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Reshma Pathan, Hema Malini’s stunt double in Sholay, opens up about her on-set experiences, confirming the off-screen romance between Hema and Dharmendra.
As Sholay marks 50 years, Hema Malini’s stunt double Reshma Pathan shares behind-the-scenes memories from the film’s sets — from the iconic tonga stunt that left her injured to witnessing the quiet, off-screen romance between Hema and Dharmendra that everyone on set knew about but never saw displayed.
Nearly five decades after Sholay became a cinematic milestone, a key behind-the-scenes figure has shared heartwarming and dramatic memories from its making — including candid insights into the love story of Hema Malini and Dharmendra.
Reshma Pathan, Hema’s stunt double in the Ramesh Sippy classic, revealed in an interview with Hindustan Times that while the two stars were romantically involved during the shoot, they maintained complete professionalism on set. “Hum sabko pata tha ke Hemaji aur Dharamji ka ishq chal raha hai (we all on the set knew that they are dating). But they never showed that on the set. They were always professional on the set. Set pe toh alag alag hi rehte the (on the set, they spent most of the time away from each other),” she said.
According to Pathan, the couple’s discretion was typical of their era. “Pehle ke log, alag alag hi hote the aur set pe nahi dikhate the (Actors from the old days were really different in private and didn’t reveal it on set). So, Hemaji and Dharamji never let their love for each other show on the set. They were in the same hotel, but in different rooms. In the free time, Dharamji used to be with his team, and Hemaji used to spend time with her team, which included me too.” Today, Pathan says she feels “proud to see them still together. They are an icon and inspiration for all the couples.”
Best remembered as “The Sholay Girl,” Pathan credited the film with changing her life and giving her a respect no other project did. “I got respect after the film, which I didn’t get for any other project. I have worked a lot with Hema ji. She used to ask for me in every film…. We used to sit together, eat together, she used to take me to her place,” she recalled.
One of her most unforgettable memories was a dangerous stunt involving Basanti’s tonga hitting a rock. “Today, people remember the scene where tonga hits a rock and falls… Well, the film team forgot to replace the real wheel with the duplicate wheel, and the tonga fell on me after hitting the rock. It was retained in the film, but that was the planned scene. It is a memorable scene, but little do people know that I got 17 stitches on left leg, bruised my right leg and hurt my back.”
Pathan also revealed a moment of generosity from Dharmendra during the Holi sequence. “I refused to accept the money, but my master asked me to take it saying, ‘He is giving it because he is happy with your shot’. That’s when I accepted the moment from him,” she said, referring to the ₹100 he handed her after the stunt.
Hema Malini and Dharmendra first met in 1970 while working on Tum Haseen Main Jawaan. They married in 1980 and share two daughters, Esha and Ahana Deol. Their on-screen pairing in the 1970s produced several blockbusters including Seeta Aur Geeta, Dillagi, Dream Girl, and, of course, Sholay.
Written by Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar, Sholay remains an undisputed classic of Indian cinema, remembered for its legendary dialogues, memorable songs, and unforgettable characters — from Jai and Veeru’s friendship to Gabbar Singh’s reign of terror. For Reshma Pathan, its legacy is both professional and personal — a blend of career-defining stunts, cherished friendships, and a front-row view of one of Bollywood’s greatest love stories.
Yatamanyu Narain is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for all things entertainment. Whether he’s breaking the latest Bollywood news or chatting with rising stars in the OTT world, he’s always on the hun…Read More
Yatamanyu Narain is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for all things entertainment. Whether he’s breaking the latest Bollywood news or chatting with rising stars in the OTT world, he’s always on the hun… Read More
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