MITHAS, an organization dedicated to promoting classical Indian music and dance, hosted an intimate and insightful fireside chat with legendary Bharatanatyam dancer, Bollywood icon, and Member of Parliament from Mathura, Hema Malini. The event was gracefully moderated by Anuradha Palakurthi, Chair of the MITHAS Board.

The evening began with a warm welcome and a brief address by Hema Malini, who reflected on the many phases of her extraordinary career spanning classical dance, film, and politics. She also took time to tour the Media Lab prior to the event, expressing admiration for its innovative work.

In the conversation that followed, the audience was treated to candid insights into her journey—from a young girl learning dance in Delhi to becoming one of India’s most beloved stars. “Even before I was born, my mother was convinced I would be a girl and named me Hema Malini. She enrolled me in dance classes early on, and by the age of eight, I was performing. We later moved to Chennai to pursue more opportunities in dance. However there I got a chance to act in films. It did not go well there thank God! I eventually got my break with Sapnon Ka Saudagar in Bollywood. After that, there was no looking back.”

Despite the demands of her successful film career, her mother ensured she never lost touch with her roots in Bharatanatyam. “Even during outdoor shoots, while others relaxed, my guru Kitappa Pillai would travel with me, and I continued training. My mother insisted I perform at least once a month,” she recalled.

She shared how she later transitioned to producing classical dance dramas like Meera, blending traditional Bharatanatyam with accessible storytelling and music in Hindi. “I realized that pure Bharatanatyam could be hard for general audiences to appreciate, so I began creating productions that told stories in ways everyone could enjoy. I’m now working on a new production about the Ganga, which I’ll be touring with next year.”

Her political journey, she admitted, was unexpected. “I was asked to campaign for the BJP because of my mother’s deep admiration for Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji. I didn’t know anything about politics and was very nervous at first. But when my campaigning proved effective, I was nominated to the Rajya Sabha. Later, Modi ji encouraged me to contest the Lok Sabha elections. I chose Mathura, the land of Krishna, and have been committed to improving facilities for pilgrims and tourists alike.”

She proudly described various initiatives she has undertaken in Mathura and shared how Prime Minister Modi advised her to put aside her film star persona and focus on genuine public service. “That’s exactly what I am doing,” she said with conviction.

A delightful surprise for the audience was her singing talent—she rendered a few songs with elegance, accompanied by Anuradha Palakurthi, leaving the audience thoroughly enchanted.

The event offered a rare glimpse into the life of a woman who has worn many hats with grace, dedication, and humility. Her story is a powerful reminder that beauty may open doors, but it is passion, perseverance, and purpose that define lasting success.

MITHAS deserves heartfelt thanks for organizing this memorable evening with a true cultural icon.