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  When opportunity comes knocking

When opportunity comes knocking

Published : Nov 21, 2015, 10:01 pm IST
Updated : Nov 21, 2015, 10:01 pm IST

Still a teenager, Mahima Makwana has already secured lead roles in three shows. She talks about her secret to success, her character in Adhuri Kahaani Humari and more

Mahima Makwana
 Mahima Makwana

Still a teenager, Mahima Makwana has already secured lead roles in three shows. She talks about her secret to success, her character in Adhuri Kahaani Humari and more

At just 16, Mahima Makwana’s stars are on the rise in the television industry. From her very first show, she has been getting lead roles. Now, in Adhuri Kahaani Humari too, she is playing the lead.

Says Mahima, “Of course, I feel very fortunate and lucky to have played lead roles back to back at such a young age. I asked this of the universe and received it. However, I’m not letting it get to my head and will continue working as hard as I always have. I have mixed feelings - gratitude, happiness, pride — all the same time.

While other actors generally go through a period of inactivity after a particular show ends, Mahima usually goes on to the next project immediately. “I have noticed that a lot of actors say they need a break after their show ends. I do think you need to take a break and rejuvenate but I believe more in seizing an opportunity when it knocks,” she says, adding, “I’d have probably missed out on all these great roles had I taken a break and not sought them. But I also give credit to the fact that I always remember where I’m coming from. I value my work a lot, and I think that’s what ensures I keep getting good work.”

Talking about her character in Adhuri Kahaani Humari, Mahima says, “I play two characters — Radhika and Manasvini. Radhika is a documentary filmmaker. She is a very simple yet extremely confident girl. And she keeps having these strange dreams and has an unexplained fear of snakes. It all turns out to be related to her past life as Manasvini (Manu). The character Manu is just as strong and simple. She is very innocent and has this fantasy of becoming a Dev Rakshika without knowing it entails that she cannot fall in love, have a relationship or get married.”

Asked about her favourite character that she has played till date, she says, “I played Disha in a show called Dil Ki Baatein. She was fiercely independent and stood by her opinion and thoughts. Disha couldn’t be suppressed or bullied by anyone. She wasn’t aggressive but rebellious. When you’re in trouble, you either face it or run away and no matter how miserable the condition, she didn’t give up hope or run away. I think I can relate most to Disha.

Mahima, who is only 16, started acting when she was nine. “I was born and raised in Mumbai but Rajkot is my native place. Actually, my mother inspired me to become an actress. She wanted to get into acting but couldn’t because of family restrictions, so now I am fulfilling her dream. I respect her a lot as she has done so much for me. She has taught me that I may have to sacrifice a lot but it will be worth the while when I reach my goal. I’m 16 but a lot of people tell me that I behave and talk like someone much older. So, I think I’m quite mature. I’m passionate about my work, ambitious, dedicated, focused and I always remind myself to stay grounded and not let success get the better of me.

“As for my shows — I have done Balika Vadhu, Mohe Rang De, Preeto, Miley Jab Hum Tum, Jhaansi Ki Rani, and many more.”She adds that she doesn’t have a boyfriend. “I am not seeing anyone. I am more keen on my work; this is the right time for me to concentrate on my work. Acting is not an easy job, we have to put in our best and I am passionate about my work. I have no time for anything else but work.”

When asked what her first big buy was, after she started working, she says, “My very first investment was a second-hand Hyundai Getz car that I bought when I was 13. But two years later I bought a new Hyundai Accent. However, my major investment is a flat I have bought on Mira Road.”

Talking about friends in the industry, Mahima says, “Mrunal Thakur, Palak Jain, Yatin Shah and Fareena are my good friends in the industry.”With her studies, she is spreading herself pretty thin. “I am a student of Commerce — FYJC. I believe in the importance of education along with a successful career. So, I carry books on the sets and study, take notes over the phone from my friends and appear for exams like any regular student. Initially it was difficult but now I manage my time well and am doing absolutely fine.”