Why did Hema Malini's co-stars think she was arrogant?
What's the story
Hema Malini, the Dream Girl of Bollywood, recently opened up about her iconic role as Basanti in Sholay. In a candid interview with ETimes, she spoke about how her "shy" personality was misunderstood to be "arrogant." The actor also discussed her controversial roles at the time in films like Andaz and Shimla Mirch.
Character contrast
Malini on her reserved nature
Malini said, "Yes, I am actually very reserved, much less now than I used to be." "When I was younger, I was extremely quiet. I would hardly speak on the sets." "Many of my heroes thought I was arrogant, but the truth is, I was just shy. Why speak unnecessarily? So, I preferred silence."
Audience reception
Concerns about Basanti's character
Malini expressed her concerns about the audience's reception of Basanti's character. "My main concern was that Basanti shouldn't become annoying. I worried her bak-bak might put off the audience." "But instead, audiences loved her. I think they appreciated that she always spoke her mind and admired her spunk, especially the way she stood up to Gabbar Singh."
Career highlights
'Never paid attention to what others...'
Malini also spoke about her role in Shimla Mirch, where she played a woman who falls in love with a younger man. "I don't think the audience was ready to accept me in that role." She also commented on one of her other daring roles. When told that many were hesitant to take on the role of a widow in Andaz she said, "I wouldn't know about that. I never paid attention to what others were doing or not doing."