'I don't feel I am 73'

'I've never thought of myself as beautiful.' 'Not that I think I am not beautiful.'

- 

Dream Girl Hema Malini, who turned 73 on October 16, tells Subhash K Jha about the secret of her eternal glow.

Happy Birthday, Hemaji, and please stop lying about your age.

Thank you so much... but what do you mean?

I mean, you look no more than 40. What is this nonsense about 73?

Yeh to aap ka nazariya hai (that's only your perception). Besides, age is just a number. You are as old or young as you feel. I have to admit I don't feel 73.

How do you stay so fit, is it the dancing?

It used to be. But after Covid there is no stage for dancing. Every Durga Puja I used to perform on stage. For the last two years that has stopped. It is one of my lingering regrets. Dancing is the best form of exercise. I learnt this from my idol Vyjanthimalaji.