Hema Malini Calls Her Era the Golden Era Says Big Screen Cinema Has a Magic OTT Cannot Replace

Veteran Bollywood actress Hema Malini has shared her perspective on the difference between working for the big screen and the small screen, describing the era in which she began her career as a “Golden Era” of filmmaking. Speaking at the second day of the Celebrate Cinema ’26 festival at Subhash Ghai’s Whistling Woods International in Mumbai, the actress reflected on how filmmaking has evolved over the decades. While acknowledging the rise of web series and smaller films, Hema emphasised that the theatrical experience offers a distinct kind of cinematic beauty that cannot always be replicated on television or digital platforms. Her observations also highlighted the dedication and artistic vision that went into creating some of Indian cinema’s most memorable films.

When asked about the difference between working on the big screen and the small screen from an actress’s perspective, Hema explained that her entire career began in an era when cinema halls were the primary destination for watching films. She said, “The thing is, I have only experienced the big screen right from the start. Back then, the small screen didn't really exist; we only knew the big screen and enjoyed it. Today, seeing the rise of the small screen—with smaller films and web series being made—is wonderful, because everything changes with the times. However, the era we worked in was very different—I would call it a ‘Golden Era’—because the big screen offers something unique.”

Hema went on to explain that the difference becomes particularly noticeable when watching films today and comparing the way scenes were crafted in earlier decades. According to her, filmmakers once devoted considerable time and attention to individual shots because they understood the impact those images would have on a cinema screen. She believes that the theatrical format allowed directors to create moments with a distinctive visual appeal, where composition, performance and atmosphere could leave a lasting impression. Reflecting on this approach, she said, “I realize this now when I watch things; so much time used to be dedicated to capturing a single shot because the impact on the big screen is distinct and beautiful—something we don't quite see on the small screen, where the approach is often limited to just what is strictly necessary.”

The actress also spoke about how filmmaking approaches have changed to suit different formats and audience expectations. She observed that contemporary productions often use a variety of sequences and scenes to create a stronger impact, catering to what audiences enjoy. However, for Hema, the most meaningful cinema comes from filmmakers who approach their work with genuine passion rather than simply focusing on what might attract viewers. Her comments reflected a distinction between making content for immediate consumption and creating a cinematic experience in which every scene has been carefully imagined and developed. While she acknowledged that the industry has moved forward with changing times, she made it clear that she continues to value the artistry associated with traditional big-screen filmmaking.

To illustrate her point, Hema referred to films and filmmakers whose work left a lasting impression on her. She said, “However, there were filmmakers who truly created cinema from the heart—like the makers of Razia Sultan, or the likes of Raj-saab and Subhash-ji. They crafted every single scene with genuine passion; take Saudagar, for instance, which beautifully portrayed the friendship between two giants of the industry, Dilip-saab and Raaj Kumar. In my opinion, films of that caliber simply cannot be made for the small screen.” Her references highlighted the importance she places on the director’s vision, the scale of cinematic storytelling and the emotional depth that can emerge when a film is conceived specifically for theatrical viewing.

Hema Malini’s remarks offered a glimpse into an era when the theatrical experience shaped the way filmmakers approached their craft. From the grandeur of Razia Sultan to the celebrated performances and dramatic storytelling of Saudagar, her examples reflected a filmmaking tradition that placed considerable emphasis on visual presentation and artistic detail. Her comments at Celebrate Cinema ’26 also recognised that the entertainment industry continues to evolve, with streaming platforms and web series creating new opportunities for performers and storytellers. Yet, for the veteran actress, the big screen retains a special place because of the scale, care and emotional impact associated with the films she grew up making. Her reflections served as a tribute to the filmmakers who treated every frame as an essential part of the cinematic experience.