A Living Legend Award, two lifetime achievement awards, a starring role in the “Film of the Millennium”, and parts in well over one hundred movies. Does the name Hema Malini ring any bells? If not, then this month’s Bangkok International Film Festival will be worth a visit.
Part of the festival, which is in its fifth year, will be a showcase of the best works of Bollywood legend Hema Malini’s career. This will be Hema Malini’s first film festival, and the 58-year-old Bollywood star has made it a personal matter to supply subtitled prints of the movies that will be played.
From the 1970s to the 1980s Hema Malini was the undisputed queen of Bollywood, which as part of the Indian film industry accounts for the largest number of ticket sales of any movie industry – including Hollywood.
Hema Malini is Bollywood’s most successful female film star, and yet despite this, her work has been scarcely rewarded, even in her home country of India. Honors and accolades have been few and far between, even though Hema Malini is considered a Bollywood living legend.
“It isn't everyday that one gets a chance like this,” said Hema. “Since this is my first time at any festival I'd like it to be a comprehensive retrospective of my films.” (Times of India)
Other highlights of this year’s Bangkok International Film Festival include a guest appearance by Kate Dickie on July 20, an exhibition of Japanese films opening July 22, and a panel discussion on censorship on July 28.
The Bangkok International Film Festival will take place from July 19 to 29 at SF Cinema Central World. For further information visit www.BangkokFilm.org
Next on the calendar, to be held September 30 to October 6, is the first Phuket Film Festival. See you there!
Techno' tags: Hema Malini, Bangkok Film Festival, Bollywood
I recall that she was the hottest Indian actress at one time. Saw a lot of movies starring her while I was in India.
BTW, just reviewed your blog. Here's the url: http://ok-lah.blogspot.com/2007/07/lost-in-thailand.html
Hope you like it.
I am always a bit wary of Bollywood films being featured at international film festivals, but if it's a "comprehensive retrospective" hand-picked by Hema Malini then I suppose I'll allow it! The seminar on censorship and Thai society also looks interesting.
Had no clue that non-Indians were aware of Hema Malini.
The Indian community in Thailand are organizing a dinner with the dreamgirl on 20th July, maybe of some interest to you.
http://www.thaindian.com/calendar/view-event/general/welcome-dinner-in-honor-of-hema-malini-ji.html
The 'Ji' after 'Hema Malini' is the Indian way of showing respect, usually to someone very senior or elder.