/> It would be considered a dream come true for any actress to play the Rajmata of Gwalior Vijayraje Scindia.

It took a Dream Girl to realize that dream.

In Ek Thi Rani Aisi Bhi to be directed by Gulbahar Singh, Hema Malini will be playing her first historical biographical role since Razia Sultan in Kamal Amrohi pic 30 years ago.

Hema is naturally thrilled. "I'm honoured to be playing the Rajmata. Do you know, she was the founder of the BJP and today I'm a proud member of the BJP and getting a chance to play her on screen."

Hema intends to spend time in Gwalior with the Rajmata's family before the movie is launched on 14 October. "I think this role requires a fair amount of preparation. Something I haven't done for too many of my characters except Razia Sultan and Meera. Both were very close to my heart. And now I think this will be the third part that's very close to my heart."

Ek Thi Rani Aisi Bhi will be made in close collaboration with the Scindias.

Says Hema, " Though I didn't know the great lady personally I've known her late son Madhavrao Scindia and her daughter Vasundhara quite well through my parliamentary work.

In fact I had been to Gwalior last year summer with my daughter Ahana for a dance performance on the invitation of Madhavraoji's son Jyotiraditya Scindia. My colleagues in parliament were outraged.

'How could you go at his invitation when he's from the Congess?' But I think culture and art should be put above politics, don't you think?"

Hema plunges into the Rajmata's role right away.

Interestingly Aishwarya Rai was supposed to play Gayatri Devi, the Rani of Jaipur in J.P. Dutta's bio-pic. The project was shelved.

"I hope I can carry off the Rajmata's royal dignity with confidence," says Hema.