"I enjoyed myself thoroughly because all the people I love, all my close relatives and family were there. And of course Dharamji. How could he not be there?"
Ask her what the love of her life gifted her and Hema first brushes the question off. "I'm too old for gifts. And still, I'm constantly getting gifts on my birthdays. The older guests gave me sarees.
The younger ones made cards. As for Dharamji he has given me so much already. For this birthday he gave his gift in advance."
What hat was that gift?
"Some very elegant jewellery that I really wanted. Actually my birthday clebrations this year went on for a week
. It started with a havan on 14th and ended with the party last night where I had a Bengali couple singing Ghazals (I like to encourage new talent). While they sang our party suddenly turned into a dance party. We all hit the floor."
At 60 Hema seems to have suddenly discovered her fun side in a big way. "I was always a fun person, " she protests. "When you've two growing daughters you kind of grow up with them and learn to have fun."
Any regret about the birthday party? "None. But Rekha couldn't come. I always invite her for all my birthday parties.This time I invited Zeenat (Aman).
And she was kind enough to come. It's good to catch up with colleagues once in a while. I'd have invited Raakhee also. But she wouldn't come, I'm sure of that."