Smt. Hema Malini, a prominent figure in Indian politics and cinema, has represented the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the Mathura constituency of Uttar Pradesh. Born on October 16, 1948, in Ammankudi, Tamil Nadu, she is renowned not only for her work as an actress and dancer but also for her significant contributions to politics.
Early Life and Career
Hema Malini made her film debut in 1968 and gained immense popularity for her roles in numerous Bollywood classics, including Sholay, where she played the iconic character Basanti. Her acting career has spanned several decades, making her one of the most celebrated actresses in Indian cinema.
Political Career
Malini’s political journey began in 1999 when she campaigned for fellow actor Vinod Khanna during his election in Punjab. She officially joined the BJP in 2004 and served as a Member of Parliament (MP) in the Rajya Sabha after being nominated by then-President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. In the 2014 general elections, she contested from Mathura and won with a significant margin, reflecting her popularity and the influence of her cinematic background on her political success
In the 2019 elections, she retained her seat in Mathura, focusing her campaign on cultural development and tourism, particularly emphasizing the significance of Mathura as the birthplace of Lord Krishna. She has expressed a personal commitment to beautifying Mathura, initiating projects to restore its cultural heritage
Parliamentary Performance
While her celebrity status has garnered her considerable support, her performance in Parliament has drawn mixed reviews. Hema Malini has participated in a relatively low number of debates and has faced criticism for her attendance and engagement levels. She has, however, raised issues related to agriculture, health, and education, reflecting her concerns for the local constituency
Contributions and Focus Areas
Hema Malini has actively worked on various initiatives in Mathura, including beautification projects like renovating the Mathura railway station to reflect its cultural heritage. She has also adopted the village of Raval, promoting its significance as the birthplace of Radha, thus intertwining her political efforts with religious sentiments prevalent in the region
Personal Life
Despite her political commitments, Hema Malini remains a dedicated artist. She has maintained her passion for dance and regularly engages in performances that showcase her artistic talents.