‘Dream Girl’ Hema Malini Dazzles in Dance of ‘Durga’

The show begins with Hema Malini — in her incarnation as Sati — coyly flirting with Shiva, danced by Venkata Narayana Murthy. (Som Sharma photo)

Famed actress and danseuse Hema Malini played the lead role in the dance ballet “Durga,” presented in Hayward July 5 and Redondo Beach July 6. (Som Sharma photo)

Defying her parents’ wishes, Sati, reincarnated as Parvathi, marries Shiva. Hema Malini said, “It has been my great pleasure to perform one of our most powerful characters.” (Som Sharma photo)

Hema Malini reappears onstage as Parvathi after a costume change. (Som Sharma photo)

Hema Malini is accompanied by her female dancers. (Som Sharma photo)

Venkata Narayana Murthy plays Lord Shiva in the show. (Som Sharma photo)

Venkata Narayana Murthy plays Lord Shiva in the show. (Som Sharma photo)

Female dancers dressed as the elements fold into the petals of a lotus. (Som Sharma photo)

Shiva and Parvathi are married as the 25-member dance troupe showers the pair with flower petals. (Som Sharma photo)

Hema Malini dazzles the audience as goddess Durga. (Som Sharma photo)

Parvathi appears transformed as the powerful goddess Durga. (Som Sharma photo)

Durga battles the evil Mahishasura, played by Sanjay Kumar. (Som Sharma photo)

Durga is seen in the form of Kali, with one foot on the chest of Lord Shiva. (Som Sharma photo)

Hema Malini is seen in one of the final scenes from the show. (Som Sharma photo)

Hema Malini and her 25-member dance troupe from India receive a long, standing ovation after the stellar performance. (Som Sharma photo)

Hema Malini and her 25-member dance troupe from India receive a long, standing ovation after the stellar performance. (Som Sharma photo)

Master Deepak ji, an astrologer who produced the show locally, addresses the audience after the show. (Som Sharma photo)