‘Actors can be good politicians’

The Hindi film industry’s original “Dreamgirl” is now looking forward to a brand new role, this time an off-screen one. Hema Malini is ecstatic with the Lok Sabha poll results. “Winning the Lok Sabha elections by 3 ,40,000 votes has made me believe that there is a large number of the locals residing in the 1,200 villages of Mathura, who have immense faith in me. And I have chalked out my plans to redevelop and improve Mathura,” says the veteran actress-turned-politician.

The actress-turned-politician says that she has mastered the art of multitasking. “I’ve enjoyed my success as an actor for over four decades. Even at that time I was dedicated to dance as well. Being a wife, mother and a homemaker, I have managed my time quite well. Now that my daughters are married and well settled, I can dedicate more time to the cause I believe in, which right now is the betterment of Mathura. I intend to spend a week every month in Mathura.”

The yesteryear beauty admits that actors who turn politicians have to fight a certain amount of prejudice.

“People spare no opportunity to attack actors who turn politicians. There is a misconception that we don’t give our 100 per cent to the duties assigned to us. During the election campaign, I had to face a lot of verbal attacks from my opponents. There were people from our own party even who tried their best to pull back BJP, some even tried to persuade our current Prime Minister, Narendra Modi to not allot me a ticket. But thanks to Modiji and the junta for giving me the opportunity.  I want to prove that actors can be good politicians. Actors like Vinod Khanna and Shatrughan Sinha have triumphed in their regions. We’re artistes, we’ve travelled the world and hence have a vision and the potential of making a difference,” Hema says.

In another candid confession, she says that she takes immense pride when people call her husband, Dharamendra, “handsome”. At the risk of sounding immodest, I’d like to say that Dharamji and I are one of the best-looking couples.  Yes, he was and will be the most handsome man I’ve ever set my eyes on,” she says with a laughs. “My only regret is that I cannot cook a typical Punjabi meal for Dharamji.  I cook very simple, South Indian food. My daughters Esha and Ahana are much better cooks,” Hema adds.

The actress who loves spending time with family is well aware of her routine is about to change in a big way and she is prepared for it. “Esha and Dharamji live in Mumbai and Ahana lives in Delhi. Since I will have to shuttle between Delhi, Mumbai and Mathura, spending quality time with all of them might be difficult. But my family has assured me that they’ll take time out and meet me whenever our schedules permit,” she says.

So, does this mean goodbye to acting? “If there are well written films and roles like the ones I did in Baghbaan and Veer Zaara, I’d definitely want to do them,” she says. It’s impossible to talk about Hema Malini and not mention how evergreen she looks. She admits that she is a fitness freak.

“I workout under the supervision of a trainer. Off late, I’ve started weight training, which helps me stay fit. Maintaining and living up to the image that people have of me is a task. Since I prefer Indian clothes, I prefer to shop myself. And I like to go easy on make-up. Except kaajal, I don’t use too much make-up,” says the actress who is looking forward to her upcoming shows in the US, where she is going to perform her signature Durga ballet with Esha and Ahana.