01 June,2026 05:03 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Triptii Dimri, Madhuri Dixit and Dharna Durga during Maa Behen promotions. Pic via Yogen Shah
During a promotional event of Maa Behen recently, Madhuri Dixit and Triptii Dimri received a lot of flak. The actresses were slammed for seemingly ignoring influencer and actor Dharna Durga, after the latter was seemingly asked to step aside by paps who focused on Madhuri Dixit and Triptii Dimri.
As videos of the same spread across social media, users interpreted the moment as a snub. Several users on the internet expressed sympathy for Dharna, while others questioned why Madhuri and Triptii did not take a stand for their co-star.
Meanwhile, many even defended the actors, stating that photographers are often under pressure to prioritise the more recognisable faces and well-known names at such promotional events.
Days after the controversy erupted, Madhuri Dixit and Triptii Dimri have now reacted to the criticism. Speaking to India Today, Triptii Dimri denied any reports of any ill intent behind the incident. "Whenever I have a film nowadays, it happens that when something is about to be released, I am scared of being happy. I ask myself, what will they pick this time? What will they create now?" the Animal actress said sarcastically.
She even admitted that while promoting Maa Behen, she genuinely thought there would be little room for controversy. "I thought, what will they find in this film? There is nothing. They can't say anything this time. But they did get hold of something. Some people will go on to do it every time; we can't help it," Triptii added.
Meanwhile, Madhuri Dixit also addressed the issue, stating that criticism has increased now compared to what it was back in the day, and how everyone now has a platform through which they can constantly share their opinions.
Reflecting on the difference between such criticism in the 1990s and today, the actor shared, "There were people [like that] even then, but they didn't have a way to express. Today we have that channel; everyone is expressing these days. Everyone is a filmmaker, everyone is a fashionista, and everyone is the moral police."
