Hema Malini, 77, turns Goddess Durga in Navratri ballet; leaves fans amazed

Draped in her costume and moving to the rhythm of classical dance, actor-politician Hema Malini once again stepped into the world of mythology, embodying Goddess Durga on stage as she performed her celebrated ballet Durga. The 77-year-old actor and Bharatanatyam dancer returned to the stage on October 11, the first day of Navratri, amazing fans on social media.For Hema, the performance wasn't just another show on her calendar; it was a chance to bring a story of divine feminine power to life through the art form she has cherished for decades. She performed at the Classic Convention Centre during the Agarwal Samaj's Agra Dandiya Navratri celebrations in Telangana. The event also marked Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti. Sharing photographs from the evening, she spoke about the special feeling of presenting one of her most popular dance productions on the opening day of the festival."It was a lovely, special feeling performing my most popular ballet, Durga, on the first day of Navratri, and I felt truly blessed," she wrote.Take a look here:The photographs drew praise from fans, who admired both her stage presence and her commitment to dance at 77. "Graceful as always," one person commented, while another called her performance "so beautifully divine". The responses reflected how Hema's association with classical dance continues to strike a chord with audiences, even after a career spanning decades in cinema. One fan, however, offered a more personal reflection, praising Hema for continuing to work at her age while noting that children and grandchildren who care for their elders give them the opportunity to spend their later years peacefully at home. Another admirer recalled meeting Hema in Vrindavan and shared how the actor had left a lasting impression on her young daughter, Samriddhi Gaur."You are the idol of my little girl, Samriddhi Gaur, who met you in Vrindavan, and you showed her affection," the fan wrote.For Hema, performing Durga during Navratri has become a tradition rooted in both faith and artistic expression. Her dance dramas often draw from Hindu mythology, allowing her to portray different forms of the goddess while bringing together classical movement, storytelling and devotion.Two years ago, on the fourth day of Navratri, she performed a two-hour dance drama in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, in which she portrayed different forms of Maa Durga. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla attended the programme, and Hema later told ANI that she was delighted to perform in the city."I am very happy to perform here today. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla was also here to witness the programme, and he praised me for the work I have done here," she said.#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: Actor and BJP MP from Mathura, Hema Malini presented a dance drama at Nav Durga Mahotsav, in Mathura Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla was also present here (06.10) https://t.co/oGY1Y9Mjyi— ANI (@ANI) October 6, 2024Her journey into dance ballets began much earlier, following a suggestion from her father. In an earlier interview, Hema recalled how she gradually moved towards productions that allowed her to tell larger stories through dance. Meera, choreographed by renowned dancer Bhushan Lakhandri, became the debut production of Natyavihar Kala Kendra, followed by Ramayana, adapted from the Ramcharitmanas.Hema performs Parampara with her daughters, Esha and Ahana Deol, describing it as a particularly meaningful experience because it allows them to carry their artistic heritage forward together. She has also spoken about the sense of fulfilment she feels after a dance performance, saying it cannot be compared with the experience of making a film.- Ends