Maa Behen actor Dharna reacts to influencers being cast for their social media reach
Dharna Durga said she landed Maa Behen after completing the full audition process and later shared screen space with Madhuri Dixit. She said the experience eased doubts around influencer casting and left her impressed by Dixit's warmth.
The debate around influencers making the transition to films has only intensified in recent years. As more social media creators bag acting projects, discussions about whether opportunities are driven by talent or follower count continue to dominate online conversations. Dharna Durga is the latest internet personality to make the leap to the big screen with Maa Behen.
In an exclusive conversation with India Today, the influencer-turned-actor opened up about whether she has ever worried about being cast for her popularity rather than her acting abilities. Dharna said she never felt that way, as she had to go through the same audition process as any other actor.
While talking about the audition process, she said, “For this, I gave the audition. I gave one round in Delhi and then here in front of sir (director Suresh Triveni). So, I never felt like that because I passed that whole process, took feedback from sir and did everything. So, it never felt like that.”
If getting the part was one dream come true, sharing screen space with Madhuri Dixit was another big moment for Dharna. She spoke about being a lifelong admirer of the actor and how working alongside her only deepened that admiration.
"We were watching her old scenes the other day, and it didn't feel like we were watching them with her. We were watching it together like family. That's when it felt like it had happened. I am working with her. It took time to process that I am working with her," she said.
What struck her most, however, wasn't Madhuri's stardom but her warmth. "It felt good to know that she turned out to be such a good person. This is very important because it's often said that you shouldn't meet your stars. She was so warm and kind, and thank god for that. Otherwise, I would have been very disheartened,” she said.
“I used to love her so much, but my love for her has increased because she is a very good person. She is an amazing actor, and she is a much better human being. And that matters the most,” Dharma said.
Acting opposite one of India's most celebrated stars came with its share of nerves. Dharna admitted she was intimidated initially, but found a way to break the ice during workshops.
When asked if she was intimidated to perform with Madhuri in her first scene, she replied, "Yes, but we met during a workshop, and I was asked to tap her multiple times to get rid of my fear. If you watch the movie, you will know what I had to do just in the first scene. And I did have to bring so much courage to do that."
Maa Behen, starring Madhuri Dixit, Triptii Dimri and Dharna Durga, is streaming on Netflix.
The debate around influencers making the transition to films has only intensified in recent years. As more social media creators bag acting projects, discussions about whether opportunities are driven by talent or follower count continue to dominate online conversations. Dharna Durga is the latest internet personality to make the leap to the big screen with Maa Behen.
In an exclusive conversation with India Today, the influencer-turned-actor opened up about whether she has ever worried about being cast for her popularity rather than her acting abilities. Dharna said she never felt that way, as she had to go through the same audition process as any other actor.
While talking about the audition process, she said, “For this, I gave the audition. I gave one round in Delhi and then here in front of sir (director Suresh Triveni). So, I never felt like that because I passed that whole process, took feedback from sir and did everything. So, it never felt like that.”
If getting the part was one dream come true, sharing screen space with Madhuri Dixit was another big moment for Dharna. She spoke about being a lifelong admirer of the actor and how working alongside her only deepened that admiration.
"We were watching her old scenes the other day, and it didn't feel like we were watching them with her. We were watching it together like family. That's when it felt like it had happened. I am working with her. It took time to process that I am working with her," she said.
What struck her most, however, wasn't Madhuri's stardom but her warmth. "It felt good to know that she turned out to be such a good person. This is very important because it's often said that you shouldn't meet your stars. She was so warm and kind, and thank god for that. Otherwise, I would have been very disheartened,” she said.
“I used to love her so much, but my love for her has increased because she is a very good person. She is an amazing actor, and she is a much better human being. And that matters the most,” Dharma said.
Acting opposite one of India's most celebrated stars came with its share of nerves. Dharna admitted she was intimidated initially, but found a way to break the ice during workshops.
When asked if she was intimidated to perform with Madhuri in her first scene, she replied, "Yes, but we met during a workshop, and I was asked to tap her multiple times to get rid of my fear. If you watch the movie, you will know what I had to do just in the first scene. And I did have to bring so much courage to do that."
Maa Behen, starring Madhuri Dixit, Triptii Dimri and Dharna Durga, is streaming on Netflix.
