Hema Malini Inspires Audience with Reflections on Her Artistic Journey

Cuttack, Odisha | March 13, 2025 :Sri Sri University witnessed a memorable and inspiring afternoon as the iconic actress, dancer, and cultural ambassador, Smt. Hema Malini Ji, graced the campus for an exclusive session titled “Echoes of an Era: Hema Malini Reflects on Her Iconic Films and Timeless Artistry.” Held on March 13, 2025, at the Shruti Auditorium, the event celebrated her extraordinary contribution to Indian cinema and classical dance, captivating a packed audience of students, faculty, and distinguished guests.

The event began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by Smt. Hema Malini Ji, along with Sri Sri University’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. (Dr.) Tej Partap, Director of Operations, Swami Satya Chaitanya Ji, and Prof. Ratikant Mohapatra, Dean, Faculty of Arts, Communication & Indic Studies (FACIS), marking the auspicious commencement of the session.

The proceedings continued with a warm welcome address by Prof. Ratikant Mohapatra, who highlighted the remarkable journey of Smt. Hema Malini Ji, describing her as an enduring inspiration whose dedication has touched not only dancers and actors but also individuals from all walks of life. He praised her ability to excel in both cinema and classical dance, balancing these demanding art forms with grace and determination.

Following the welcome address, the audience was treated to a mesmerizing Odissi dance presentation titled Vande Suryam, performed by students from the MPA FACIS department, beautifully setting the tone for the evening’s reflections on art and culture.

The highlight of the event was an engaging interactive session where Smt. Hema Malini Ji shared her experiences and insights, responding to a series of thought-provoking questions.

When asked about balancing her career in cinema and dance, Hema Ji spoke passionately about her love for both art forms. “Discipline and focus have been my guiding principles,” she said. “Managing both required dedication, but the joy I found in each kept me motivated.”

Reflecting on her experiences with the Guru-Shishya Parampara, she acknowledged her Gurus for shaping her as a dancer. “The Guru-Shishya bond is sacred,” she said. “My Gurus not only taught me technique but also instilled in me the spiritual essence of classical dance.”

Spirituality, she explained, has been a guiding force in her artistic journey. While speaking about her dance productions such as Krishna Leela and Durga, she described dance as her way of connecting with the divine.

A particularly engaging moment came when she was asked about her iconic role in the film Sholay. Recalling her memorable portrayal of Basanti, Hema Ji revealed that memorizing her lengthy dialogues required immense practice. “I would recite them repeatedly, often as if rehearsing a monologue in a play,” she shared, adding that dedication to her craft was key to her seamless delivery on screen.

When addressing the challenges faced by women in the arts, Hema Ji encouraged aspiring female artists and professionals to pursue their goals fearlessly. “Believe in yourself,” she urged. “Every challenge offers an opportunity to prove your strength and dedication.”

Discipline and dedication, she stressed, had been the cornerstones of her success. She described her commitment to a structured routine, regular practice, and lifelong learning as essential qualities for growth in any field.

In her closing remarks, Hema Ji offered words of wisdom to students and young professionals. “Whatever path you choose, success comes from passion, hard work, and consistency,” she advised.

Prof. Ratikant Mohapatra, in his concluding remarks, praised Smt. Hema Malini Ji’s ability to transcend artistic boundaries and inspire generations. “Her journey is not only a celebration of cinema and dance but also a testament to perseverance, discipline, and unwavering dedication,” he stated. “Her life’s work has become a beacon of inspiration for artists and non-artists alike.”

The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Sri Sri University’s Vice-Chancellor, expressing gratitude to Smt. Hema Malini Ji for her gracious presence and for inspiring the audience with her invaluable insights.

Following the session, Smt. Hema Malini Ji interacted with students and faculty during a high tea session, where she engaged warmly with attendees, sharing words of encouragement and inspiration.

Sri Sri University extends its heartfelt gratitude to Smt. Hema Malini Ji for visiting the campus and leaving an indelible impression on the audience. Her reflections will continue to resonate with students, artists, and individuals striving to achieve excellence in their chosen fields.