A Timeless Muse of the Pune Festival
Renowned danseuse, acclaimed actress, and Member of Parliament, Hema Malini stands as an enduring patron and an indelible presence in the illustrious journey of the Pune Festival. As Chairperson of the Silver Jubilee Celebration Committee, her unwavering dedication and emotional affinity towards this grand cultural congregation have become almost emblematic of the festival’s spirit. Her association with the event spans nearly its entire history, with 30 mesmerizing renditions of the Ganesh Vandana and …. ballets performed over a remarkable 36-year trajectory – an artistic testament to her sustained commitment and devotional fervor.
Blessed as she fondly believes by the grace of Lord Ganesha, Hema Malini considers her long-standing association with the Pune Festival both an honour and a deeply personal source of pride. Every year with heartfelt dedication she chooses this very stage to present the first performance of her latest ballet production—offering Pune’s audiences the unique privilege of witnessing her newest creative work for the first time. It was at this festival, under its nurturing and inspiring atmosphere that she also introduced her daughters Isha and Ahana to the world of dance—marking the beginning of their artistic journey and continuing the family’s rich tradition in the performing arts.
Her repertoire at the Pune Festival reads like a litany of mythic celebrations: the ethereal Ganesh Vandana, the divine Mahalaxmi, the sacred union depicted in Rukmini Parinay, the fierce embodiment of Shakti in Durga, the transcendental romance of Radha Raasbihari, and the spiritual purity of Ganga etc — all of which continue to linger in the collective memory of Pune’s cultural connoisseurs.
Hema Malini, MP
Actress | producer | director
With a characteristic blend of humility and reverence, Hema Malini reflects, “I distinctly recall my first performance here. I count myself among the fortunate few who have been an integral part of this festival since its very inception. It is solely by Lord Ganesha’s grace that the Pune Festival has attained such immense popularity among Punekars.”
She also offers heartfelt acknowledgment of Kalmadiji’s pivotal role in nurturing and elevating the stature of the festival, attributing much of its cultural resonance and artistic flourish to his vision and perseverance.
Thus Hema Malini remains not merely a performer at the Pune Festival but one of its most cherished icons—an embodiment of artistic devotion, spiritual grace, and cultural continuity.
