SHE WAS A screen goddess in the 1970s and 80s and the first Queen of Bollywood, but Hema Malini says dance, not acting, has always been her true calling.
'I have faithfully remained devoted to dance,' the 57-year-old says. 'Even when I was acting, I made sure to find time to practise and perform. I've always held stage shows over the years, performed in the US, Europe and Asia in various festivals. Acting in films was a career; dance was my love.'
Malini and her daughters Esha and Ahana Deol will be in town next week for a one-night performance of Parampara, showcasing Bharatnatyam, the oldest dance form of southern India, and Odissi, a traditional temple dance from Orissa (eastern India), dating back more than 2,000 years.
'It's our national dance,' says Malini. 'It's what our culture is about and Bharatnatyam is my first love. My mother was a classical singer and had great interest in all arts, so she made sure by the age of six I was learning.'
Malini initially studied under Sikkil Ramaswamy Pillai of the Triveni Kala Sangam arts school, and was later taught by the likes of Kittapa Pillai, Vempatti China Satyam and Natanam Gopalkrishnan in Bharatnatyam, and two other dance forms, Kuchipudi and Mohini Attam.
Kuchipudi is the classical dance of the south-east Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, known for its graceful movements and strong dramatic character. Mohini Attam, from Kerala, in south-west India, is danced only by women and is known for its sensual themes.
