Hema Malini stunned to see a revamped Mumbai street: I actually rubbed my eyes
Mumbai, Feb 26
Veteran Bollywood superstar-turned-politician Hema Malini expressed her pleasant surprise at the sight of an otherwise busy Mumbai street cleared of its usual hawkers and encroachments. The actress further mentioned that the transformation of the street made her rub her eyes in disbelief.
Sharing pictures of the street on her social media account, Hema wrote, "Such a pleasant surprise today when I took the familiar route through Irla - I actually rubbed my eyes and asked the driver if he had taken the correct road! All encroachments on the platforms removed, shop windows actually visible, happy public using the sidewalks to go about their work - Irla transformed! All due to the commitment of the BJP MLA from Andheri West (Mumbai Suburban) Shri Ameet Satam who has also been appointed as the BJP President - Mumbai unit. I hope this clean drive continues to be maintained ll#mumbaisuburb #mumbaikar."
In pictures posted, the narrow roadside path appears free of the hawkers and roadside stalls that otherwise block the road making it congested, and making it difficult for pedestrians to walk comfortably.
Hema Malini, a BJP Member of Parliament from Mathura, has been active in political life since joining the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2014, and she is often seen raising public concerning issues through her social media.
The actress has also been a part of the Bollywood industry for over 6 decades. Hema Malini was considered as a superstar during her prime era in Bollywood and was called as the Dream Girl.
She has been apart of many super hit movies like Seeta aur Geeta, Sholay, Deam Girl, The Burning Train, Baghban and many more.
Hema Malini was married to late bollywood superstar Dharmendra who passed away in November 2025. The Kapil is parents to two girls, actress Esha Deol and Ahana Deol.
— IANS
Reader Comments
While a clean footpath is good, what about the livelihoods of the hawkers who were removed? They are also Mumbaikars trying to earn a living. The solution can't just be removal; there should be a designated space for them. We need balance.
Hema ji is right to be surprised! In Mumbai, such clean-ups are usually just before a VIP visit or for a photo-op. Let's see if it lasts beyond the news cycle. The real test is maintenance.
Visiting Mumbai last year, the street chaos was overwhelming. This is a positive step for the city's image and for residents' daily life. Efficient public spaces are crucial for any world-class city.
Dream Girl appreciating the clean drive! 😄 Good to see our MPs taking note of local issues. Hope this motivates other constituencies to follow suit. Clean and accessible footpaths are a basic right.
I appreciate the intent, but this feels like a privileged perspective. For most of us, those "encroachments" are where we buy affordable vegetables and snacks. The city needs its small vendors. Can't just wish them away for aesthetics.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.