Mahima Chaudhry, who burst onto the scene with her debut in the 1997 blockbuster Pardes alongside Shah Rukh Khan, recently shared insights about her experiences in the film industry. Directed by Subhash Ghai, the film catapulted her to fame. In a candid interview, she discussed the lack of formal contracts during her early days in the industry, revealing that such agreements were virtually non-existent before filming commenced. She recounted how Subhash Ghai was taken aback when she requested to review her contract while working on Pardes. Mahima noted that the current landscape is much more structured, with a noticeable presence of women in various roles on set.
In her conversation with a media outlet, Mahima reflected on her beginnings as a VJ and her transition into acting, which was preceded by numerous advertisements. Coming from an advertising background, she was meticulous about reading contracts. However, she expressed, “There were no rules. There were no laws in place. Now there is a contract. When we were there, there was no contract.” She vividly remembered the moment she signed her first film contract with Subhash Ghai, who had traveled to Chennai for the signing. When she inquired about the contract, he mentioned that he had never required contracts with legendary actors like Dilip Kumar and Raj Kumar.
Mahima recounted how asking for a contract was often seen as disrespectful, as established figures in the industry had never requested one. Ghai encouraged her to sign without hesitation. The actress also highlighted the positive changes in the industry regarding work hours, contractual agreements, and the representation of women in various roles.
Most recently, Mahima appeared in the 2025 film Durlabh Prasad Ki Dusri Shadi, sharing the screen with Sanjay Mishra. Her filmography includes notable titles such as Pardes, Dil Kya Kare, Dhadkan, Baghban, and many others. After battling breast cancer and undergoing successful treatment in 2022, Mahima continues to inspire. She was married to architect Bobby Mukherji in 2006, and they welcomed a daughter in 2017, though the couple separated in 2013.
