In a candid revelation that sheds light on the challenges behind the glitz and glamour, Bollywood actress Mallika Sherawat has opened up about the tumultuous journey she faced following the success of her breakthrough film, ‘Murder.’ Speaking on a recent podcast with Ranveer Allahbadia, she shared both the highs and lows experienced in the aftermath of the film that propelled her to stardom.
Mallika Sherawat has returned to the silver screen with her latest venture, ‘Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video,’ in which she features alongside Rajkummar Rao, Triptii Dimri, and Vijay Raaz. Known for her bold on-screen presence, Sherawat plays a significant role in this comedy film that marks her comeback after a hiatus. However, beneath the veneer of her success lies a story of industry challenges and personal evolution that began with ‘Murder.’
Released in the early 2000s, ‘Murder,’ co-starring Emraan Hashmi, was a film that changed Sherawat’s career forever. It not only brought her recognition but also economic autonomy, allowing her to make decisions on her terms. As Mallika recalls in her conversation with Allahbadia, “Murder gave me stardom, but more importantly, it gave me economic independence. For me, winning awards was never the ultimate goal. What truly mattered was living life on my own terms and making choices, regardless if they were right or wrong.”
What followed, however, was a dichotomous experience. On one hand, she reveled in newfound fame, yet on the other, she encountered sharp criticism and a shift in attitude from some of her peers in the film industry. “Murder changed everything,” she confessed, noting that the recognition she received also brought about an altered perception from those around her. “Suddenly, everyone recognized 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.
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Reflecting on her unique career choices, Sherawat emphasized that the era was scarcely prepared for the bold roles she embodied. “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 remarked. The film, according to her, introduced a femme fatale to an industry dominated by a specific archetype of actresses. During that time, actresses were typically expected to conform to a conventional code of conduct, which often meant being reserved and demure—standards that Sherawat unapologetically defied.
Despite her trailblazing path, Sherawat faced condescension from notable contemporaries, though she chose not to name them. These experiences were disheartening yet pivotal, prompting her to turn to her mentor, Mahesh Bhatt, for support. In a moment of vulnerability, she recounted running to Bhatt in tears. His advice to her was both enlightening and empowering. He encouraged her to embrace the narrative centered around her, saying, “Enjoy it because the day they stop talking about you, they will cry.” His words were aimed at toughening her resolve and reinforcing her resilience in an often unforgiving industry.
Today, as Mallika Sherawat steps back into the spotlight with ‘Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video,’ her reflections serve as a testament to the complexities of fame and the fortitude required to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of Bollywood. Her journey underscores the hurdles faced by pioneering voices and the cultural shifts needed to embrace diverse narratives within the cinematic world.
Sherawat’s experiences following ‘Murder’ highlight the double-edged sword of success in the entertainment industry. While the film secured her a place in the spotlight, it also exposed her to the undercurrents of industry dynamics marked by oft-unspoken rivalries and predispositions. Yet, her story is one of perseverance—a journey marked not only by staying true to herself but also by her unfaltering spirit in overcoming adversities with grace and determination.
