Hema Malini’s royal film is finally here

Ek Thi Rani Aisi Bhi, the biopic of Vijaya Raje Scindia popularly known as Rajmata of Gwalior, will finally see the light of day. Completed in 2010, it was stuck in a quagmire due to various reasons including lack of funds. Hema Malini, who plays Rajmata in the film, is pleasantly surprised that it is finally releasing this week.

“I’ve always felt honored to play historical characters,” says the actor. “I remember when Kamal Amrohiji selected me to play Razia Sultan, it was a huge challenge for me to learn Urdu, ride a horse and practise sword-fighting. So when I was offered the role of the Rajmata Of Gwalior, I said yes without a second thought.”

Hema Malini

In the film, Hema plays a woman in search of her identity beyond her lineage. “I’ve never felt more inspired by a character. We screened the film earlier this week at the Siri Fort Auditorium in Delhi and it was attended by the Rajmata’s family members. I was a bit anxious about their reaction to the film and my performance. But when they said I looked and acted like the Rajmata, I was relieved.”

Playing Hema’s husband onscreen in the film is Vinod Khanna. The two have shared the screen before in Patthar aur Payal, Haath Ki Safaai, Rihaee and Meera. “He has played my hero as well as villain. And now, he plays my husband in Ek Thi Rani Aisi Bhi,” says Hema. Due to poor health, Vinod Khanna won’t be able to join the film’s crew during its release. “Unfortunately Vinod couldn’t be with us for the special Delhi screening. I really wish he gets well soon.”