Hema Malini breaks silence on viral medal video, responds to backlash after BMC vote

Veteran actor and BJP MP Hema Malini addressed recent online criticism over her body language at a sports event while casting her vote in Mumbai on Thursday.

Hema stepped out to vote for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections 2026 on January 15. After casting her ballot, she posed for photographers and briefly interacted with the media. During the interaction, she responded to trolling she faced earlier this week over a viral video from Mathura.

Flaunting her inked finger, Hema told the paparazzi, “I am smiling, okay? Now don’t complain that I don’t smile.” The remark was seen as a direct response to social media users who criticised her expression during a medal distribution ceremony.

The backlash began after a video from an MP Sports Competition in Mathura circulated online. The clip, recorded on January 12, showed Hema presenting medals to student athletes with a composed and neutral expression. She did not smile, shake hands, or verbally congratulate the winners during the ceremony.

Several users questioned her body language, accusing her of appearing distant and lacking warmth. While some defended her, arguing that formality does not equal disrespect, others felt her role as a public representative demanded a more engaging presence.

The issue resurfaced on Thursday as Hema’s voting visuals went viral, prompting renewed discussion around the earlier incident.

Meanwhile, Hema also faced an uncomfortable moment at the polling centre in Mumbai. As she exited the voting booth and spoke to the media, a voter confronted her over alleged preferential treatment.

The man claimed he had reached the polling station at around 7.30 am but could only vote at 9.30 am. “There is chaos for the first time,” he said. When Hema assured him his concerns would be conveyed, he added, “Nobody is answerable. Nobody is accountable.”

The voter further stated that despite being a BJP worker, she had failed to ensure better arrangements at the centre. Visibly unsettled by the exchange, Hema asked a member of her team to intervene.

Polling for the BMC Elections 2026 began at 7.30 am on Thursday and will continue until 5.30 pm in a single phase across all wards. Counting of votes is scheduled for Friday, January 16.