Ravi Chopra’s Baghban (2003) was a massive box-office success, featuring a star-studded cast including Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Salman Khan, and Mahima Chaudhry. The film’s emotional depth and powerful performances, especially by Amitabh and Hema as Raj and Pooja Malhotra, played a crucial role in its widespread appeal. Despite some flaws in storytelling, their chemistry and performances made the film a memorable classic.
Hema Malini’s Romantic Vision for the Role
Recently, Renu Chopra, director Ravi Chopra’s wife, discussed an interesting incidence of Hema Malini playing a crucial role in creating her character. According to her, Hema took a keen interest in playing the role of Pooja Malhotra and even provided some ideas to boost the romantic quality of the movie.
A particular scene had Pooja doing her makeup and dressing up before a mirror with Raj standing behind her, appreciating her view. Hema had proposed a small but telling detail—she requested that the blouse be tied a little more tightly, such that when Amitabh’s character tied it up, the movement would be very intimate. “She said, ‘That touch would give me the look I want—one that conveys he’s touched me, and after so many years of marriage, it still means so much,’ ” Renu remembered in a chat with Pinkvilla.
Why Hema Malini Agreed to Do the Role
Hema Malini earlier, in a conversation with Bharathi S Pradhan, disclosed that it was at the insistence of her mother that she agreed to do the role. She had initially resisted, questioning whether she should play the role of a mother to four grown-up sons, but her mother assured her, “The story is good. You must do it.”
Salman Khan’s Cameo
Aside from the depth of emotion on Raj and Pooja’s story, Baghban also had a special appearance by Salman Khan as a character who defended the older couple when they were left behind by their own offspring.
The insightful contribution and firm conviction of Hema Malini in the script and Ravi Chopra’s direction proved that Baghban was a memorable family drama still resonated by audiences today.
