Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; July 1, 2026)

One look at Madhuri Dixit Nene, Indian cinema's timeless icon, and you're struck by her seemingly effortless perfection, the radiant smile, unmatched grace, and captivating screen presence. Yet, a conversation with her reveals a different perspective. The celebrated actor believes that true strength lies not in perfection, but in embracing one's flaws.

In a candid conversation with Bombay Times, Madhuri spoke about her recent film, Maa Behen, directed by Suresh Triveni, and how Hindi cinema's portrayal of mothers has evolved over the years. Excerpts...

A scene in Maa Behen shows your character warning her wayward daughters that if she goes to jail, they'll go with her. The writing portrays mothers as ordinary people capable of making mistakes, doesn’t it?
When we think of mothers in Indian cinema, the first name that comes to mind is Nargis ji in Mother India. Then there are iconic performances by actors such as Rohini Hattangadi in Agneepath, Nirupa Roy in Deewaar, and Rakhee Gulzar in Karan Arjun and Ram Lakhan. These characters were powerful and memorable, but they were also idealized. Mothers were often placed on a pedestal. They couldn't do anything wrong. They were expected to sacrifice everything for their children. What struck me about Maa Behen was its realistic approach. My character isn't the ideal mother or wife. She's independent, chaotic, and imperfect. Despite belonging to a dysfunctional family where everyone is constantly at odds, she deeply loves her children and will do anything for them when it truly matters.

As you mentioned, there's a moment when she tells her daughters, "Main jail jaaungi toh tumko lekar jaaungi." That's not something you'd traditionally hear from a cinematic mother. Characters today feel more real and relatable. These are women you encounter in everyday life. Everyone is flawed, and flaws are wonderful. We all have rough edges, and I'm glad cinema is finally embracing that reality.

You have ruled the film industry for decades. People often associate you with perfection, whether in your work or your appearance. Yet you see imperfection as a source of strength.
Beauty lies in the eye of the beholder. And honestly, imperfection is power. I don't believe perfection truly exists. No one can be perfect. My journey has always been about striving for excellence, about trying to give my best in everything I do. The pursuit itself is what fascinates me. The process of constantly learning, improving, and challenging yourself is far more meaningful than achieving some impossible standard of perfection.

As a Bollywood superstar, does working in the streaming space feel more liberating since there is no box-office pressure?
There is certainly a sense of freedom in the OTT space because you're not bound by commercial expectations. It is more relaxing. You're not worrying about how many crores a film or series will earn. The pressure of delivering a blockbuster doesn’t hang on your head. Instead, the focus shifts to creating something meaningful and engaging, something audiences genuinely enjoy watching. The goal is to tell compelling stories and create content that feels relatable and authentic.

What kind of work excites you at this stage of your career?
I want to explore characters that are different from anything I've done before. I enjoy challenges, whether it's learning a new dialect, stepping into unfamiliar territory, or portraying someone completely unlike myself. Anything that pushes me out of my comfort zone and makes me feel vulnerable, fascinates me as an actor. That's where growth happens. I have no reservations about playing any role, as long as it is well-written and offers something meaningful to explore.