With a lot of dedication, Hema Malini has worked hard on her daughters' careers. A friend and mentor to Esha and Aahana, Hema Malini has put in great efforts to build their career and persona. In an exclusive interview she speaks her heart out on the upbringing of her daughters and her family life.
“My career had taken a backseat while both Easha and Aahana were small. For a mother, her kids are very important. And my darling daughters would always want me to be next to them, even while doing their home work. I am more like a friend to them. Not only mine but it is the duty of all mothers to inculcate the right values in their kids. I gave them all the time needed to build a strong personality, till their adolescent age which is a very tender age I remained next to them. And today I can confidently say that my daughters will always chose and do the right things,” says Hema Malini.
And once again, to make Esha’s comeback film a hit, Hema Malini took on the director’s chair. Praising her daughter she says, “As a filmmaker I find Esha very sexy and peppy in the foot-tapping item number with Salman Khan. It is indeed a boon for ‘Tell Me O Kkhuda’. Why should I feel hesitant to shoot her in this sexy number? Infact I find her to be very stunning in this song. We have got a good response too and I feel proud about my daughter’s sizzling persona.”
However Hema Malini regrets having delayed launching her daughter. She says, “Sometimes I feel why I decided to direct Esha for ‘Tell Me O Khuda’ now. I should have done it long back. But she started getting offers and has done many films. But I am satisfied that I am directing her in ‘TMOK’. Also I bet my last penny that she has done a wonderful job. Being in the industry for so many years I have learnt to overcome all the nervousness and have become very encouraging. In ‘TMOK’ I made Esha fully aware of all the behind-the-scenes accomplishments. She has helped me in every sphere of filmmaking, be it production or editing.”
In the past when Hema has been busy calling the shots for ‘Dil Ashana Hai’, her daughters still remained a priority for her. “My daughters would want me immediately when they would come back from school. And I would rush to be on time. I remember while Shah Rukh Khan allowed me to go, he took the reins of direction for some hours, till the time I would return on the sets. This is how I managed to give all the time to my daughters. Now they have grown up but I am happy they look up to me for all the advice and also follow it religiously. My daughters are my capital,” says the proud mother.
While Esha and Aahna seek her advice and guidance at most times, Hema Malini has given them complete freedom to choose the man they want to marry. She says, “My mom was very strict but I am quite friendly with both of them. They are open to choose any man they want, be it from their work place or outside the industry. As a mother, all I want is that the man should be descent and a good human being. One who would love, respect and give enough space to the women.”
Being in a happy marriage herself, the dream girl understands the importance of Dharmendra in her life. And she maintains that being in a relationship, respect is of utmost importance. “I am of the opinion that in a relationship a woman needs to respect a man whole heartedly. She should never forget that in our culture, a man is regarded highly. His ego should not be hurt and women should not try to be dominating. As a woman one should know what her husband likes and dislikes, she should take care likewise. Not always a man should be blamed for broken marriages. However in today’s times many relationships tend to break, I feel that even a man needs to give space, love and respect to his woman. Any relationship - be it friendship, family bonding or a man-woman relationship, it has to be handled smoothly from both ways. Both need to love each other without many expectations,” says Hema Malini.
So when Hema Malini decided to take on direction for her daughter, Dharmendra was standing strong by her side. She says, “Dharmji supported me a lot while I decided to venture into direction for ‘TMOK’. He has been very obedient while I was directing him. We would discuss few things even at home. And I know my fans wish to see Dharmji and me together on the silver screen but this can happen only if we get a brilliant script.”
And while Hema Malini is busy with re-launching Esha, her younger daughter – Aahana has great plans for her mother. “Aahana is writing a wonderful script for me and she has been pestering me to be her protagonist. She is completing the script and if I find it interesting then I will go ahead and produce, direct and act in it. Also if Dharmji will agree and if there is a suitable role then we will both be seen in this venture, however it is yet not finalised though,” concludes Hema Malini.
