Hema upbeat about first international retrospective

The Bangkok International Film Festival starting July 19 is set to showcase some of the best works of Bollywood star Hema Malini. As expected, Hema is upbeat. "They want to screen some of my best works. I'd like them to screen 'Sholay', 'Seeta Aur Geeta', 'Lal Patthar', 'Khushboo', 'Prem Nagar', 'Ek Chadar Maili Si', 'Meera', 'Dulhan'... The problem is, they don't want DVD copies for the screening. They require prints, and that too with subtitles," Hema told IANS.

Last year it was impossible for Amitabh Bachchan to obtain a print of "Sholay" and some of his other films for a retrospective in the US. Keeping that in mind, the actress has decided to take personal interest in getting the prints organised for the Bangkok festival.

"It isn't everyday that one gets a chance like this. Since this is my first time at any festival I'd like it to be a comprehensive retrospective of my films.

"Although my hands are full with political and cultural activities, and I've two daughters to look after, I want to give myself the luxury of enjoying this recognition."

Laughing, she brushes off the scarcity of recognition and honours in her unprecedented decade-long reign as the box office queen.

"I guess when I was busy working I was just busy. I never thought of the awards and rewards. Now when I look back, I do feel there weren't too many occasions for my work to be reviewed."

Indo-Asian News Service