Mallika Sherawat, a name known for her bold and unapologetic roles on screen, has captivated audiences over the years. Returning to the limelight with her latest film “Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video”, where she shares the screen with Rajkummar Rao, Triptii Dimri, and Vijay Raaz, Mallika has once again proven her versatility. However, her journey in Bollywood hasn’t been without its challenges, especially following the unexpected success of her film “Murder” alongside Emraan Hashmi. In a candid conversation on Ranveer Allahbadia’s podcast, Mallika shared insights into the ups and downs she faced in the aftermath of “Murder”, reflecting on how it altered not only her career trajectory but also her personal life.
The 2004 thriller “Murder” was a significant turning point for Mallika Sherawat. It catapulted her to stardom and gave her financial independence, a milestone she cherishes deeply. Speaking about this transformative period in a report covered by News18, Mallika noted, “Murder gave me stardom, but most importantly, it gave me economic independence. 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 newfound fame, Mallika encountered a shift in how she was perceived by her Bollywood contemporaries. The same project that placed her in the spotlight also became the reason for a barrage of criticism from within the industry. Describing this paradigm shift, she revealed, “Murder changed everything. 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. No matter how big a hit a film is, it fades from memory within two weeks because of the tsunami of content.”
Mallika’s unique choice of roles set her apart from her peers, occurring at a time when Bollywood was not entirely receptive to the kind of characters she portrayed. Reflecting on this, she mentioned, “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. 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.”
While Mallika’s bold on-screen persona won her fans, it also drew disapproval from some established names in the industry. “There are some big-name actresses in Bollywood whose names I won’t take, but they were condescending to my face,” she admitted, revealing a less glamorous aspect of Bollywood stardom. The lack of camaraderie and support, especially from female contemporaries, was an unexpected challenge for Mallika.
During this tumultuous phase, Mallika Sherawat found solace and guidance in her mentor, Mahesh Bhatt, who played a pivotal role in her career. Seeking advice and reassurance from him, Mahesh Bhatt offered her an invaluable lesson in resilience. “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,” she recalled. This advice from Mahesh Bhatt turned out to be a source of strength and encouragement, helping Mallika navigate the challenges of fame and public scrutiny.
Fast forward to today, Mallika Sherawat has embraced her journey with grace and determination. Her latest project “Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video” marks her return to the silver screen, showcasing her enduring appeal and talent. Despite the hurdles she faced in the past, Mallika remains a trailblazer in the industry, unafraid to take on roles that are bold and unconventional.
Through her candid revelations, Mallika Sherawat offers a glimpse into the often harsh realities of Bollywood, where success can be as isolating as it is rewarding. Her journey serves as both a lesson and inspiration for aspiring actors, embodying resilience and the courage to live life on one’s own terms. As Bollywood continues to evolve, Mallika remains an enduring figure, reminding us of the power of authenticity and the strength in overcoming challenges.
