BMC Elections 2026: Hema Malini tells citizens to be responsible; says 'vote for security, clean air, pothole-free roads'

Veteran actress and MP, Hema Malini was spotted in the early hours of Thursday morning, casting her vote at a polling station in Mumbai for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Elections 2026. The actress was among the early celebrities to arrive at the polling station to cast their votes. Adding a pop of colour to the day, the actress stepped out in a monotone salwar suit. After casting her vote, she stepped out of the booth and showed off her inked finger to the cameras. In a statement to the media, Hema urged citizens to act responsibly and perform their civic duties and participate in the democratic process.Hema Malini's message to citizensCalling on Mumbaikars to step out and vote, she said, “It is important for all of us to cast our vote, and take accountability to make Mumbai even better,” she said. Emphasising issues that directly affect the daily life of citizen, Hema added, "If you want security, progress, clean air, and pothole-free roads in Mumbai, then we all have to take responsibility and vote. Only by exercising your right to vote will you be able to make Mumbai, which I believe is the best city in the world, even better. I request all the citizens of Mumbai to come and vote for the right people." This is one of Hema's first few public appearances after the demise of her husband, actor Dharmendra. The Bollywood star passed away in November, just a few days shy of his 90th birthday. Hema Malini on dealing with Dharmendra's demiseIn an interaction with indianexpress.com, Hema opened up about dealing with Dharmendra's loss. Opening up about dealing with grief, she said, "I was very deeply in sorrow, still that is there. But trying to get out of it, because it is too much for me to take. I am strong, that’s what everybody says… I am strong, but sometimes you… I have to go on, I have to.”Opening up about her 57-year marriage, she shared "I can’t imagine a life without him; I miss him every minute." While admiting, the were not together all the time, she shared, "He would always ask, ‘Where are you? When are you coming? Are you coming back? Then, I am also coming back from Lonavala.’ He would come and be here with me and the family. I feel sad without him. When will I meet him again?"About BMC Elections 2026Polling for the BMC Elections 2026 is being held across the state with the elections being closely watched, in key urban centres including Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Nashik and Pimpri-Chinchwad.