Actress-politician, Hema Malini, who had essayed the iconic role of Basanti in the film, Sholay, says that even 40 years after the film's release, people still call her by the character's name. "40 years of Sholay and still going strong. So proud I was part of such an iconic movie! People still call me Basanti and transport me to that era again," [sic] Hema posted on Twitter. Hema had essayed the role of a fearless village belle in the film. Her character, Basanti, eventually falls in love with Dharmendra's character, Veeru, in the film.
Hema Malini and Dharmendra's daughter Ahana delivered her first child, a baby boy, on June 10, 2015. According to a report on Movies.ndtv.com, Dharmendra said that holding the baby in his arms reminded him of the time when he first took his own children in his arms. The report quoted him saying that they just wanted some good energy around the baby right now, he should lead a happy, healthy and prosperous life, and that they want good wishes for him. The family hasn't thought of any name as of now and there's still some time for it, concluded the report. Braj Mahotsav, a festival organised by Hema Malini, has been making news ever since it was announced. After being reportedly delayed and objected to, by various groups, the festival has finally kicked off in Mathura. However, according to a report on Bollywoodlife.com, Esha Deol, who was reportedly going to perform on the opening day of the festival, walked out at the last minute. The report further claimed that Esha had deliberately chosen to distance herself from the Bharatnatyam performance as she had just been re-introduced in a hot avatar on the TV show, Roadies. ?The Times of India