Mallika Sherawat, the Indian actress known for portraying bold characters, has made waves once again by shedding light on the struggles she faced after her breakthrough role in the 2004 film “Murder,” where she starred alongside Emraan Hashmi. Reflecting on her journey, Sherawat also recounted the invaluable advice she received from filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, which she clung to during those challenging times.
Having recently returned to the silver screen with the comedy film “Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video,” featuring Rajkummar Rao, Triptii Dimri, and Vijay Raaz, Sherawat reminisced about her turbulent yet transformative journey in the film industry. During a candid conversation with Ranveer Allahbadia on his popular podcast, the actress delved into how “Murder” not only catapulted her to stardom but also granted her crucial economic independence. “Winning awards was never my aim,” she confessed. “What mattered was the freedom to live life according to my own terms, making decisions based on my own judgment, whether right or wrong. Fame, after all, is just a byproduct,” Mallika expressed during her revealing exchange.
This boldness and determination, however, were met with a mixed reception within Bollywood’s tight-knit circle. Following the film’s success, Sherawat witnessed a stark shift in people’s attitudes towards her. “Murder changed everything,” she remarked. “Suddenly, I was on everyone’s radar, and the way people interacted with me transformed. Back then, fame held a much larger sway. It was a different world in the early 2000s. I managed to create a niche for myself, but today’s newcomers face a completely different scenario. In today’s industry, no matter how significant a film’s success, it’s quickly forgotten within weeks amidst the overwhelming flood of content.”
Sherawat’s journey was further complicated by her decision to embrace roles that defied conventions of the time.
. In an era when actresses were often expected to conform to a restrained image, Sherawat’s unapologetic stance and willingness to embody a femme fatale in “Murder” were groundbreaking. “The culture wasn’t ready for me back then,” she acknowledged. “Bollywood wasn’t prepared for ‘Murder’ either. It’s only now catching up to the revolution in realism that I anticipated in 2004.”
Despite the significant impact she made, Sherawat’s unconventional choices were not well-received by everyone. “Some renowned actresses, whose names I choose not to disclose, were quite condescending to me,” she disclosed, reflecting on the interpersonal challenges she faced during her rise to fame.
In the midst of these hurdles, Sherawat turned to her mentor Mahesh Bhatt for guidance and solace. The actress fondly recalled seeking his counsel and being comforted by his unwavering support. “I ran to him crying,” she shared, “‘and he advised me to rejoice in the attention. ‘Enjoy it,’ he said, ‘because the day people stop discussing you is when you should be concerned.’ His words toughened me up, preparing me for the fickle nature of fame and public perception.”
As Mallika Sherawat steps into her latest role in “Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video,” her reflections on the industry remind us of the personal sacrifices and challenges that often accompany success in the world of cinema. Her story serves not only as a testament to her resilience and individuality but also highlights the ever-evolving landscape of Bollywood, where new content and fresh narratives constantly challenge traditional norms.
While the industry may have caught up with the pioneering spirit Sherawat embodied two decades ago, her experience underscores the complexities and contradictions of navigating fame in any era. As she continues her journey in film, Sherawat remains an emblem of determination — a reminder that blazing one’s own trail often comes with both trials and triumphs in equal measure.
