Hema Malini addresses online backlash for cold expression, says 'Don't complain that I never smile...'

Hema Malini adresses critism

• Hema Malini criticized online for not smiling at Mathura sports event
• She responded with humor while voting in Mumbai, saying, "I am smiling, okay?"
• Hema Malini mourns husband Dharmendra's death in November 2025.

Did our AI summary help?

Veteran actor and politician Hema Malini recently found herself in the middle of an unexpected social media storm after a video from a sports event in Mathura went viral.

The clip, which showed her distributing medals with a calm, composed expression, drew criticism from some internet users who felt she appeared unsmiling and distant. What began as a brief moment from a public event soon turned into a wave of online trolling.

Hema Malini addressed the chatter with quiet confidence a few days later when she stepped out in Mumbai to vote in the ongoing Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by IWMBuzz (@iwmbuzz)

After casting her vote, she paused to interact with the paparazzi and pose for photographs. With a smile firmly in place and a hint of humour, she responded to the criticism directly, saying, “I am smiling, okay? Now don’t complain that I don’t smile,” a remark that instantly won over many on social media.

The controversy stemmed from an event held on January 12, where Hema Malini, in her role as a BJP Member of Parliament, presented medals at an MP Sports Competition in Mathura.

A short video clip captured her handing out awards without visible gestures of congratulations, which some viewers interpreted as a lack of warmth. Others, however, pointed out that public appearances are often fleeting moments taken out of context.

Despite the online noise, Hema Malini has continued to remain active and composed in public life. She was among several well-known faces from the film industry who turned up to vote in the BMC polls, alongside actors such as Twinkle Khanna, John Abraham, Divya Dutta, Tamannaah Bhatia, Akshay Kumar and Kiran Rao, all of whom were seen at different polling booths across Mumbai.

Also Read: When Hema Malini asked her costume designer to stitch her blouse tighter than usual during Baghban shoot, said, “Amitabh Bachchan’s touch would give me the look…”

Away from the spotlight, the past year has been an emotionally heavy one for Hema Malini. The end of 2025 brought profound personal loss with the passing of her husband, legendary actor Dharmendra, who died on November 24 at the age of 89. In the months that followed, she organised several prayer meetings in his memory across Mumbai, Delhi and Mathura.

Speaking openly about her grief, Hema Malini also revealed that she has not yet watched Dharmendra’s final film, Ikkis. Reflecting on the emotional weight of the moment, she shared, “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.”