Hema Malini, famously known as the ‘Dream Girl’, dominated Bollywood during the 70s and 80s. She shared the screen with all the major stars of her time, including her husband Dharmendra, Jeetendra and Amitabh Bachchan. Even today, she remains active in the film industry. However, few know that she played a key role in shaping the career of one of today’s biggest superstars. She was the first to offer him a chance when he was a TV actor. Hema Malini asked her cousin to contact the actor, who initially believed it was a prank and it was a fake offer. But after meeting Hema and Dharmendra, it became clear to him. Today, this actor commands a fee of 150-200 crores per film and is one of the most recognized icons globally.
We are talking about none other than Shah Rukh Khan, the undeniable Baadshah of Bollywood. Shah Rukh Khan started his acting career in TV serials like Fauji and Circus. When he was trying to make a transition into films, one of the early offers he received was Dil Aashna Hai, directed by Hema Malini paired him opposite the late Divya Bharti.
Although Dil Aashna Hai wasn’t a huge commercial success, it opened doors for him. He came to be noticed by other filmmakers and shortly after, he starred in Deewana which became his breakout hit. Coincidentally, he paired opposite Divya Bharti once again in Deewana.
A video from an old IIFA event featuring Hema Malini and Shah Rukh Khan has recently gone viral. In the video, the two are seen together on stage, with Hema holding a trophy. She shares a memorable moment, saying, “Many people come up to me and say, ‘You made Shah Rukh Khan such a big star. Make me one too.’ I respond, ‘That’s not possible. He is incredibly talented. We just gave him an opportunity. The hard work and dedication are all his and he deserves the credit.'”
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