Ram Kamal Mukherjee wants Deepika Padukone to play young Hema Malini in her biopic: ‘ It would be interesting to see Deepika playing the younger role of Hemaji’ The idea of a biopic on Hema Malini has once again sparked conversation after the veteran actor revealed who she believes could portray her younger self on screen. Recently celebrating six decades in Indian cinema, the legendary star said Deepika Padukone would be a fitting choice to step into her shoes. According to Mid-Day, Hema Malini explained her preference, saying, “Deepika is a pretty girl. I have seen her films. She comes across as someone who has dignity and beauty with poise.”With a journey that spans blockbuster films, classical dance, politics and her enduring love story with Dharmendra, Hema Malini’s life has long been viewed as ideal material for a feature film.
Ram Kamal Mukherjee pitches a unique casting idea
Author and filmmaker Ram Kamal Mukherjee, who wrote Hema Malini’s authorised biography ‘Beyond the Dream Girl’, believes the biopic could stand out with an unconventional approach. Instead of casting a single actor, he envisions Deepika Padukone portraying the younger Hema Malini while the veteran actor plays herself in the later chapters of the story.Recalling an earlier discussion with the actor, Mukherjee said, “While I was writing the book, I had casually mentioned about a biopic on her. She laughed and ignored the topic coyly. But it would be interesting to see Deepika playing the younger role of Hemaji, and Hemaji playing her age in the film. Having two most beautiful faces from Indian cinema would be a treat for the audience.”
A connection that goes back years
Deepika Padukone has shared a professional association with Hema Malini in the past. In 2017, the ‘Padmaavat’ actor launched Mukherjee’s biography on the screen icon shortly after completing dubbing for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s period drama.Looking back at the occasion, Mukherjee said, “Deepika wrapped the dubbing for ‘Padmaavat’ and accepted my invite to launch the biography. If Hemaji feels I am deserving, it would be an honour for me to direct her biopic.”
Deepika’s resemblance to the Dream Girl has been discussed before
The comparison between Deepika Padukone and Hema Malini isn’t new. Filmmaker Farah Khan has previously revealed that Shantipriya, Deepika’s character in ‘Om Shanti Om’, drew inspiration from Hema Malini’s timeless persona. Even the nickname “Dreamy Girl” used in the film was a playful nod to Hema Malini’s iconic title, “Dream Girl.”
Bollywood has seen several actress-inspired biopics
Over the years, Indian cinema has celebrated the lives of several legendary female stars through biographical films. Smita Patil portrayed Hansa Wadkar in ‘Bhumika’, Vidya Balan brought Silk Smitha’s story to life in ‘The Dirty Picture’, while Richa Chadha headlined ‘Shakeela’. Keerthy Suresh won acclaim for playing Savitri in ‘Mahanati’, and Kangana Ranaut portrayed former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and actor Jayalalithaa in ‘Thalaivii’.If Hema Malini’s life eventually makes it to the big screen, Mukherjee believes the combination of Deepika Padukone and the veteran star herself could make for a memorable cinematic tribute.