By
Tanveer Zaidi – (Actor, Author, Educationist)
Indian Idol on Sony Entertainment Television-Sony LIV is one of my favourites, and Hema Malini jee was the special Judge of its new episode, it gave me the reason to reminiscence the precious moments she spend with me!
The charismatic, mesmerising, evergreen Actress-turned-politician Hema Malini, was captured with me in a photograph amidst a memorable interaction in Filmistan Studio, Goregaon, Mumbai.
Hema Malini was shooting for a television series, Rani Laxmi Bai, produced by her and featuring Varsha Usgaonkar and other actors.
There were a few more images captured by our photographer during the lunch break.
My friends and colleagues, M. Gulrez and Mehdi Abid, accompanied me.
Hema Malini jee was so pretty, her nice gesture, kindness, humbleness made my day.
Infact I went to meet her with an offer, better I pronounce it ‘a request’, I decided to make her the brand ambassador and a guest Editor of my cinema magazine and newspaper ‘Filmscreen’ Published by Mr. K.K Bhargava of Kusum Publication’s sister concern Neeraj Publication, New Delhi.
I had the responsibility of being the Editor of that immensely popular film-oriented paper.
Later, I owned the English version of the Filmscreen with my brother Tauseef Zaidi and became the Chief Editor and Publisher with offices in Mumbai, Dubai, and Allahabad.
Hema Malini jee accepted my request and remained our brand ambassador and guest Editor for almost eight years.
I have met few hundred stars from different walks of life, across boundaries till date, meeting Hema Malini was one of the best encounters I’ve ever had.
I’m not a good beggar. But I fathom the art of convincing people, I furnish my request usually, and then stay dumb to listen carefully what the legend has to utter in reply.
Hema ji said, ” Tanveer, thank you for the offer, I’ll be highly obliged by being the brand ambassador and guest Editor of your beautiful paper, I often read it, as I get the copies regularly through courier, perhaps send by you, it seems I am in your subscriber’s list.”
I told her, ” Yes Ma’am, not only you, we regularly send our magazine and newspaper to each and every person of the Indian Film Industry that includes actors, producers, directors, singers and all of them who belong to Bollywood.”
I continued, “…and our magazine and newspaper are available on almost every bookstall of the country including Wheelers across the country and these are the largest circulated paper and magazine of the nation in it’s genre.”
She replied, ” Oh yes, I have also seen it on the book stalls, beside Juhu petrol pump (station) and at few more bookstalls as well.”
Her words made me more than happy as I was in love with my Filmscreen.
Hema Malini has been my childhood favourite since I saw her in ‘Dharmatma’ alongside my other favourite star, Feroz Khan.
Hema Malini turns out a very committed person as she remained with us for such a long period of eight years, she took much interest in every issue.
At that time, I was a old, thin, skiny guy, but a very smart and proud Editor of a full-length film-based fortnightly and tabloid entertainment magazine.
I had an office on the ground floor of our residence Neelam Apartment, Rizvi complex, off carter road, Bandra (west), Mumbai. I had a dozen of staff members for Mumbai.
As often I say that- I was Jack of all trades and master of none or might be one, I was into many fields- I loved cultural, social, literary activities. I was very active in sports and athletic as well.
I used to act in dramas, television series, and films, and I still do.
I would write articles, poetry, and pocket-sized storybooks for teenagers. I used to edit interviews and write-ups and would do lots of stuff, including freelancing for almost all the renowned newspapers and magazines.
I met Hema Malini jee quite often. She has been a dream girl for millions. I feel proud that we have shared some very beautiful and precious moments that I’ll cherish throughout my life, and I hope she might as well.
