Mahima Chaudhry Opens Up About Early Struggles: Negativity, Groupism, and a Tough Lesson from Subhash Ghai on the Sets of Pardes

Bollywood often appears glamorous from the outside, but behind the bright lights lies a demanding industry that can test even the most resilient artists. Actress Mahima Chaudhry, who rose to fame with her debut film Pardes (1997), has recently revisited her early days in the Hindi film industry, shedding light on the negativity, groupism, and abusive language she encountered when she first started out. Her candid recollections offer a rare and honest glimpse into the challenges faced by newcomers, especially women, in an industry driven by power dynamics and high expectations.

Mahima, who became a household name almost overnight after Pardes, has revealed that success did not shield her from harsh realities. Instead, her journey began with emotional hurdles that shaped her personality and approach to work.

Facing Negativity and Groupism as a Newcomer

Coming from outside the film fraternity, Mahima Chaudhry entered Bollywood without strong industry backing. She recalls that during her early years, groupism was deeply entrenched on film sets. Established actors, technicians, and insiders often formed close-knit circles, making it difficult for newcomers to feel included or supported.

According to Mahima, this environment sometimes fostered negativity, where young actors were judged harshly and spoken to disrespectfully. She has openly mentioned experiencing abusive language on set, something that left a lasting emotional impact on her. For someone just beginning their career, such treatment could easily break confidence, but Mahima chose to endure rather than quit.

Her experience reflects a broader issue within the industry, where power imbalances often silence young talent. By speaking up now, Mahima adds her voice to a growing number of actors who are challenging the normalization of toxic work cultures in cinema.

The Pardes Experience: Success with Emotional Cost

Pardes, directed by veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai, was a turning point in Mahima’s life. The film’s success catapulted her into stardom, earning her critical acclaim and several awards. However, the journey to that success was far from easy.

Mahima has revealed that Subhash Ghai, known for his strict and perfectionist approach, made her cry on set once. At the time, the incident was emotionally overwhelming for her. As a newcomer, being reprimanded by a powerful director was intimidating and painful.

Yet, with the benefit of hindsight, Mahima views that moment differently. She acknowledges that while the experience was harsh, it helped her grow as an actor and as a professional. The emotional intensity pushed her to understand the demands of cinema at a deeper level and prepared her for the resilience required to survive in Bollywood.

Tough Mentorship or Emotional Pressure?

Mahima’s reflection raises an important question often debated in creative industries: where does tough mentorship end and emotional pressure begin? Directors like Subhash Ghai are known for extracting strong performances through discipline and control, but such methods can have lasting psychological effects, especially on young artists.

In Mahima’s case, she believes the incident ultimately strengthened her. It taught her discipline, emotional control, and the importance of taking criticism seriously without internalizing humiliation. However, she also emphasizes that not every actor responds the same way, and such approaches can be damaging if taken too far.

Her balanced perspective avoids blame while still highlighting the need for more respectful communication on film sets.

Surviving and Evolving in a Demanding Industry

Despite early challenges, Mahima Chaudhry carved out a successful career in Bollywood with films like Daag: The Fire, Dil Hai Tumhaara, and Lajja. She became known for her emotional depth and screen presence, often portraying strong yet vulnerable women.

The struggles she faced early on played a significant role in shaping her resilience. She learned to navigate criticism, ignore negativity, and focus on her craft. Over time, she developed a thicker skin, an essential trait in an industry where public scrutiny and internal politics go hand in hand.

Speaking Up for the Next Generation

By revisiting her experiences now, Mahima contributes to an important conversation about mental health, workplace behavior, and inclusivity in Bollywood. Her honesty resonates with many aspiring actors who may be facing similar challenges but lack the platform to speak out.

Her story is not just about pain; it is about growth. It highlights how difficult experiences, when processed with maturity, can become stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks.

A Story of Strength, Not Victimhood

Mahima Chaudhry’s reflections are neither accusatory nor bitter. Instead, they are introspective and empowering. She does not deny the pain she endured, but she also acknowledges the lessons it taught her. In doing so, she presents a nuanced narrative—one that recognizes the flaws of the system while celebrating personal strength.

As Bollywood continues to evolve, stories like Mahima’s serve as reminders that success often comes with unseen struggles. Her journey stands as an inspiration for newcomers, proving that resilience, self-belief, and growth can emerge even from the most challenging beginnings.