Mahima Makwana is drawing attention for her performance as Preeti in Musafir Cafe, a role that has allowed the actor to explore vulnerability, silence and the uncertainties of a woman still trying to understand herself.
In a recent conversation with Mid-Day, Makwana spoke about what attracted her to the character, her reunion with Vikrant Massey and the challenges she has encountered while building an acting career beyond television.
The actor also addressed an issue she says can follow performers who become known through television: preconceived ideas about what they can or cannot play.
Mahima Makwana explains what attracted her to Preeti
For Makwana, Preeti’s appeal lies in the character’s emotional complexity rather than in a conventional heroic image.
“Preeti is someone who feels everything very deeply but doesn’t always express it,” she said.
The actor explained that she connected with the character because Preeti is imperfect and vulnerable rather than presented as someone who always knows what to do.
“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,” Makwana said.
That understanding also influenced the way she approached the performance.
Rather than focusing only on the spoken dialogue, Makwana said she paid close attention to the character’s silences.
“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,” she explained.
Reuniting with Vikrant Massey
Musafir Cafe also brought Makwana back together with Vikrant Massey. The two actors had previously crossed paths during their television careers, including their time around Balika Vadhu.
For Makwana, sharing the screen again offered an opportunity to reflect on how both actors’ careers have developed over the years.
“It’s always nice when your paths cross again with people you’ve admired,” she said.
Makwana praised Massey’s growth as an actor and said their previous connection created a certain familiarity while working together again.
“There’s a certain comfort because you’ve seen each other’s journeys from different phases,” she said, describing the reunion as a reminder that careers can intersect again in unexpected ways.
‘People judge before auditioning’
Makwana has spent a significant part of her career on television, and she acknowledged that moving beyond an established TV image can come with assumptions.
According to the actor, performers can sometimes be evaluated based on their previous work before they even have an opportunity to audition for a role.
“I won’t say people openly tell you that’s the reason, but yes, there are preconceived notions,” Makwana said.
“Sometimes you’re judged even before you audition because people already have an image of you,” she added.
Rather than trying to directly change every perception, Makwana said she has focused on choosing projects that allow her to demonstrate a different side of her abilities.
“Every project I’ve done after television has been a conscious attempt to challenge myself,” she said.
The actor believes that changing an audience or industry’s perception can take time, but consistent work can eventually make a difference.
“It may have taken time, but I believe good work eventually changes perception,” she added.
Looking back at Antim
Makwana also reflected on her experience working on Antim, describing the film as an important learning opportunity.
She recalled being able to observe actors she had admired for years, including Salman Khan.
“Antim was a very special experience because I got to observe people I’ve looked up to for years,” she said.
Makwana particularly remembered Khan’s approach to colleagues on set.
“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 said.
The experience also gave her an opportunity to observe how an experienced performer approaches his work.
“Watching him work taught me that experience brings a certain calmness. That’s something I’ve carried with me,” Makwana added.
Mahima Makwana’s journey beyond television
Makwana built a substantial audience through television before moving into film and other screen projects. Her transition has involved taking on roles that allow her to move beyond the image associated with her earlier work.
Her comments about Musafir Cafe underline that approach. Instead of trying to erase her television background, she appears focused on expanding the range of characters she can play.
Preeti gives her another opportunity to do that, particularly through a performance built around emotional restraint and internal conflict.
About Musafir Cafe
Musafir Cafe features Vikrant Massey, Vedika Pinto and Mahima Makwana in lead roles.
The project was written and created by Sharanya Rajgopal and directed by Ruchir Arun. Its characters are based on a novel by Divya Prakash Dubey.
For Makwana, the project represents another step in a career that continues to move beyond the television roles that first made her widely known.
