar', after which she rose rapidly to become one of Bollywood's biggest stars.
Her filmography spans landmark titles including 'Johny Mera Naam', 'Andaz', 'Seeta Aur Geeta', and the cult classic 'Sholay', in which she played the spirited Basanti. Other defining films include 'Dream Girl', 'Naseeb', 'Kranti', 'Satte Pe Satta', and 'Razia Sultan'.
Director, Dancer, and Politician
Beyond acting, Hema Malini has worn many hats. As a director, she helmed 'Dil Aashna Hai' — which notably featured a young Shah Rukh Khan and Divya Bharti — and later directed 'Tell Me O Kkhuda'. Her most recent acting credit, 'Shimla Mirchi', was released in 2020.
She continues to perform Bharatanatyam on stage and produces mythology-based dance ballets including 'Durga', 'Mahalakshmi', 'Radha Krishna', and 'Draupadi'. On the personal front, she married actor Dharmendra on 2 May 1980; the couple have two daughters, Esha Deol and Ahana Deol.
As tributes continue to pour in from across the film fraternity, Hema Malini's birthday serves as a reminder of a career that has bridged classical Indian art and popular cinema for over five decades.
Point of View
Curated act of nostalgia that speaks to her unique status in Hindi cinema. She is one of the few stars whose persona simultaneously belongs to the golden era of Bollywood and to contemporary classical performance. At 78, still dancing Bharatanatyam on stage, Hema Malini defies the pattern of screen retirement — and that is the story most birthday coverage glosses over in favour of archival glamour shots.
NationPress
16 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Hema Malini in 2025?
Hema Malini turned 78 on 16 October 2025. She was born on 16 October 1948 in Ammankudi, Tamil Nadu.
What song did Jackie Shroff use in his birthday tribute to Hema Malini?
Jackie Shroff used 'O Ghata Sanwari', sung by Lata Mangeshkar and composed by Laxmikant–Pyarelal, from the 1970 film 'Abhinetri'. The film starred Hema Malini alongside Shashi Kapoor.
What are some of Hema Malini's most famous films?
Hema Malini is best known for 'Sholay', 'Dream Girl', 'Seeta Aur Geeta', 'Johny Mera Naam', 'Satte Pe Satta', and 'Razia Sultan', among many others. She made her Hindi film debut in 1968 in 'Sapno Ka Saudagar' opposite Raj Kapoor.
Is Hema Malini still active in dance and films?
Yes, Hema Malini continues to perform Bharatanatyam on stage and produce mythology-based dance ballets including 'Durga', 'Mahalakshmi', 'Radha Krishna', and 'Draupadi'. Her most recent film, 'Shimla Mirchi', was released in 2020.
Who is Hema Malini married to, and does she have children?
Hema Malini married veteran actor Dharmendra on 2 May 1980. The couple have two daughters, Esha Deol and Ahana Deol, both of whom have also worked in Bollywood.
