Known as the "Dream Girl," Hema Malini is a dedicated exponent of Bharatanatyam, though she has also performed Kuchipudi and Odissi. She is famous for her massive dance ballets (nritaya-natika) based on mythological themes like Draupadi and Durga, which she still performs to packed houses today.

She was trained by Kitappa Pillai and later by S.P. Srinivasan. She also trained in Kuchipudi under the legendary Vempati Chinna Satyam, bringing a sense of lyrical beauty to every form she touches.

Hema Malini continues to perform on stage well into her 70s. She views her dance as an offering to God. A Pure Vegetarian, she hails from an orthodox Iyengar Brahmin background where meat is strictly forbidden. She is so committed to this lifestyle that her husband, Dharmendra, eats vegetarian food when with her, as she maintains a strict "Sattvic" household. She has passed this legacy to her daughters, often performing alongside them in "Parampara" shows.

A legend of Indian cinema with hits like Sholay, Seeta Aur Geeta, and Baghban, she is also a Member of Parliament. She is married to actor Dharmendra and has two daughters, Esha and Ahana Deol, both of whom are trained Odissi dancers, ensuring the family's artistic flame continues to burn brightly.