It took fashion designer Neeta Lulla just 48 hours of hard work to decide the right look for Bollywood 'dream girl' Hema Malini's forthcoming venture Ek Thi Rani Aisi Bhi in which she plays erstwhile Gwalior queen Vijayaraje Scindia.
"Actually we both had time constraints so I had to work round-the-clock to give Hemaji the look of the Rajmata. I did my own research and Hema ji also gave me a reference book, which helped me a lot," said Lulla.
Lulla is the one who gave Aishwarya Rai the ethereal look in Ashutosh Gowarikar's period drama Jodhaa Akbar. She was also behind Hema Malini's refreshing look in Ravi Chopra's "Baghban".
"I tried to give her a different look in Baghban and people loved the way she looked in the film. Hope people will like it this time too," the designer added.
Being directed by Gulbahar Singh, Ek Thi Rani Aisi Bhi went on floors recently and is being produced by the Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Smriti Trust
Hema Malini's Vijayaraje Scindia look decided in 48 hours
Dharmendra gifts jewellery set to Hema Malini on birthday
Hema Malini had a rocking birthday with hubby Dharmendra giving her a special jewellery set and daughters - Esha and Ahana - organising a grand bash.
"I enjoyed myself thoroughly because all the people I love, my close relatives and family were there. And, of course, Dharamji. How could he not be there?"
Hema turned 60 on October 16.
Asked what Dharmendra gifted her, Hema first brushed the question off saying: "I'm too old for gifts. And still, I'm constantly getting gifts on my birthdays. The older guests gave me saris. The younger ones made cards. As for Dharamji, he has given me so much already. For this birthday he gave his gift in advance."
And what was that gift?
"Some very elegant jewellery that I really wanted. Actually, my birthday celebrations this year went on for a week. It started with a havan (religious ritual) on 14th and ended with the party Saturday night where I had a Bengali couple singing Ghazals - I like to encourage new talent. While they sang, our party spontaneously turned into a dance party. We all hit the floor."
At 60, Hema seems to have suddenly discovered her fun side in a big way.
"I was always a fun person," she protests. "When you've two growing daughters, you kind of grow up with them and learn to have fun."
Any regrets about the birthday party?
"None. But Rekha couldn't come. I always invite her for all my birthday parties. This time I also invited Zeenat (Aman). And she was kind enough to come. It's good to catch up with colleagues once in a while. I'd have invited Raakhee also. But she wouldn't come, I'm sure of that."
The actress is currently busy with Ek Thi Rani Aisi Bhi in which she plays erstwhile Gwalior queen Vijayaraje Scindia.
