Hema Malini explains why she stopped working in films: 'It's difficult to adjust'

Hema Malini (Pic/AFP)

Actress Hema Malini recently completed 60 years in Bollywood, marking an illustrious journey filled with iconic performances and timeless films. Reflecting on her career, the veteran actress revealed why she chose to step away from films, saying she finds it difficult to adapt to the way movies are made today. She also opened up about life's biggest challenges and her late husband, Dharmendra.

Hema Malini on why she stopped working in films

In an interview with Zoom TV, Hema Malini revealed why she stopped working in films. She recalled the golden era of cinema and shared, "It was a completely different era. I would say it was the golden period of the film industry, and I was lucky enough and fortunate to be a part of that journey. So many beautiful films were made during that time, especially women-oriented films. I was fortunate to get roles like Seeta Aur Geeta, and even my first film, Sapno Ka Saudagar, Khushboo, and many others. When I look back today, I realise I have worked in nearly 200 films. Most producers repeated me in their projects. In those days, every film had five or six songs, and having hit songs was very important for producers."

"Filmmaking today is completely different. Many people ask me why I am not working now, but it is very difficult for me to adjust to the way films are made today," the veteran actress added.

Hema Malini on challenges in life

Apart from her acting career, the actress also opened up about the challenges in her life and stated, "Deciding over that was the biggest challenge, which very easily happened. There was the grace of the divine. What I wanted happened nicely without any problem."

Hema Malini was married to Dharmendra. The veteran actor passed away in November 2025. Remembering their association of over 25 films, the Sholay actress said, "Throughout, he had been a nice and very good friend. I will say he was a very wonderful and loving husband and a well-meaning friend. He was a trusted guide and a true philosopher. He was ready to help anybody who was in distress. That kind of nature you will very rarely find. This kind of a person who looks so strong and is such a soft person at heart."