Hema Malini takes an auto after Ataljis cremation

20 Aug 2018

Unable to find her car in the melee of mourners after the late and greatAtal Bihari Vajpayees last rites, actress andBJPmember Hema Malini simply hopped on to a passingautorickshaw. And she never felt more safe. Rarely, do I get a chancetobe on my own. I am always surrounded by people and coming out on the roads on my own is a luxury that I can ill-afford. I was warned against travelling without my security arrangement. But after I paid my last respects toAtalji, it was impossible to locate my car in the surge of people. When I saw anautorickshaw, I simply stopped it and climbed on with a female companion who was with me. Hemajisays the auto ride was liberating. The auto driver took me all around the Connaught Place and other areas in Delhi before dropping me to my hotel. He was a very courteous and discreet drive.Of course, he knew who I was. But, he didnt ask me anything even once. He just drove on quietly. Delhi is reputed to be unsafe for women. But, I felt completely safe in a vehicle Ive seldom used being driven by a man I had never seen. Hemajifeels she should do this more often. How can we experience the real India unless we get out of our cocoons and private cars? Was this the first time I had been in an autorickshaw? Of course not! Recently I needed to be dropped to theISKCONtemple inMumbaiand I my driver was not around. I told my assistant to call anautorickshaw. Aap auto sejayenge ? he was incredulous. But I insisted. And even without my securityguards,I enjoyed the ride completely. The legendary Dream Girl advises such unescorted travel to all politicians. Just go out there and explore the city, meet the people. It is a very revealingexperience.