Veteran actor Himani Shivpuri has reflected on her extensive journey in Indian cinema and television, sharing fond recollections of working alongside major Bollywood stars and her early beginnings in theatre. An alumnus of the National School of Drama, she transitioned from stage acting to parallel cinema and eventually became a familiar face in commercial Hindi films and television soaps. Celebrated for her memorable aunt and mother figures on screen, the actor noted that she consciously tried to avoid being typecast after gaining widespread recognition for her role in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, taking on serious, comic, and negative characters across her career.
Working With Bollywood Superstars
Reflecting on her time sharing the screen with industry icons, Shivpuri recalled warm experiences with Madhuri Dixit, describing her as down-to-earth with a middle-class vibe during the making of Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! She also shared lighthearted behind-the-scenes moments with Salman Khan, recounting how he playfully made her laugh during emotional sequences, and praised Shah Rukh Khan as a true gentleman who graciously appreciates his stardom and respects his fans. Her professional journey also included working with celebrated art-house filmmakers, describing Shyam Benegal as her idol who was always gentle and deeply caring towards newcomers on his sets.
Personal Triumphs and Theatre Roots
Shivpuri’s path to acting began with encouragement from her father, a poet and teacher at The Doon School, despite her relatives viewing the profession unfavourably. After joining the NSD Repertory Company as an apprentice, she gained independence before achieving a major television breakthrough as Devaki Bhojai in Hamrahi. Alongside her professional achievements, she navigated significant personal challenges, including the passing of her husband, actor Gyan Shivpuri, in 1995 while filming DDLJ. As a single mother, she raised her son Katyayan, who is now a recognised writer and director. Today, she maintains a positive attitude and has adopted her father’s ancestral village of Bhatwari to support sustainable existence for its elderly residents.
Source: Filmfare
Photo: Bollywood Hungama / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0 (photo page)
