Actress Mahhi Vij recently visited Lucknow to film her highly anticipated return to television, marking her comeback after nearly a decade away from the screen. In an exclusive conversation, she shared heartfelt stories about her time in the city, her reasons for returning to acting, and her observations on the shifting dynamics of the entertainment world.
Reconnecting with Lucknow and Kanpur Roots
For Mahhi Vij, the shoot in Lucknow was more than just work; it was a revisit to a familiar region. She revealed this was not her first trip to Lucknow, but her first in 14 years, noting how much the city had transformed. "It seemed so new to me," she admitted. Her role required a deep dive into local culture. "Since I am playing a Lucknow woman, I have learnt a lot of nuances of the city’s culture, demeanour, and their language from the locals," she explained.
Her connection to Uttar Pradesh extends further to Kanpur, where her maternal grandmother's home is located. Mahhi fondly recalled spending most of her childhood summer vacations there. It has been seven years since her last visit to Kanpur, but she expressed a strong desire to take her daughter, Tara, to show her the places of her childhood memories.
The Motivation Behind a Nine-Year Comeback
Discussing her return to acting after nine years, Mahhi credited her elder daughter as her primary inspiration. "She is the one who said that she wants to see me on the big screen," the actress shared. Practicality also played a role, as her younger child is now six and a half years old, giving her the flexibility to pursue work outside the home.
Balancing motherhood with a demanding shooting schedule comes with emotional moments. She recounted a touching incident when she was in Lucknow for a 10-day shoot. Her daughter, returning from Japan with her father Jay, searched for her at home, wanting her mother to get her ready for school. "That made me quite emotional," Mahhi reflected, though she stated she hasn't faced significant motherhood challenges as initial shoots were not outdoors.
Observations on a Transformed Entertainment Industry
Mahhi Vij offered a candid perspective on the changes in the television industry. She pointed out that some challenging aspects, like erratic working hours and no weekly offs, remain unchanged. However, a significant shift is in casting priorities. "The only thing that has changed now is that majority of casting is done on the basis of social media followers," she observed, adding she is fortunate to have a good following.
She expressed concern over this trend, referencing actress Sandhya Mridul's recent complaint about losing work due to a lack of social media followers. "That’s sad!" Mahhi remarked.
The actress also commented on changing audience habits. She highlighted the short lifespan of fiction shows today, attributing it to fragmented attention. "The entertainment options are many... so the attention span to watch shows has gone down," she said, contrasting it with an era when TV viewing was more routine and competition was primarily between channels.
Embracing Lucknow's Culture and Cuisine
Mahhi had abundant praise for her experience shooting in Lucknow. She loved the warmth and tehzeeb (etiquette) of the people, specifically mentioning how Lucknowites add 'ji' after names—a practice less common in Mumbai or Delhi. The food was a major highlight. "I also loved the food here and had kababs and chicken... Maine Lucknow mein daba ke khaya hai (I ate heartily in Lucknow)," she exclaimed.
Her only grievance about the City of Nawabs was the persistent honking on the roads. Even when she asked her driver to honk less, he explained it was necessary to navigate the chaotic traffic.
As she awaits the response to her comeback show, Mahhi Vij remains positive, hoping her project resonates with audiences amidst a crowded content landscape.
