Few characters in Indian cinema have captured the audience’s imagination the way Basanti did in 'Sholay'. Even today, decades later,
Hema Malini’s spirited, talkative, and fearless tonga-driving character remains one of the most iconic roles ever written. In this candid conversation with ETimes, the Dream Girl of Bollywood reflects on playing Basanti, her collaboration with
Ramesh Sippy, and the contrasting shades of her other memorable characters.
Is Basanti the most talkative character you have ever played?
(laughs) I think she is the most talkative character ever written in our cinema. Kitna bolti hai! She is unstoppable!
Quite a contrast to the person you are in real life?
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.
Even when you were shooting with Dharamji?
(laughs) With Dharamji, it was different. We had plenty to say to each other, especially since we hardly met outside of shooting.
Was it difficult to keep babbling as Basanti, since you are not talkative in real life?
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.
The tonga chase sequence must have been tough to film?
Yes, it was difficult. The more dangerous portions were performed by my body double.
Sholay was your third film with Ramesh Sippy?
Yes, after 'Andaz' and 'Seeta Aur Geeta'. Much later, I did another film with him—'Shimla Mirch'—where I played a woman who falls in love with a much younger man. I don’t think the audience was ready to accept me in that role.
Among his films, is 'Seeta Aur Geeta' your most beloved?
Children love it. Even grown-ups enjoy it. I had so much fun shooting for it, and yes, I agree—it is my most popular film. In fact, I recently watched it again and truly enjoyed it. I want my grandchildren to see it as well.
Geeta in 'Seeta Aur Geeta' was also very talkative, wasn’t she?
Yes, quite the opposite of my character in 'Andaz,' where I played a widow—very similar to Jayaji’s character in Sholay.
Many actresses reportedly turned down the role of a widow in 'Andaz'
I wouldn’t know about that. I never paid attention to what others were doing or not doing.
Interestingly, you are the only actress who worked with all three Kapoor brothers.
I never thought of it that way! But yes—Raj Kapoorji in my debut film 'Sapnon Ka Saudagar',
Shammi Kapoor in 'Andaz', and Shashi Kapoor in several films. I even worked with Raj Saab’s son
Rishi Kapoor in 'Ek Chadar Maili Si'.