10 August,2026 11:32 AM IST | Mumbai | Aakruti Bagla
Mahima Makwana (Pic/Special Arrangements)
Mahima Makwana is currently brimming with joy as Musafir Cafe receives a positive response, with her character Preeti striking an emotional chord with audiences. In an exclusive chat with mid-day, the actor opens up about the love coming her way, understanding Preeti's vulnerabilities, navigating preconceived notions in the industry and breaking free from the âTV actor' tag.
Talking about her character Preeti in Musafir Cafe, Mahima Makwana says she connected with the emotional depth and vulnerability of the character. "Preeti is someone who feels everything very deeply but doesn't always express it. What I loved about her is that she's not trying to be perfect or heroic. She's flawed, vulnerable and constantly figuring herself out, just like most of us," she says. Explaining her approach to the role, Mahima adds, "While playing her, I tried to understand her silences as much as her dialogues because sometimes what she doesn't say tells you more about who she is."
Mahima's collaboration with Vikrant Massey in Musafir Cafe also brought their journey full circle. The two actors first crossed paths on the sets of Balika Vadhu, and years later, found themselves sharing screen space again. Reflecting on their reunion, Mahima says, "It's always nice when your paths cross again with people you've admired. Vikrant has evolved so beautifully over the years, and it was lovely sharing screen space with him again. There's a certain comfort because you've seen each other's journeys from different phases. It's a reminder that life comes full circle in unexpected ways."
She admits that moving beyond her television image has come with its share of preconceived notions. "I won't say people openly tell you that's the reason, but yes, there are preconceived notions. Sometimes you're judged even before you audition because people already have an image of you," she says. However, the actor has chosen to let her work do the talking rather than address such perceptions. "Every project I've done after television has been a conscious attempt to challenge myself. It may have taken time, but I believe good work eventually changes perception," she adds.
Speaking about the beauty pressures actors face in the industry, Mahima says she too has dealt with comments about her appearance. "I think almost every actor has heard comments about their appearance at some point. Whether it's your skin, weight, hair or the way you look on screen, people always have an opinion," she says. Recalling how such remarks affected her when she was younger, the actor adds, "When I was younger, those comments affected me a lot. You start questioning yourself. But with time, I realised that if you keep trying to fit everyone's idea of beauty, you'll lose your own identity." Today, Mahima says she prioritises her health and confidence over chasing perfection.
Looking back at her experience of working on Antim, Mahima Makwana says the film gave her an opportunity to observe actors she had admired for years. "Antim was a very special experience because I got to observe people I've looked up to for years. Salman sir has this incredible ability to make everyone around him feel comfortable. Even with such a massive presence, he's very warm and approachable," she recalls. Sharing a lesson she took away from him, she adds, "Watching him work taught me that experience brings a certain calmness. That's something I've carried with me."
Describing herself as an emotional person, Mahima Makwana says she has learnt to embrace her emotions instead of hiding them. "Earlier, I used to think I had to be stronger by hiding my emotions. Now I've realised strength also comes from accepting them," she says. Mahima credits her family for keeping her grounded.
