Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya demonstrated remarkable restraint during a tense encounter with fans outside a Mumbai restaurant on Christmas Eve. After enjoying a celebratory dinner with girlfriend Maheika Sharma, Pandya politely assisted her into their car while accommodating selfie requests from several enthusiastic supporters.
Fan expresses frustration at Hardik Pandya for not accepting selfie request
As the crowd thickened, one frustrated fan, unable to approach due to security and the rush, shouted the abusive phrase “Bhaad mein jao” (go to hell), yet Pandya walked away without a glance or retort.
The viral video of the incident has sparked widespread admiration online for Pandya’s maturity, especially as a high-profile athlete under constant public glare. Social media users hailed his decision to prioritize dignity over confrontation, noting his polite remark earlier—”Le toh liya, aur kitna lega?” (You’ve taken photos, how many more?)—which underscored his patience before the escalation. This episode highlights the dual-edged nature of stardom in cricket-mad India, where fans’ passion can veer into entitlement, testing celebrities’ emotional control.
Here’s the video:
𝗚𝘂𝘆𝘀, 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗢𝗢 𝗠𝗨𝗖𝗛 🤬🙏
A fan tried to approach Hardik Pandya for a selfie but couldn’t get close.
𝗙𝗮𝗻: 𝗕𝗛𝗔𝗔𝗗 𝗠𝗘 𝗝𝗔𝗢 (Go to Hell) 😡
𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗸: Either didn’t hear it, or heard it and chose to ignore.
This incident happened… pic.twitter.com/B929w11Iwi
— Jara (@JARA_Memer) December 25, 2025
Also WATCH: Hardik Pandya wins hearts as he comforts cameraman hit by his six during fifth T20I clash
Pandya’s explosive form seals India-South Africa series glory
Pandya’s off-field poise follows his starring role in India’s dominant 3-1 T20I series victory over South Africa, capped by a blistering display in the fifth match at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. Entering at No. 5 after quick wickets, he unleashed immediate mayhem, smashing a six off his first ball that struck a cameraman, then plundering 27 runs off George Linde’s over with three sixes and two fours. His unbeaten 63 off 25 balls, featuring five fours and five sixes at a strike rate of 252, propelled India to 231/5, overwhelming South Africa’s chase despite Quinton de Kock‘s 65.
The highlight arrived with his half-century in just 16 balls—the second-fastest by an Indian in T20Is, behind only Yuvraj Singh‘s iconic 12-ball effort from 2007—earning him Player of the Match honours. Celebrating the milestone with a towering six, Pandya blew flying kisses toward the VIP stands where Maheika watched, blending professional fireworks with a tender personal gesture that further endeared him to fans. Earlier in the series opener, his unbeaten 59 off 28 balls rescued India from early trouble for a 175/6 total, setting the tone for success.
Pandya’s series haul also etched him into history as India’s most frequent T20I performer with a fifty-plus score and at least one wicket (four instances, surpassing Yuvraj), while reaching 2002 runs and 100 wickets overall. With T20 World Cup 2026 looming and his all-round prowess peaking, Pandya remains indispensable to India’s white-ball ambitions under Suryakumar Yadav.
Also WATCH: Unsportsmanlike scenes as Pakistan fans jeer India’s teenage batting sensation after U-19 Asia Cup setback
