Veteran Bollywood Actress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Hema Malini has drawn sharp criticism online after a video from a Navratri celebration in Uttar Pradesh showed her seemingly dismissing a fan's attempt to take a selfie. The clip, which surfaced on social media platforms like Instagram, depicts the 76-year-old icon glancing briefly at the fan's phone before turning away, prompting accusations of arrogance and sparking a heated debate on celebrity etiquette and personal boundaries.
The incident occurred during her appearance as a guest of honour at the event, highlighting the often-blurry line between public accessibility and private space for figures like Malini, who has balanced a storied film career with active politics since 2014.
The footage, shared by the fan and quickly amassing thousands of views, captures Malini seated amid the festivities when the woman approaches closely with her camera extended, urging the actress to smile. Malini's visible discomfort—averting her gaze and appearing disinterested—has fuelled widespread backlash. Netizens flooded comment sections with pointed remarks, such as "Why does Hema Malini accept public invitations when she has so many issues with taking pictures with fans?" and "Why so much attitude?"
Comparisons to Jaya Bachchan, known for similar curt interactions with paparazzi, were rife, with one user labelling Malini a "Jaya Bachchan copy". Others questioned the purpose of her attendance, writing, "Unnecessary attitude. If she wanted to behave this way, what was the purpose of going then?" This is not the first such episode; in January 2024, Malini expressed frustration at a literary event, stating, "Selfie lene ke liye thode aaye hain" (We didn't come here for selfies), which similarly divided opinions.
Yet, the response has been far from unanimous, with a vocal segment defending Malini's right to privacy and decrying the fan's intrusive approach. Supporters argued for basic courtesy, with comments like, "Madam, there are some etiquettes we need to keep in mind before taking videos and photos. Ask or request the other person if they are comfortable with taking a picture with you." Actress Sunita Rajwar, known for her roles in projects like Mirzapur, echoed this sentiment, posting, "Why do people want to get clicked like this with no respect or response? An actor is a human being like you; don't do this to yourself."
Another user emphasised consent, noting, "First ask for permission before taking a pic or video… otherwise this is how they respond." These defences frame the incident as a symptom of broader issues in fan-celebrity dynamics, where unsolicited recordings can feel invasive, especially during cultural events like Navratri, which emphasise devotion over documentation.
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Hema Malini, affectionately called Bollywood's "Dream Girl", rose to fame in the 1970s with iconic films like Seeta Aur Geeta and Sholay, earning her a Bharat Ratna-level admiration that persists today. Transitioning to politics, she has represented Mathura in the Lok Sabha since 2014, focusing on constituency development while occasionally dipping into cinema—her last role was in the 2020 comedy Shimla Mirch alongside Rajkummar Rao.
As Navratri festivities continue across India, this episode serves as a reminder of the evolving expectations placed on public figures, where admiration often clashes with the demand for unfiltered access. While the video amplifies calls for respectful interactions, it also underscores Malini's resilience in navigating fame's double-edged sword.
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