"That (2002 Hit and run case) was one percent of his life. For that you can't lessen his popularity. If he is working for a good cause, then why not appreciate him for it?" she said.
Several members of the Indian sports fraternity have questioned the selection of Salman as brand ambassador.
2012 London Olympics bronze medalist Yogeshwar Dutt made his displeasure known through a series of tweets barely an hour after the decision was announced.
Veteran athlete Milkha Singh also said that a sports person should have been appointed as the brand ambassador.
Malini also said people need to be careful before selecting a brand ambassador.
"We have to be careful in accepting the brand. I verify about the brand. Kent water purifier is one of the best. So I am happy to be associated with that," she added.