Veteran Bollywood actress and Member of Parliament, Hema Malini, found herself in an uncomfortable situation during a recent event in Mumbai. Known for her grace and composure, Hema Malini rarely displays irritation in public, but a particular incident left her visibly uneasy. Besides her political commitments, the 75-year-old actress continues to be celebrated for her Bharatnatyam performances.
On August 21, 2024, Hema Malini attended an event alongside other prominent figures, including Anup Jalota. While several photos and videos from the event circulated online, one video caught particular attention. In the clip, a woman in white ethnic wear tried to place her hand on Hema Malini’s shoulder during a photo session.
However, Hema Malini, clearly uncomfortable with the gesture, quickly stopped the woman by saying,
“Haath Nahi..”
Watch video here:
The woman then moved her hand aside, respecting Hema Malini’s boundaries.
The video sparked various reactions online. RJ Malishka supported Hema Malini’s response, emphasizing the importance of consent and personal space, stating, “Don’t touch people without CONSENT. This is not attitude; this is decency and space.” Another user echoed similar sentiments, expressing that it’s natural to feel uncomfortable when a stranger tries to touch you.
Conversely, some people criticized Hema Malini for her reaction, with one person commenting, “These guys are not really down-to-earth personalities they show off to be on screen.” Another remarked, “Shame these Bollywood oldies age with so much anger.”
Hema Malini’s dedication to dance was recently showcased when she performed a dance-drama on the 525th Janmotsav of Sant Mirabai in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. Despite stepping back from acting, her passion for Bharatnatyam remains strong, as evidenced by her hour-and-a-half-long performance.
On the personal front, Hema Malini is married to former superstar Dharmendra, and they have two daughters, Esha and Ahana Deol. Their marriage has endured life’s ups and downs, with both partners striving to understand each other. Hema Malini once shared on The Kapil Sharma Show that during the early years of her marriage, she never cooked for Dharmendra.
What are your thoughts on Hema Malini’s response to the woman at the event?