Hema Malini has given a sharp response to online criticism after a video of her from a sports event in Mathura sparked trolling over her expression. The veteran actress was criticised for appearing ‘cold’ and not smiling while distributing medals. Now, she has addressed the backlash in her own understated way.
‘I am smiling, okay?’
On Thursday, Hema Malini stepped out in Mumbai to cast her vote in the ongoing Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. After voting, she interacted with the paparazzi and posed for photographs. While smiling for the cameras, she made a pointed remark, saying, “I am smiling, okay? Now don’t complain that I don’t smile,” clearly shutting down the trolls who had targeted her earlier.
What triggered the backlash
The criticism began after a video from January 12 surfaced online. Hema was seen presenting medals at an MP Sports Competition in Mathura. In the clip, she is seen awarding medals to student participants with a neutral expression, without shaking hands or verbally congratulating them. Several social media users criticised her demeanour, calling it ‘cold’ and trolling her for not smiling during the ceremony.
Celebrities turn up to vote
Apart from Hema Malini, several other celebrities were also spotted at polling booths across Mumbai to cast their votes in the BMC elections. Actors including Twinkle Khanna, John Abraham, Divya Dutta, Tamannaah Bhatia, Akshay Kumar, and filmmaker Kiran Rao were seen participating in the civic polls.
A year marked by personal loss
The controversy comes amid a deeply emotional phase in Hema Malini’s life. The year 2025 ended on a tragic note for her family after the passing of her husband, legendary actor Dharmendra, on November 24 at the age of 89. Hema organised multiple prayer meetings in his memory, including one at her residence in Mumbai, held separately from the prayer meet organised by Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol. She later arranged remembrance gatherings in Delhi and Mathura as well.
‘It will be too overwhelming’
Hema Malini also recently revealed that she has not yet watched Dharmendra’s final film, Ikkis, which released on January 1. In an interview with Screen, she said, “I came to Mathura when it was released. I have to do my work here. Also, I can’t see it now, it will be too overwhelming. That’s what my daughters are also saying. Maybe I will watch it later when the wounds start healing.”
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