Hema shoots solo dance scene in Varanasi

Actress Hema Malini is all set to perform a solo dance in a Hindi film after nearly 17 years. This will be for Pradeep Sarkar's upcoming movie, being shot in the Hindu holy city of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh.

Hema will perform a mujra in the yet untitled film and lip-sync a Thumri sung by director Vishal Bharadwaj's wife Rekha.

"I love the song. And the dance will be Kathak based. That really makes me happy. The last time I performed a solo dance on screen was for Gulzar's 'Lekin'. That was another special appearance for the beautiful mujra 'Jhoote naina bole'. I really enjoyed that ... and I'm really enjoying this," Hema told IANS.

She loves the dance in Sarkar's film because it has classical elements.

"It's not often that one gets a chance to do something classical in our films these days. That's why I agreed to do it. They told me no on except me could perform the mujra. But I think Rekha would've been a better choice," she says.

The veteran actress will be making a special appearance in the movie by Yashraj Films.

"I did a special appearance for Yashraj Films' 'Veer-Zaara'. I've worked many times with them. When I was asked to do this film I did it without a second thought.

"Though I've come to Varanasi many times for dance performances, the last time I was here for a film was Sohanlal Kanwar's 'Sanyasi' more than 30 years ago."

Hema says dancing is the high point of her life.

"When I perform the Krishna ballet I am at the crest of my happiness. Unfortunately now I have to divide my time among three disciplines - politics, acting and dancing. In fact I've never been busier in my life. I'm enjoying this phase in my life," says Hema.

"My daughters are busy with their own thing. And I've the time to do what I want," she adds.