Hema Malini’s Directorial Debut: A Look Back at “Dil Aashna Hai” and Dharmendra’s Refusal
Hema Malini, renowned as a superstar actress in the 1970s and 1980s, ventured into directing in the 1990s with her film Dil Aashna Hai. Released in 1992, the film featured then-upcoming star Shah Rukh Khan in the lead role. However, Hema’s ambition to cast her husband, Dharmendra, in an important role faced a significant hurdle: Dharmendra’s refusal to work under her direction.
The Casting Struggles
In Ram Kamal Mukherjee’s biography, Hema Malini: Beyond the Dream Girl, Hema reveals the challenges she faced in casting for Dil Aashna Hai. Initially, she approached Vinod Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan for significant roles, but both declined. Amitabh Bachchan was on a break from the film industry at that time, leading Hema to turn to her husband.
When Hema asked Dharmendra for a key role, he declined, citing his reluctance to be directed by her. This refusal sparked discussions and speculation within the film industry and media, especially since Dharmendra was absent from the film’s launch ceremony.
Hema’s Perspective
Reflecting on the situation, Hema expressed her disappointment but emphasized her husband’s support throughout the film’s production. She stated, “I wanted to give Dharmendraji an important role in the film, but he refused to work under my direction. Dharmendra was unable to attend the release of the film, so many speculated about it, but there was no truth in it. He was in America at the time and could not attend. Every day I used to inform him about the happenings of the film; he always gave me strong support. Both my daughters were very excited about the film.”
Despite the initial setback, Dharmendra later showed his support for Hema’s directorial venture by attending the film’s audio launch and premiere.
Film’s Cast and Legacy
Dil Aashna Hai featured Shah Rukh Khan alongside Divya Bharti in lead roles, with a talented supporting cast that included Mithun Chakraborty, Jeetendra, Dimple Kapadia, and Amrita Singh. While the film faced its share of challenges, it marked a significant chapter in Hema Malini’s career as she stepped behind the camera to share her vision with audiences.
Hema Malini’s journey into directing continues to be a notable aspect of her multifaceted career, showcasing her talent and determination to explore new avenues in the film industry.
