Fifty years after Sholay revolutionized Indian cinema, the off-screen romance between Hema Malini and Dharmendra continues to enchant fans. Their love, which sparked during the film's production, was a closely guarded secret on set, as revealed by Reshma Pathan, Hema Malini's stunt double. In an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times, the 71-year-old Reshma shares juicy details about the couple's discreet affection and her own thrilling role in the iconic film.
Reshma, who executed all of Hema's daring stunts in Sholay, recalls, "Everyone on set knew Hemaji and Dharamji were in love, but they kept it under wraps. They stayed apart during shoots, each with their own crew." Despite staying in the same hotel, they maintained separate rooms and entourages. "Back then, actors kept their personal lives private. Hemaji spent time with her team, including me, while Dharamji stuck with his," she explains. Reflecting on their lasting bond, Reshma says with pride, "Seeing them together today is heartwarming. They're a true Bollywood love story."
Directed by Ramesh Sippy and written by Salim-Javed, Sholay, featuring Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjeev Kumar, Amjad Khan, and Jaya Bachchan alongside Hema and Dharmendra, remains a cinematic landmark. For Reshma, the film was life-changing. "I became 'The Sholay Girl' after this. No other project earned me such respect," she shares. Her close bond with Hema led to collaborations in multiple films. "We'd eat and chat together; she even welcomed me into her home," Reshma recalls.
A standout memory is a risky Holi sequence stunt, after which Dharmendra gifted her ₹100. "I hesitated, but my mentor urged me to accept it, saying Dharamji was thrilled with my work," she chuckles. Another iconic moment, Basanti's tonga crash, came with a price. "The crew forgot to use a prop wheel, and the tonga collapsed on me. I needed 17 stitches in my leg, bruised my other leg, and injured my back, but that scene became legendary," she says.
Hema and Dharmendra's romance began in 1970 on Tum Haseen Main Jawaan. They tied the knot in 1980 and have two daughters, Esha and Ahana Deol. The pair starred in blockbusters like Seeta Aur Geeta and Dream Girl, solidifying their status as Bollywood's golden couple. As Sholay marks its 50th anniversary, Reshma's tales remind us why the film and its real-life romance remain unforgettable.
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