BMC Elections 2026: Akshay Kumar, Twinkle Khanna, Nana Patekar & Other Celebs Cast Their Votes In Mumbai

Mumbai: Voting began early this morning in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, the first civic polls in the city since 2017. Fans and residents woke up to familiar faces at polling stations as Bollywood stars and political leaders stepped out to exercise their democratic rights.

Which stars turned up to vote today?

Several big names from Bollywood were spotted at polling booths across the city. 

Actor Akshay Kumar arrived early with his wife Twinkle Khanna to cast his vote at the Gandhi Shikshan Bhavan booth. After voting, Akshay spoke to reporters, c - a call for citizens to use their vote with responsibility.

#WATCH | Mumbai: After casting his vote, Actor Akshay Kumar says, "Today, the voting for BMC is taking place. As Mumbaikars, we have the remote control with us today. I would request all the people of Mumbai to come out in large numbers and cast their votes. If we have to be the… https://t.co/AOlWRmnx1V pic.twitter.com/19RmBgMFB7

— ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2026

Veteran actor Hema Malini also cast her vote, appealing to citizens to come out and vote if they want better security, cleaner air, smoother roads and progress for the city.

#WATCH | Mumbai: After casting her vote for the BMC elections, Veteran actor and BJP MP Hema Malini says, "I urge everyone to come out and vote. Just like I came this morning to vote. If you want security, progress, clean air, and pothole-free roads in Mumbai, then we all have to… pic.twitter.com/bwXqPGueFl

— ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2026

Other film personalities, including John Abraham with his parents, Sanya Malhotra, and Nana Patekar, were also photographed at polling stations, sharing short messages encouraging voter turnout.

Members of Aamir Khan's family were also seen at a booth with their children. 

Actor Junaid Khan showed his inked finger after casting his vote for the BMC elections and said, "Please come and vote, it is very important and everyone should come and vote." 

#WATCH | Mumbai | Actor Junaid Khan and his family show their inked finger after casting their vote for the BMC elections.

Actor Junaid Khan says, "Please come and vote, it is very important and everyone should come and vote." pic.twitter.com/pUKZ6KPKVP

— ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2026

Lyricist Gulzar also cast his vote and said, "We are rooted in our homeland, and your vote is to nurture those roots and to nurture democracy, so be sure to fulfil this duty."

#WATCH | Mumbai: After casting his vote for the BMC Elections, lyricist Gulzar said, "We are rooted in our homeland, and your vote is to nurture those roots and to nurture democracy, so be sure to fulfil this duty..." pic.twitter.com/4Qd1p1NyIz

— ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2026

After casting his vote, Suniel Shetty urged people to take part in the election and saying that "I think by far, this is one of the most important election.”

#WATCH | Mumbai: After casting his vote for the BMC election, Actor Suniel Shetty says, "I think by far, this is one of the most important election so everyone should come out and cast their votes. We just keep complaining about the work of BMC. Today, we should do some work...… pic.twitter.com/aVhfohJKax

— ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2026

Actress Divya Dutta, after casting her vote, said, "I think we should think of issues of pollution, employment, and other issues. I think the right leaders will listen to the right demands of Mumbaikars."

#WATCH | Mumbai: After casting her vote for the BMC elections, actor Divya Dutta says, "It is our right to vote, and we should come out of our houses and cast our votes. I think we should think of issues of pollution, employment, and other issues. I think the right leaders will… pic.twitter.com/yk6p5Txc8Q

— ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2026

Did political leaders vote too?

Many political figures were also present at various polling stations in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra. 

Party leaders from major formations, including the BJP-led alliance and regional parties, cast their ballots and made brief public appearances. The elections are being closely followed as a key civic test ahead of broader political battles in the region. 

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and his family also casted their vote.

#WATCH | Nagpur: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, his wife Amruta Fadnavis and his mother show their inked fingers after casting their vote for the Maharashtra local body elections. pic.twitter.com/82dwpYFFtZ

— ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2026

Union Minister Piyush Goyal after casting his vote in Maharashtra local body elections, said, "It is a great privilege to participate in this festival of democracy. Mumbai is India's financial and commercial capital. We are all proud to be Mumbaikars."

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, along with his brother Sunil Raut was also seen arriving at a polling station in Mumbai to cast his vote.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also casted his vote and said that "voting in an election is our fundamental right. Who we vote for and who we don't is our right but fulfilling the duty associated with this right."

#WATCH | Union Minister Nitin Gadkari says, "Voting in an election is our fundamental right. Who we vote for and who we don't is our right but fulfilling the duty associated with this right, which is given to us in a democracy, is the duty of every citizen. I appeal to all the… https://t.co/qnGtf6erQJ pic.twitter.com/bFXN1nJ6Ss

— ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2026

MNS chief Raj Thackeray, along with his family also arrived at a polling station in Mumbai to cast his vote.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi after casting her vote at a polling station in Goregaon, said "Upon arriving at the polling station where I usually vote, I found that my name was not on the list. I was directed to another location where I cast my vote. I appeal to all Mumbaikars to vote in large numbers."

#WATCH | Mumbai, Maharashtra | Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi says, "Upon arriving at the polling station where I usually vote, I found that my name was not on the list. I was directed to another location where I cast my vote. I appeal to all Mumbaikars to vote in… https://t.co/LtcK6UxQVf pic.twitter.com/n5m6qGEAHc

— ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2026

Shiv Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray, his wife Rashmi Thackeray and leader Aaditya Thackeray were also seen arriving at a polling station in Mumbai to cast their votes.

#WATCH | Mumbai | Shiv Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray and leader Aaditya Thackeray show their inked fingers after casting their votes at a polling station in Mumbai for the BMC elections. pic.twitter.com/qe9UQ0e2Rp

— ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2026

Why is this election important?

Polling is underway in 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra, including Mumbai, Pune, Thane and Nashik. An estimated 3.48 crore voters are eligible, and authorities have set up more than 39,000 polling stations to manage the process. Results are expected on Friday, once counting concludes.

What are voters saying?

Many residents stood in long queues early in the day, braving cool morning weather to cast their votes. Ordinary citizens said they see the civic polls as a chance to influence local issues, from roads and water, to sanitation and governance. 

As the day unfolds, election officials report that voting is progressing smoothly, with checks in place across all booths and the process closely watched by party agents and observers.