Exclusive: “Mathura Is Not My Only Commitment,” Says Hema Malini

In an exclusive chat, Hema Malini lashes out at her critics far and wide.

For her critics who feel that Hema Malini is not spending enough time in her constituency (Mathura), there is news. The actress-parliamentarian claims that she spends more time in her constituency than most of her politician colleagues.

I’ve got other commitments too. I am a wife, a mother, a dancer and an actress. Am I expected to forget all my other duties? Still, I spend more time in Mathura than anywhere else. And yet there is an uproar the minute I start shooting for a film. Arrey, every MP has other responsibilities, not just me. Why am I being targeted? 

Hema Malini, Actor & Parliamentarian

Malini draws attention to the furore that was whipped up by what she considers to be ‘vested interests’ in Mathura, when in the first week of June this year fierce clashes broke out in the holy city between a religious sect that occupied a 260-acre plot illegally, and the local administration assigned to clear the land.

I made the mistake of tweeting that I was shooting Phir Kya Thha (and that was it!). I became this merry reveller having a good time while my constituency burnt. I was committed to the shooting from long before. The administration was fully into attending to the problem. It wasn’t as if I had abandoned my constituency. I can never do that. I care too much for Mathura to let the cynics and trouble makers get to me. A section of the local media is constantly questioning me about my intentions, motives, actions, etc. I’m answerable only to the Prime Minister and to my constituency.

Hema Malini, Actor & Parliamentarian

The ever insouciant actress-parliamentarian says that she will go ahead with her progress plans for Mathura, come what may.

Everyone will see the results of my work in Mathura in two years. I promise you. It takes time for development and change in a constituency. I had to undo many of the wrong things in my constituency. I am not in politics for power or money. I’ve been in love with Mathura, the birthplace of my favourite deity Lord Krishna, from childhood.

Hema Malini

Hemaji doesn’t know whether to be amused annoyed or flattered when she gets distress calls from other constituencies.

I am approached by people asking for help in Aligarh, Faridabad and even Bulandshahr. I have to remind them that these cities are not a part of my constituency. But I am happy that people in these areas have so much confidence in me. I don’t intend to let them down.

Hema Malini