Baghban, the iconic film that delved into the complex dynamics of aging parents and their children, has reached a significant milestone - 20 years since its release. As we revisit this emotional saga, we catch up with the legendary Hema Malini, who played a pivotal role in the film alongside Amitabh Bachchan.When we asked Hema Malini about her thoughts on Baghban turning 20, she couldn't help but chuckle. "Aisa lagta hai hum abhi shoot karke aaye hain," she says with a smile. It's clear that the memories of working on the film are still fresh in her mind.
However, what might come as a surprise is that Hema Malini initially had reservations about taking on the role. At that time, she had reduced the number of films she was doing, and the idea of playing a mother to four elderly boys felt awkward to her. She recalls, "I was feeling very awkward, 'main aisa kaise karun, maine aise mother ka role kabhi kiya hi nahi kisi film mein.' Then my mother said, 'if Amitabh Bachchan is doing it, then you can also do it, no problem. He is opposite you,' I said yes."
One of the key aspects that convinced Hema Malini to take on the role was the assurance that she wouldn't be made to look like an old woman with white hair, but rather be presented as she was in real life. This decision led to the creation of some memorable romantic scenes, particularly the song "Main Yahaan Tu Wahaan."
Behind the scenes, the film's producer, BR Chopra, had a dream to bring out the essence of romance in the story. Hema Malini reflects on this, saying, "I think this must have been the romance he had at his home, with his partner. He wanted to bring all those things out."
During the making of Baghban, what stood out for Hema Malini was Amitabh Bachchan's jovial nature. Having worked together previously in films like Sholay, she fondly remembers the positive atmosphere on set. "Sabne khushi khushi kaam kiya iss film mein. When Amit ji used to enter the set, he would bring so much light, all the workers used to light up and say 'arre Amit ji aa gaye,' unko lagta tha ab koi mazaak karenge. He used to be so jovial, fun-loving. I don’t think he is like that anymore. Pata nahi, thoda serious ho gaye hain aaj kal," she shares.
As we celebrate Baghban's 20th anniversary, Hema Malini also appreciates the music of the film and mourns the loss of the man behind it, the late music composer Aadesh Srivastava (along with Uttam Singh). She recalls how she got to know about the film's success through her daughter Esha Deol, who was working with Abhishek Bachchan in Dus. "They would keep telling me the picture hit ho gayi hai, mujhe lagta tha mazaak kar rahe hain, but it turned out to be a fact," she smiles.
Baghban, with its heart-touching storyline and remarkable performances, continues to hold a special place in the hearts of audiences even two decades later. Hema Malini's candid insights into the making of the film and her memories with Amitabh Bachchan offer a glimpse into the magic that brought this timeless classic to life.
