Born on October 16, 1948, Hema Malini started her film career in 1968 with Raj Kapoor-starrer Sapno Ka Saudagar.

She regaled movie buffs with roles in films like Seeta Aur Geeta, Sholay, Dream Girl and Satte Pe Satta. 

An accomplished classical dancer, Hema Malini earned the tag of 'Dreamgirl' for her flawless beauty and became a pioneering female superstar in the otherwise male-oriented film industry. 

Hema Malini got married to Dharmendra in 1979. The couple has two daughters together - Esha Deol and Ahana Deol.

Hema Malini's elder daughter Esha Deol is a Bollywood actress, who made her debut in 2002 with Koi Mere Dil Se Poochhe.

Hema Malini's younger daughter Ahana Deol is a trained classical dancer, just like her mom and sister. 

Coming back to Hema Malini's professional life, Bollywood's 'dream girl' had to face rejection at the start of her career.

It is worth mentioning that Hema Malini's first film was a South Indian film and starred late Jayalalitha, who was the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.

Russia's romance with Raj Kapoor is well-documented, but very few know that Hema Malini too enjoys wide popularity in the country. 

Andha Kanoon was Hema Malini's first movie in which she, despite being one of the top heroines, did not have a 'hero' cast opposite her. She was cast as the hero's (Rajinikanth) sister and her role was on par with Thalaiva. In picture: Hema Malini and Rajinikanth in a still from the movie Andha Kanoon (1983).

She is the first Indian actor to have appeared on Andrey Malakhov's talk show, Tonight. In picture: Hema Malini with Parveen Babi in Razia Sultan.

Hema Malini has shared screen space with Amitabh Bachchan a number of times. Satte Pe Satta, Sholay, Gehri Chaal, Kasauti, Nastik, Baabul, Baghban, Desh Premee, Veer Zara and many more. In picture: A still from the super-hit film Baghban.

Happy Birthday Hema Malini!