Top ten hits of Hema Malini as the cinema legend turns 69

This week, legendary leading lady Hema Malini turns a year older and will celebrate her 69th birthday on October 16. At the peak of her career she was the queen of Bollywood and delivered a series of memorable movies. To commemorate her turning a year older, Eastern Eye went back in time to select 10 of her magical movies.

Johnny Mera Naam (1970): The young actress held her own opposite much older superstar Dev Anand in the crime thriller, which would become the highest grossing movie of that year and signal her arrival to the big time. It kick started a dream decade that would take her to the very top.

Andaz (1971): The actress once again showed maturity beyond her age by starring opposite much older superstar Shammi Kapoor in his final success as a leading man. She brilliantly plays a widow who finds love again in the arms of a single father in a movie way ahead of its time.

Seeta Aur Geeta (1972): The movie that would establish her as the number one leading lady in Bollywood was this award-winning comedy. She plays a double role of two contrasting characters in what would become the biggest Bollywood hit of that year.

Sholay (1975): Perhaps her most famous role was this blockbuster curry western, which would become the highest grossing Bollywood film when it released. Her character of the loveable carriage driver Basanti became a part of Indian cinema legend and is still loved by Bollywood fans around the world.

Pratigya (1975): The actress portrayed a feisty village girl in the action comedy, which would become the third highest grossing movie of that year. Her chemistry with real life love Dharmendra once again lit up the screen in a movie that showed no one did a firebrand better than her.

Dus Numbri (1976): The queen of the seventies continued her remarkable run with this blockbuster, which would become the biggest hit of that year.  She once again holds her own opposite an older leading man with a no-nonsense performance that exuded plenty of girl power and showed off her remarkable range.

Dream Girl (1977): The successful drama may not have clocked up the enormous numbers of her other hits, but deserves to be on the list because it was named after her dream girl nickname. The Robin Hood-type role saw her play a number of different characters, who steal money to maintain a home for orphans. She was very much central in the movie, which also starred Dharmendra.

Naseeb (1981): The actress starred in 1981’s highest grossing movie Kranti, but is more remembered for her star turn in this cult classic. She plays a singer who comes between two childhood friends, both in love with her. Her performance was once again built on a bedrock of girl power.

Satte Pe Satta (1982): This didn’t clock up the giant numbers at the box office when it released, but went on to become a cult classic and a firm family favourite. The Bollywood remake of Hollywood musical Seven Brides For Seven Brothers once again saw the actress hold her own in what was essentially a male dominated movie. She plays a nurse who brings civility to brothers living in animal-like conditions.

Ek Nai Paheli (1984): One of the last big hurrahs of a glittering career was a path-breaking remake of Tamil classic Apoorva Raagangal. The taboo busting crossgenerational romance saw her portray an older woman who falls in love with a younger man. The low budget movie had big forward thinking ideas and saw her deliver a pitch perfect performance.