Why Hema Malini Hesitated On Signing Baghban As A Comeback Film: They Wanted Me To Do The Mother's Role - EXCL

Ravi

Chopra's 2003 family drama Baghban is a favourite for many. Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Salman Khan and Mahima Chaudhry, the film now has a cult following. But there was a time when the leading lady Hema Malini almost turned down the role because she wasn't sure of the part. However, it was the wise words of her mother Jaya Chakravarthy that caused her to reconsider. The veteran actress, who is now a Member of Parliament, had hit pause on her acting career earlier to take care of her daughters Esha Deol and Aahana Deol.

Hema Malini almost turned down Baghban role

While speaking with Zoom, Hema Malini explained that she returned to acting after nearly a decade. She recalled, "I was married, both my daughters were born. I was busy with my children and taking them to school. [That] kind of a life was going on. That's the time I was offered to do Baghban."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1DsgjoCSu4

The actress continued, "In the beginning, initially, I hesitated after 10 years I'm coming back; they want me to do the mother's role... a mother of not a small child but big boys. Kaisa lagega [How will it look?]. My mother was saying, if Amitabh ji is doing, then what is there for you to do? You must also accept it and do it. You are an actress; you must do all kinds of roles. Then I accepted that and I'm happy I did it."Many actresses had said no to the role. She would be playing mother to four actors played by Aman Verma, Samir Soni, Saahil Chadha, and Nasir Khan. But she was glad that she reconsidered, as it was legendary filmmaker BR Chopra's favourite script and his son Ravi Chopra would be directing it. When Ravi shared in detail her role as mother of four adult boys and a very loving wife, she felt more comfortable. What is the story of Baghban? Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini play a couple, Raj and Pooja Malhotra, who dote on their children and give them everything. But as adults, they neglect their parents and split them up, saying they can't look after them together once Raj retires. But it is Salman Khan's Alok, an orphan who Raj has also raised as his own, who comes to their rescue and makes sure his adopted parents are well-taken care of. The music of Baghban composed by the late Aadesh Shrivastava was also a hit.