Meet Reshma Pathan ‘Sholay Girl’ who body-doubled for Hema Malini as Basanti
Meet Reshma Pathan
‘Sholay Girl’ who body-doubled for Hema Malini as Basanti
Almost 44 years ago, Sholay appeared on the big screen and transformed viewing cinematic experience for all of all. The Ramesh Sippy directorial film featured big names like Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Jaya Bachchan, Sanjeev Kumar and Amjad Khan.
But, besides from them, there was also the real star of the movie that some of us might not know. She is Reshma
Pathan who body-doubled for Hema Malini and did all the action scenes with no fear.
Notably, Reshma Pathan is India’s first
stunt-woman, who has body-doubled for several heroines like Meena Kumar, Dimple Kapadia, Hema Malini, Sridevi and Rekha.
Reshma born in a conservative Muslim family, was the eldest out of her five siblings. At 14, she turned breadwinner of her family as her father was unwell and unable to work.
Reshma’s neighbour, was a stunt director and knew her tough circumstances, hence, proposed her to be a stunt woman. Her father refused it as he was scared of her safety. Reshma’s motive was basically to earn enough money so that her family could have a decent life.
Notwithstanding everything, Reshma set foot in the male dominated profession and broke all stereotypes. In 1968, she performed her first stunt in the film Ek Khiladi Bawab Patte for actress Laxmi Chaya. It was a dance sequence in which the actress tips and slides off the stage. Reshma performed the stunt in one take, thus cementing her career.
Later she went on to work with several A-list actresses. She has body doubled several heroines, but her act as Hema Malini’s duplicate in Sholay is still considered legendary.
After all the years Reshma spent being the unknown face onscreen, a biopic called The Sholay Girl was made and released on ZEE5 in 2019. The film highlights her daring spirit and all the hard work she did behind this profession. As of now, Reshma has retired as a stunt woman and works as a day player in the industry. Some of her stunts have been dangerous, but Reshma carried on fearlessly.
News Edit KV Raman
