Mahima Makwana: The fire of doing better and bigger never mellows

TV STAR OPENS UP ABOUT WORK AFTER LOCKDOWN AND HIT SHOW

by MOHNISH SINGH

AFTER staying at home for almost four months due to the restrictions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, Mahima Makwana resumed shooting for her show Shubharambh last month.

Like many people around the world, the 21-year-old is working under challenging conditions, but despite her young age she is up to the challenge. The young actress has had a successful run, which started as a 10-year-old with popular Colors show Balika Vadhu, and has been working non-stop ever since then.

An 11-year-long career has seen her front the cast of several notable shows such as Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke, Adhuri Kahaani Hamari, and Rishton Ka Chakravyuh, which have all helped solidify her standing as a highly versatile actress. She is portraying the lead character of Rani Dave Reshammiya on daily soap Shubharambh, which marked her return to Colors after a decade.

Speaking to Eastern Eye, Mahima opened up about returning to work amid the rising cases of coronavirus, the response her show has garnered after airing fresh episodes post-lockdown, her proudest achievement and more.

With the entertainment industry crawling back to normalcy after a shutdown of almost four months, how are you coping with life in this new world?

Firstly, I am grateful that I have my work to get back to because there are thousands of people who have no work at all right now. Besides, it is a difficult phase for a lot of people out there, so it does get tough to keep yourself sane. But I have learnt that it is important to live one day at a time.

Isn’t it difficult to shoot for your show Shubharambh under new normal?

I was too apprehensive at first for Covid-19 is a music that keeps on playing in the background, but one has to keep up with it, while taking all the necessary precautions and safety. We are shooting with limited people. We ensure that we maintain social distancing and have tried inculcating scenes with less crowds under the new normal. While doing so, we make it a point to not compromise on the quality of work.

What kind of response has Shubharambh been getting for its fresh episodes after the shooting was resumed?

The response has been lovely. People have been loving the new drama. The show resumed with a twist in the story line wherein Rani, my character, loses her memory and both protagonists get back to each other.

Do you feel that you have anything in common with Rani?

The fact that she is confident and wants to live independently is something I think is similar between us.

What is the post-lockdown version of Mahima Makwana?

I believe that lockdown has really made a huge difference. Gratitude is the best attitude. I am grateful for the smallest of things that I have now. I have also realised that to live in the present is what is really important.

When did you know you wanted to be an actress and how did your life change after you became one?

I started off auditioning when I was around nine or 10 years old. After giving tons of them, and getting some little work, I climbed up the ladder and realised this is where I belong, and it’s something I want to pursue. I don’t let my personal life get affected by success or failure. Professionally, the only constant I want is to keep growing and moving. You started acting very young. You are still a young woman, but you have had more than a decade of experience in acting.

What is it about your profession that appeals to you so much?

There is a long list. I think that storytelling is something, which appeals to me as, while acting, I am just not myself, but a lot of characters. Acting lets me execute the writing to become the being and reach out to the audience. Even after tons of retakes, it should appear as if it is happening for the first time. Acting is a pure representation of someone else. A different world that one is in.

Looking back at your career so far, what is your proudest achievement?

Everything that I do makes me feel proud. At the same time, the fire of doing better and bigger never mellows, which I think  is a great thing. I am excited and keen about my web series Flesh, which will be coming out soon on Eros Now. It is something that I am really thrilled about.

What's your dream role?

I don’t really have a particular dream role. I’d love to do everything exciting and interesting that comes my way.

You turned 21 on August 5. What are your dreams for the future?

My dreams would be to see myself at the top in my profession and travel around the globe.

What are your biggest passions away from work?

I love dancing, and would love to explore the traveller in me.

How do you see the Indian entertainment industry post Covid-19 era and how is creativity changing in the television industry in particular?

A lot of people are out of work in every industry, including entertainment. Besides that, creatively, the writers have tried to keep the norms and guidelines intact in script, which is nearly impossible. Apart from this, television has a different set of audience for it to change or upgrade its content, so the change has been slow and steady.

Most actors see themselves on the big screen. Do you ever think of transitioning to Bollywood one day?

Obviously, Bollywood has always been a huge part of the bigger dreams. I hope I get there soon.

Finally, please give a message to your fans in the UK?

Thank you so much for all the love and support. Keep the love coming. Stay happy and be grateful.