Bollywood actress Mallika Sherawat, known for her daring and unconventional roles, has made a striking return to the silver screen with her recent appearance in the film ‘Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video.’ Alongside an ensemble cast that includes Rajkummar Rao, Triptii Dimri, and Vijay Raaz, Sherawat continues to showcase her versatility as a performer. Yet, her journey to this point has been fraught with challenges, stemming largely from her breakthrough role in the 2004 film ‘Murder’ opposite Emraan Hashmi. Despite the film catapulting her to stardom, the fame she achieved was not without its difficulties, as Sherawat candidly divulges.
In a recent conversation with Ranveer Allahbadia on his popular podcast, Sherawat reflected on the monumental impact that ‘Murder’ had on her life and career. “Murder gave me stardom, but most importantly, it gave me economic independence. For me, winning awards was never the goal,” she remarked. “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.” This statement underscores her resolve to live authentically, navigating the often turbulent waters of fame with her own compass.
Discussing the altered perceptions of her following the film’s success, Sherawat admitted, “Murder changed everything. Suddenly, everyone recognised me, and their attitude toward me shifted. Fame back then was much bigger.” She went on to note the contrast with today’s entertainment landscape, where an overwhelming influx of content quickly pushes even the most significant films from the public consciousness, typically within weeks. The early 2000s provided Sherawat with a unique opportunity to carve out a distinct space for herself, a feat that holds different challenges for contemporary newcomers.
Sherawat’s choice of roles set her apart from her peers, often challenging the status quo and redefining expectations of actresses within the industry. “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 explained. At a time when actresses were expected to adhere to a conservative image, Sherawat’s unapologetic portrayal of strong, independent women was groundbreaking. “With Murder, a femme fatale was introduced,” she added, highlighting the transformative nature of her role in the film.
Despite her success, Sherawat faced disdain from some of her contemporaries, which she describes as overtly condescending. “There are some big-name actresses in Bollywood whose names I won’t take, but they were condescending to my face,” she revealed. This experience led her to seek support from her mentor, filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt. In a moment of vulnerability, Sherawat recounted, “I ran to him crying, and he told me, ‘So many sluts in Bollywood, one more won’t matter.’ There was so much slut-shaming. They wanted to make me feel ashamed of the bold scenes I did.”
Sherawat’s resilience in the face of such adversity is a testament to her strength and fortitude as an artist. The backlash she faced served to reinforce her determination to pursue her career without compromising her integrity. Navigating the harsh realities of the film industry, she became an emblem of empowerment, demonstrating that staying true to oneself is paramount, irrespective of external judgments.
Looking forward, Sherawat’s return to cinema with ‘Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video’ signals a new chapter in her career, promising to captivate audiences with her unique blend of charisma and talent. As she continues to break boundaries and challenge stereotypes, Sherawat remains an influential figure in Bollywood, inspiring aspiring actors to embrace their individuality and pursue their dreams with unwavering dedication.
Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities of achieving and maintaining stardom in an ever-evolving entertainment landscape. As she steps back into the limelight, Mallika Sherawat stands as a vibrant example of courage and conviction, driving change both on and off the screen.
