Sudesh Bhosale reveals that he drew Hema Malini’s movie posters when she was a teenager before sharing the stage with her
Bollywood’s ‘dream girl’ Hema Malini made her Hindi film debut opposite Raj Kapoor in 1968’s ‘Sapno Ka Saadagar’. Over the next six decades, she delivered unforgettable performances in classics like ‘Seeta Aur Geeta’, ‘Sholay’, ‘Dream Girl’ and many more.Veteran singer and pastiche artist Sudesh Bhosale took a nostalgic trip during the celebrations to mark Hema Malini’s remarkable 60-year journey in Hindi cinema. While participating in the special event, he spoke about a chapter from his childhood that connected him with the legendary actress long before he entered the entertainment industry.Speaking to the media at the event, Bhosale revealed that his association with Hema Malini began in an unexpected way.
Years before he became a singer and stage actor, he was helping his father create hand-painted movie posters and giant cinema banners all over Mumbai.Recalling those formative years, Sudesh Bhosale revealed that he worked alongside his father for several years drawing promotional materials for films. “People may not know that before I started performing on stage, I used to draw movie posters with my father from 1974 to 1982,” he told the media.
According to Sudesh Bhosale, his father was involved in preparing posters for several films featuring Hema Malini. Working on those banners gave him the opportunity to learn the craft at a very young age while developing a deep admiration for the actress.
He described the experience as an important starting point in his artistic life, long before music became his profession.
Drawing posters for Hema Malini’s films
The singer also recalled the first big sign he painted as a teenager.
Looking back, he remembers the excitement of contributing to the publicity of a film starring one of Bollywood’s biggest stars. “My first poster was in 1974 when I was just 14 years old. It was for ‘Prem Nagar’. I personally painted all those banners,” he shared. He also noted that several Hema Malini films, including ‘Lal Patthar’, ‘Sharafat’ and ‘Bhai Ho To Aisa’, were among the projects for which his father created promotional artwork.
Those early experiences shaped his creative instincts.
A full circle moment
Sudesh Bhosale said life came full circle when he finally met Hema Malini and had the opportunity to perform alongside her. On one memorable occasion, he said: “It is a coincidence that my first overseas tour, to the Fiji Islands in 1984, was with Himaji.” The singer described the experience as a special milestone. What started with drawing her posters eventually turned into sharing the stage with the actress in front of an audience outside.
He said the trip remains one of the most meaningful experiences of his life and career.
Celebrating Hema Malini’s legacy spanning six decades
Sudesh Bhosale also expressed his happiness at being part of the event that celebrates Hema Malini’s extraordinary contribution to Indian cinema. Sharing the stage with top artistes while paying tribute to the actress made the occasion even more memorable for him.