Veteran actor and BJP MP Hema Malini has opened up about husband Dharmendra‘s protective nature during the early years of her political career. In a recent interview, the Dream Girl star revealed that Dharmendra would often worry about her safety while she campaigned across the country, especially when she addressed large crowds or travelled extensively by helicopter. She also reflected on how political campaigning made her realise the immense love and popularity she enjoyed beyond the silver screen.
Hema Malini reveals Dharmendra used to be worried about her safety
In an interview with Republic, Hema Malini recalled that her husband, Dharmendra, was initially worried about her decision to enter public life. “Initially, he used to get very worried and scared.” She added that her party used to send her to different places for campaigns. The actress further shared, “Seeing the crowds, he would panic and say, ‘You go into those crowds; I hope you are safe.’ I travelled a lot by helicopter, so that too used to bother him. He would often ask, ‘Is it necessary?’ I would tell him, ‘They are asking me to come, so I have to.'”
Hema Malini talks about how she discovered her popularity
Hema Malini’s political journey began when she campaigned for actor-politician Vinod Khanna during the 1999 Lok Sabha elections. The experience made her realise the extent of her popularity beyond cinema. During the same conversation, she shared, “Only after I started campaigning did I realise how popular I was. I would be stunned and ask, ‘Have these people come to see me?’ They would say, ‘Yes.’ It made me feel good.”The ‘Dream Girl’ actress also credited her mother for encouraging her to take the political plunge, revealing that she had initially refused before her mother persuaded her, saying politics would give her a chance to serve the country after years of entertaining audiences.
More about Hema Malini
Hema Malini has since become one of the most recognisable actor-politicians in India. Before entering politics, she built an illustrious film career with classics such as ‘Seeta Aur Geeta’, ‘Sholay’, ‘Dream Girl’, ‘Satte Pe Satta’ and ‘Baghban’, among many others.
