Veteran actor Madhuri Dixit Nene says she is enjoying a creatively liberating phase in her career, as she takes on increasingly complex, layered women in OTT and digital storytelling.
From her iconic role as Nisha in Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! to darker, unconventional characters in recent projects like Mrs Deshpande and The Fame Game, the actor believes her on-screen journey has moved far beyond the “perfect heroine” image.
“OTT Gives You Creative Freedom”
Speaking about her recent choices, Madhuri said OTT platforms have given actors the liberty to explore roles without commercial constraints.
She explained that this freedom allows her to choose characters that are “fleshed out, unusual and creatively satisfying,” unlike earlier industry limitations.
Breaking the ‘Perfect Woman’ Image
Reflecting on her transformation, she said that an actor’s public image often needs to be “shaken up” to stay relevant and creatively fulfilled.
Her recent roles, including a serial killer in Mrs Deshpande, a mysterious star in The Fame Game, and now a strong-willed mother in Maa Behen, highlight this shift.
“The Mom Era Is Real and Powerful”
Talking about her current phase of playing mothers, Madhuri said she finds it refreshing that these roles are no longer limited to sacrifice-driven stereotypes.
She described her character in Maa Behen as a woman driven by survival instincts, saying every woman has a “self-preservation switch” that defines her strength in difficult situations.
According to her, these roles reflect real, multi-dimensional women rather than idealised versions of motherhood.
Strong Female Characters on OTT
Madhuri also praised filmmakers and writers who are creating richer female narratives on streaming platforms.
She cited projects like Tumhari Sulu and Jalsa as examples of storytelling that centre around relatable, flawed, and powerful women.
She said this shift reflects a broader change in the industry where female characters are no longer one-dimensional.
Comedy and Strong Writing Matter
On working in comedy-based storytelling like Maa Behen, she stressed that humour must come from strong writing.
She credited the script for giving actors space to naturally react and build chemistry, making performances feel spontaneous and real.
Looking Back at the 90s vs Today
Comparing eras, Madhuri noted that while filmmaking has become more technologically advanced today, earlier times were defined by raw passion and long working hours.
If she were to debut in today’s industry, she said she would focus on understanding the digital landscape more deeply.
Conclusion
For Madhuri Dixit Nene, this phase of her career represents creative reinvention. Far from the “perfect heroine” image that defined her early years, she now embraces flawed, intense and unconventional women—calling it, simply, her “mom era,” and an “amazing” one at that.
