Come January 22, millions of Indians will observe and celebrate the consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya in northern India’s Uttar Pradesh. To sweeten the pot, several Bollywood celebrities will take part in a special performance on the Ramayana. Bollywood’s Dream Girl, Hema Malini, will portray the role of Goddess Sita in the dance drama, which is set to take place on the day of the temple’s inauguration. Earlier on January 17, she had portrayed the goddess’ role in the dance drama.
The 75-year-old actress is a trained classical dancer, who, apart from enthralling movie goers with her many memorable roles spread across a lengthy movie career, has also mesmerised audiences with her live dance performances.
While many of her contemporaries have either retired or have lost stardom with time, the Sholay actress has been able to retain her prominence with her political stint with the ruling BJP and work in movies.
The actress-politician, who is currently in Ayodhya, said she’s fortunate to be in the city during this time. “This is my first visit to Ayodhya. I am going to perform in the Ramayana as Sita,” she told ANI in Hindi on Wednesday.
Leaving audiences in awe
The veteran actress reportedly performed as Sita in a dance drama on January 17. Her performance alongside Vishal Nayak as Lord Ram left the audience in awe.
She will reprise her role as the goddess on January 22, which will also see her Bollywood colleagues Rakesh Bedi, Vindu Dara Singh take part.
Hema Malini has been performing quite regularly on stage. Last November, she played Meera Mai in a dance drama that commemorated the 525th birth anniversary of Meera Bai, an Indian saint and devotee of Hindu deity Lord Krishna.
Apart from that, the actress has also performed alongside her daughters, actress Esha Deol and Ahana Deol, in various events.
The Ram Mandir will be inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the aforementioned date. A galaxy of high-profile dignitaries has been invited to the event.
While it has not been confirmed, Hema Malini’s performance is like to be attended by the likes of Modi and the guests, which include former Indian cricket team captains Sachin Tendulkar, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Virat Kohli, as well as screen legends Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan.