Veteran actress Hema Malini got nostalgic while talking about her exceptional movie Baghban which recently completed 20 years. Released in 2003 an emotional film about children leaving their aging parents is relevant to date. The ace actress admitted when the movie was offered to her she was reluctant at first to play the role of a mother to four elderly sons. She felt awkward as she had an image of a “heroine” on screen and had never done such a role before. But her mother convinced her. Her mother said, “If Amitabh Bachchan is doing it, then you can also do it, no problem. He is opposite you.”
It was when she decided to do the film. The makers also made it clear that the actress won’t be portrayed as ‘an old woman with white hair’ but she would be presented as she looked in real life.
Malini remarked Mr. Bachchan would enter the set with a jovial attitude. He would light up the set and every worker on set was delighted to see his face. The actress commented lightly about Amitabh Bachchan saying, “He used to be so jovial, fun-loving. I don’t think he is like that anymore. Pata nahi, thoda serious hogaye hain aaj kal.” (He has become a bit serious these days!)
Baghban, directed by Ravi Chopra and produced by B.R. Chopra was about an elderly couple who have been married for 40 years and have four sons. After retirement, the father reaches out to his children for support but none of the sons wants to take care of both their parents. So, the couple is bound to live separately in their children’s homes. They are not accepted warmly and they live at their son’s homes not as parents but almost like refugees.
The film was an emotional drama that touched the hearts of the audience, became a super hit, and earned many accolades. Both Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini were praised for their performances and they earned the Screen Award for Jodi No. 1 and were even nominated for Best Actor and Best Actress at the 49th Filmfare Awards.
By Ishita Ganguly
