Hema Malini's first look in Gautamiputra Satakarni released as birthday gift

The makers of Nandamuri Balakrishna's Gautamiputra Satakarni have released the first look of actress Hema Malini as treat for her fans on the eve of her birthday.

Hema Malini was born in Ammankudi of Thanjavur district in Tamil Nadu on October 16, 1948, and she is turning 68 today. She started her acting career with Tamil film Idhu Sathiyam in 1961. She forayed into Telugu films with Pandava Vanavasam in 1965. The actress debuted in Hindi with Sapno Ka Saudagar in 1968. Thereafter, she got completely engaged in Bollywood and did hardly a few Southern movies in rest of her career.

After decades, the Dream girl is making her comeback to Tollywood with Gautamiputra Satakarni, which is based on the life history of 2nd century CE, Satavahana ruler. Hema Malini is seen playing Gautami Balasri, mother of Gautamiputra Satakarni, in Nandamuri Balakrishna's 100th film, which is produced by Saibabu Jagarlamudi, Y Rajeev Reddy and Suhasini Pangulur under the banner of First Frame Entertainment.

The makers of Gautamiputra Satakarni released the first look of Hema Malini on Saturday evening. Later, director Krish aka Radhakrishna Jagarlamudi ‏posted her first-look poster on his Twitter handle and wished the actress. He wrote: "Happy birthday to the legendary actress @dreamgirlhema #GautamiBalasri."

Gautamiputra Satakarni has been creating ripples in media, ever since it was announced. Its pre-look and first-look posters of Shriya Saran and Balakrishna and teaser have generated a lot of curiosity about the film. Hema Malini's first look has increased viewers' expectations about the movie, which is set to be released in theatres around the world on January 12, 2017.

However, Hema Malini started her birthday by visiting a temple. The actress tweeted: "I'm in total bliss. Cudnt have asked for a better beginning on my bday. Early morn perfect darshan at Nathdwara - felt tht it was a bulaava! Yday Yashoda Krishna performed in Nathdwara before a huge audience who thoroughly enjoyed the ballet. V satisfying experience! Will post pics."