Hema Malini: When 'Ravan' of 'Ramayana' Slapped Her 20 Times—A Shocking On-Screen Story from 46 Years Ago

Hema Malini, Bollywood’s evergreen “Dream Girl,” has delivered countless memorable performances in her decades-long career. However, one of the most remarkable—and little-known—incidents happened 46 years ago during the making of the film Hum Tere Aashiq Hain (1979). In this film, Hema acted alongside Arvind Trivedi, the actor who would later achieve legendary status as Ravan in Ramanand Sagar’s iconic TV serial Ramayana.

During the shooting of Hum Tere Aashiq Hain, a scene required Arvind Trivedi to slap Hema Malini. Though initially hesitant and nervous about enacting such a scene with a top star like Hema, Arvind eventually agreed and, for the sake of perfection, ended up slapping her as many as 20 times, under the director’s instructions. Only after 20 takes was the shot considered “perfect.”

Hum Tere Aashiq Hain also starred Jeetendra, Sujit Kumar, Amjad Khan, Shriram Lagoo, and Om Shivpuri, and was directed by Prem Sagar. This unique incident has become a part of Bollywood’s offbeat lore, showcasing the dedication of actors and the era’s demand for authentic performances.

While Hema Malini has since moved away from films and now serves as Mathura’s MP for the BJP, Arvind Trivedi became a household name thanks to his role as Ravan in Ramayana. Trivedi passed away in Mumbai in 2021, leaving behind a legacy both on the big and small screens.