Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Dec 23: Veteran Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit has opened up about the emotional strength, discipline and self-belief she inherited from her mother, recalling how her guidance helped her overcome early criticism in the film industry.
In a recent interview, Madhuri said her mother played a pivotal role in shaping both her artistic journey and personal values. “The love for singing and dancing came from my mom. She was very emotional, and I think I’ve inherited that. I get attached to people very fast,” the actress said.
Madhuri added that her work ethic and sense of individuality were also deeply influenced by her mother. “She taught me discipline and integrity. She had a great sense of self and always told me—be who you are, don’t fit into a mould, break the mould,” she recalled.
Reflecting on the early phase of her career, the actress revealed that she faced frequent comments about her appearance before achieving stardom. “When I had just started, people would comment on my looks—my nose, my body, everything,” she said.
During those moments, Madhuri said she would seek reassurance from her mother. “She would tell me not to worry and said that once I have a successful film, those very things would be appreciated. At that time, I found it hard to believe, but she told me to trust her,” Madhuri added.
The turning point, she said, came with the blockbuster film Tezaab. “After Tezaab, nobody commented on my body or appearance. People accepted me for who I was,” she said.
Drawing from her own experience, Madhuri now offers similar advice to young actors entering the industry. “Don’t try to fit into a mould. If you’re different, that’s your strength. That uniqueness is what you should embrace,” she said.
She also spoke about handling setbacks as a teenager, admitting that criticism did affect her initially. “I would go to my mom upset, and she would tell me to calm down. I learned not to dwell on failures. I knew I had worked hard, and the rest was beyond my control,” she said.
Madhuri emphasised that resilience, self-belief and moving forward without overthinking setbacks were lessons she continues to carry with her even today.