The glitz and glamour of Bollywood have always intrigued many, but few get to experience the whirlwind that accompanies sudden fame. Recently, actress Mallika Sherawat shared her personal journey and the unexpected challenges she navigated after the success of the hit film ‘Murder’, where she starred alongside Emraan Hashmi.
Mallika Sherawat, returning to cinema with the newly released ‘Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video’, a comedy featuring talents like Rajkummar Rao, Triptii Dimri, and Vijay Raaz, is no stranger to bold and daring roles. While her comeback is notable, it was her revelations about the aftermath of her early 2000s breakthrough that have sparked conversations across the industry and beyond.
In a candid conversation on a podcast hosted by Ranveer Allahbadia, Mallika opened up about how ‘Murder’ catapulted her into stardom. However, she emphasized that the true empowerment she received from the film’s success was economic independence. “Murder gave me stardom, but most importantly, it gave me economic independence,” Mallika explained. “For me, winning awards was never the goal. What mattered was being able to live life on my own terms and make decisions, regardless of whether they were right or wrong. Fame is just a byproduct.”
Despite the professional triumph, fame proved to be a double-edged sword. The actress observed a shift in how people in the industry treated her post-‘Murder’. “Suddenly, everyone recognised me, and their attitude toward me shifted. Fame back then was much bigger. In the early 2000s, I carved out a space for myself, but today’s newcomers have to deal with a different reality. No matter how big a hit a film is, it fades from memory within two weeks because of the tsunami of content,” she said.
Mallika didn’t shy away from experimenting with roles that broke the mold of the typical Bollywood heroine of that era. “The culture wasn’t ready for me back then, and it wasn’t ready for Murder either.
. Only now has Bollywood caught up to where I was in 2004,” she pointed out. “At that time, actresses were expected to follow a certain code of conduct. They were shy, while I was unapologetic. With Murder, a femme fatale was introduced.”
However, being ahead of her time came with its challenges. According to Mallika, she faced open condescension from some of Bollywood’s leading actresses, though she chose not to name names. “There are some big-name actresses in Bollywood whose names I won’t take, but they were condescending to my face,” she mentioned.
During these challenging times, Mallika sought guidance from her mentor, filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, who offered her words of wisdom and comfort. “I ran to him crying, and he told me, ‘Enjoy it because the day they stop talking about you, they will cry.’ He said that you should feel happy that he is talking about you. I think he was trying to toughen me up.”
Reflecting on this pivotal advice, it becomes clear that Bhatt’s encouragement provided Mallika with the resilience needed to navigate the volatile world of Bollywood. Such insights reveal not only the pressures faced by those in the spotlight but also the resilience required to maintain one’s individuality amid industry expectations.
Mallika’s journey serves as a reminder of the evolving landscape of Bollywood, where personal expression and challenging societal norms gradually gain acceptance. As she continues to make her mark with roles that defy convention, her experiences illuminate the broader conversation about fame, independence, and the unique pressures faced by women in cinema.
Returning to the present, Mallika’s role in ‘Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video’ marks another chapter in her career, showcasing her enduring presence in the industry. As she reflects on past challenges and looks towards new opportunities, her story remains a testament to tenacity and the undying spirit of innovation within the ever-changing realm of Bollywood.
