In a candid revelation that sheds light on the harsh realities of the Bollywood film industry, actress Mallika Sherawat recently spoke about the tumultuous journey she experienced after the commercial success of her movie ‘Murder,’ which she starred in alongside Emraan Hashmi. While ‘Murder’ was both a stepping stone to fame and a landmark in her career, it was not without significant challenges, primarily emanating from her contemporaries within the industry. In an interview on Ranveer Allahbadia’s podcast, Sherawat did not hold back from discussing the impact ‘Murder’ had on her life and the hurdles she encountered thereafter.
Mallika Sherawat, whose bold on-screen roles have often stirred conversations, reappeared on the silver screen with ‘Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video,’ a comedic endeavor where she shares the spotlight with actors such as Rajkummar Rao and Triptii Dimri. Reflecting on her breakthrough, she stated, “‘Murder’ indeed catapulted me into stardom and afforded me economic freedom. I’ve never chased awards; my primary aim has always been to live freely—making choices for myself, whether right or wrong. Fame, to me, is merely a consequence.”
Discussing the aftermath of ‘Murder’s’ success, Sherawat highlighted a palpable shift in how she was perceived and treated within the industry. “The movie changed my world overnight. All of a sudden, I was a familiar name, and the dynamics with the people around me were noticeably different,” she recalled. “Back then, fame resonated more, and carving a unique niche was challenging amidst less diverse content compared to today’s relentless wave of new material.” She emphasizes that today’s actors face an entirely new landscape where even the most successful films quickly fade from collective memory.
She further discussed the distinctiveness of her roles, which starkly contrasted with those of her peers. “The industry back then wasn’t quite ready for the roles I chose or for a film like ‘Murder.
.’ It took Bollywood years to catch up to what I was doing in 2004. Back then, actresses conformed to traditional expectations—they were more reserved, whereas I was unapologetic and overt in my portrayal of a strong, decisive female character.”
Sherawat’s upfront approach might have resonated with audiences, but it also drew criticism from within the Bollywood sphere. “There were quite notable actresses who were openly dismissive toward me,” she admitted, choosing not to name them directly. The actress confessed to finding it incredibly challenging to face the backlash and derision from such established individuals.
During this tough phase, Sherawat turned to her mentor, filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, for guidance and reassurance. She revealed a poignant moment where she sought Bhatt’s advice amid the rampant slut-shaming she faced for her daring scenes in ‘Murder.’ “I went to Mahesh ji in tears, and he said to me, ‘There are numerous others in the industry facing similar disdain; your situation is not unique.’ His words, though somewhat harsh, reminded me that this was a broader issue I couldn’t control alone, but rather a norm of judgmental scrutiny many actresses endure.”
The candid conversation with Bhatt offered a rare glimpse into his pragmatic view, reiterating the persistent challenges faced by women who dare to defy conventional norms in entertainment. Despite the adversities, Sherawat stands firm, undeterred by controversies and societal perceptions, remaining a vocal advocate for women’s autonomy in cinematic storytelling.
As she reclaims her space in the cinema world with her recent project, Sherawat’s return is not just about rekindling her career; it symbolizes resilience in overcoming criticism and maintaining one’s authenticity. The actress, by sharing her narrative, not only amplifies the dialogue on industry bias but also motivates emerging talents to remain steadfast in their pursuit of dreams without succumbing to external pressures. Through this, Sherawat continues to challenge Bollywood’s evolving yet fraught landscape, championing the bold portrayal of women on screen and beyond.
