Mumbai: Veteran actress-turned-politician Hema Malini was trolled for ignoring a fan’s request for a selfie while recently attending a Navratri event in Uttar Pradesh as a guest of honour.
In the video clip, which has gone viral, a fan, holding a phone camera, can be seen requesting Hema to look into the lens and smile. But the veteran glanced at the camera, and quickly turned away her face away without even acknowledging the fan.
This rude behaviour of the actress drew widespread criticism, with trolls calling her ‘arrogant.’
One user commented, “Why does Hema Malini accept public invitations when she has so many issues with clicking pictures with fans?”
Another wrote, “Why so much attitude?”
Comparing Hema to Jaya, a third commented, “She is Jaya Bachchan’s copy.”
One more comment read, “Unnecessary attitude. If she wanted to behave this way, what was the purpose of going then?”
Meanwhile, a section of netizens defended the actress’ right to privacy.
One wrote, “First ask for permission before taking a pic or video… otherwise this is how they respond.”
Another added, “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 or okay to take a picture with you.”
Supporting Hema Malini, actress Sunita Rajwar commented, “Why do people want to get clicked like this with no respect and response? An actor is a human being like you, don’t do this to yourself.”
On the work front, Hema was last seen in ‘Shimla Mirchi’ in 2020.
Currently, she is serving as a Lok Sabha MP from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), representing Mathura.
When asked about returning to films, Hema said, “Aajkal jo picture banate hain usme main fit nahi hoti hoon! Mera fit hone jaisa banana padega… alag se. (The kind of films which are being made today doesn’t suit me. Films need to be made differently for me to fit in).”