by Subhash K Jha

It almost seems like people want him to fall ill. I'm being asked about Dharamji's health everywhere," says Hema Malini.

Currently in New Delhi for a parliamentary session, Hema is none too pleased by the rumours that Dharmendra has fallen ill.

"Why are people unnecessarily making him fall ill? When I tell them he's well — in fact, in much better health than a lot of us — they are almost disappointed. Why? Because big stars being ill makes big news?"

Hema says her husband is hale and hearty. "And happy too. Why can't people leave him alone? I partially blame Dharamji for the illness rumours. He has a habit of complaining about his health... ‘yahan dard hai, wahan taqleef hai...'. He must've done so and someone overheard. Bas, the rumours must have started."

But the lovely has found a fabulous way of ensuring his health. "I introduced Dharamji to yoga. He now practices it regularly.... He also writes beautiful Urdu poetry. I wish I could write poetry, but I can't."

Evidently, the Dream Girl is the He-man's inspiration. "I wish I could've inspired him in more ways," she sighs. "Dharamji is in Chandigarh, with his two sons. He's having a ball, and I wish people wouldn't make up stories about his health."

Hema, currently shooting for Ravi Chopra's Babul, is on the verge of signing two more important films. "I couldn't sign any and every role I got. In fact, Babul was done only because we didn't want to break up the Baghban team. I really don't have that much to do in the film."

She's all praise for Ravi Chopra and his unit. "Though their serial with me, Kamini Damini, closed down, I enjoyed it. When I was given options of various co-stars, I chose their favourite, Pankaj Dheer. He's a good conversationalist, and I was sure I wouldn't get bored between shots. Co-stars are becoming a problem for me. Whom do I pair with?"