Hema Malini reveals Gulzar gave her a 'simple saree with non-matching blouse' for 1975 film 'Khushboo'

Directed by Gulzar, the 1975 film Khushboo is one of the most memorable films by Hema Malini. The film beautifully presents a soul-touching story of Kusum (Hema Malini) and Brindavan (Jeetendra).

Hema Malini recently recalled working with Gulzar over the years. She also shared a few anecdotes from the making of the 1975 film. At an event recently, Malini not only shared interesting incidents but also revealed her experiences of working with the filmmaker-lyricist.

Hema Malini recalls working with Gulzar

Hema Malini recently attended the launch of Gulzar’s authorised biography in Mumbai. At the event, she recalled the time when Gulzar wanted to cast her in a non-glamorous role, further adding that it was the time when she wanted to do something different. Noting that heroines back then were known for their hairstyles and heavy makeup, she added that Gulzar did not want his leading lady to look like that.

The veteran actress also shared an instance when her mother once accompanied her to the makeup room, only to be surprised by the very ordinary costume. Stating that she was very happy to wear a simple sari with an unmatching blouse, Hema remembered her mother being unhappy as she said, “This should be more glamorous.”

However, Gulzar immediately said no to it. He even refused to do those heavy wigs. Elaborating more about her experience when working with the filmmaker, she said it was a “little difficult to adjust but it was fun.”

In another incident, Hema Malini opened up on how she had a habit of speaking fast in front of the camera and was repeatedly asked to slow down and speak clearly.

“He used to ask me ‘where do you have to go?’ I would say ‘I have to go to another shoot’. He would say ‘shoot will happen later, first you speak slowly here.’ It was very difficult for me to bring my speed down,” she said.

Hema further mentioned that as a dancer, she would often use her eyes to express her feelings but that was making her eyebrows move a lot, and Gulzar did not want that. He used to ask her to give multiple takes until she got it right. “He would say “Your eyebrow is dancing. Then I would control myself and speak,” she shared.

For the unversed, Hema Malini and Gulzar have worked together in several films like Khushboo, Kinar, and Meera.