People still call Hema Malini as Basanti

Remembering her iconic character Basanti in the blockbuster 'Sholay', which turns 40 on Saturday in Mumbai, veteran actress Hema Malini says even today she gets called by the on-screen name, which evokes a sweet nostalgia for her. The 66-year-old actress-politician added she is proud that she was a part of the movie, which also starred her husband Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bhaduri, Sanjeev Kumar and Amjad Khan. '40 yrs of Sholay and still going strong. So proud, I was part of such an iconic movie! Ppl still call me Basanti and transport me to that era again!,' she tweeted. Hema played the role of bold and talkative village girl with whom Veeru (Dharmendra) falls in love. Basanti became one of the most favourite characters of the film, thanks to her popular dialogues like 'Bhaag Dhanno bhag, aaj teri Basanti ki izzat ka sawal hai' and songs including, 'Haa Jab Tak Hai Jaan' and 'Holi Ke Din.' Directed by Ramesh Sippy, 'Sholay' released four decades ago in 1975.