Happy Birthday Hema Malini: The Evergreen 'Dreamgirl' Of Bollywood, IN PICS

The veteran actress cuts her birthday cake on October 16. On the occasion of her 75th birthday, we take a look at the illustrious career of Bollywood's one and only 'Dreamgirl'.

Hema Malini made her acting debut with Tamil film 'Idhu Sathiyam' in 1962. She made her Bollywood debut opposite Raj Kapoor in 1968 with 'Sapno Ka Saudagar'.

She carved a niche for herself with her stellar performances in films like 'Johnny Mera Naam', 'Andaz' and 'Lal Patthar' among others, in the early 1970s.

Hema Malini bagged the Filmfare Award in the Best Actress category for her performance in a dual role in 'Seeta Aur Geeta'.

She established herself as an accomplished actress through her versatile roles in 'Sanyasi', 'Dharmatma', 'Trishool' and 'Sholay', among others.

The hit actress tied-the-knot with one of the most popular actors of the time, Dharmendra, in 1980. The couple shared a great on-screen chemistry.

Hema Malini's role as Basanti in Ramesh Sippy's cult classic ' Sholay' is still hailed as one of her best performances.

Along with being a stupendous actress, Hema Malini is also a trained Bharatnatyam dancer who has passed on this legacy to her daughters, Esha and Ahana Deol.

Hema Malini donned the director's hat for Divya Bharti and Shah Rukh Khan starrer 'Dil Aashna Hai' and once again bowled the audience with her performance in the family drama 'Baghban'.

She has received several awards and accolades for her illustrious career as an actress. We wish the evergreen 'Dream Girl' of Bollywood a very Happy Birthday! (All image courtesy: Hema Malini/Instagram.)