In a recent interview, actress Malavika Mohanan revealed an unforgettable encounter with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. Recounting the moment, she said, “Shah Rukh sir greeted me, and I was so starstruck I couldn’t even stand up! My legs just froze. Later, my parents told me how rude it seemed, but I was too overwhelmed to react.”
Malavika also spoke candidly about the challenges faced by actresses in the film industry. She highlighted the disparity in how male and female stars are treated, especially after a film’s success. “When a movie hits, it’s all about the male lead, and producers shower him with gifts, sometimes even a car! But no one pays the same attention to the heroines. We’re often seen as replaceable,” she remarked.
She also pointed out the difference in working hours between Bollywood and the South Indian film industry. “In Tamil and Telugu cinema, the shooting hours are shorter, around 8 to 13 hours, while Bollywood often pushes for longer days, around 12 to 13 hours. There’s also a stronger sense of community in the South, where everyone—actors, directors, crew—eats together.”
On her recent success, Malavika discussed her role in the Tamil film Tangla, which was released on August 15th. “I had to undergo a complete transformation for the role of a tribal goddess, and the positive feedback has been overwhelming. It’s a unique role, unlike anything we’ve seen before in Indian cinema.”
When asked what she would do if she had the powers of her on-screen character, Malavika humorously said, “I would reduce working hours to 6-8 hours a day and ensure weekends off! Overworking isn’t good for anyone.”
Malavika also expressed her desire to work with some of India’s most renowned filmmakers, including Zoya Akhtar, SS Rajamouli, Mani Ratnam, and Imtiaz Ali, revealing she’s already spoken to a few of them.
Her candid insights have given fans a glimpse into the pressures of the film industry, while also shedding light on the often-overlooked challenges faced by female actors.
