Looks like Esha Deol's mom may be doing better than she's doing in the industry! The former Dream Girl, Hema Malini, returns to Bollywood as the Queen of Gwalior! Hema Malini plays Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia, for Gulbahar Singh's film, 'Ek Thi Rani Aisi Bhi.' It's been 30 years since she played a historical figure; in the past she has acted as Razia Sultan for Kamal Amrohi's film and now she has groomed herself to play the Queen of Gwalior. Hema Malini said 'The look is not as grand as Razia Sultan or Mughal-e-Azam but the film has its own charm. It's about a lady who achieved her dream and stood with high esteem in a male dominated world. Earlier, too, I have done women-centric films like 'Meera', 'Kinara', 'Khushboo', 'Seeta Aur Geeta' and others. And I'm glad that even today I'm being offered such power-packed roles.'

The film is based on the biography of the former Maharani of Gwalior who, after being one of the highest aristocrats of the land, became a prominent political personality. Also called 'Ek Thi Rani Aisi Bhi', the biography was written by Mridula Sinha. To prepare her for the Rajmata's role, Hema Malini sought the help of designer Neeta Lulla. 'She gave me a different look in 'Baghban' and I wanted her to do my costume in this film because she works hard on these types of projects. The Rajmata's look is very simple but elegant. The finesse was very important for a character like this,' said Hema Malini. Neeta too had to do a lot of research to get Hema Malini the perfect look. 'Hemaji also gave me a reference book which helped me a lot,' said the designer.

'Ek Thi Rani Aisi Bhi', is produced by the Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Smriti Trust. Hema Malini intends to spend time with the Scindia family in Gwalior to learn more about the late Queen and also do research on the Rajmata so that she can portray her character perfectly on screen. The actress, who made a stunning comeback in Ravi Chopra's 'Baghban,' got busy with her dance ballet and parliament but is now happy to consider a full-time return to Bollywood again.