Mahima Makwana on ‘Musafir Cafe’ Success: ‘The Show Gave Me the Emotional Connect I Always Dreamt Of’

Actor Mahima Makwana says the overwhelming response to Musafir Cafe has been one of the most fulfilling moments of her career, describing the audience’s emotional connection with her character, Preeti Kaushik, as something she had always hoped to achieve as an actor.

In an exclusive interview, Mahima reflected on the show’s success, the impact of playing Preeti, her acting process, career journey, lessons from some of Bollywood’s biggest stars, and the possibility of a second season.

‘Preeti became a part of people’s lives’

Mahima said the love she has received since the series premiered has exceeded her expectations. According to the actor, audiences connected not only with Preeti’s confidence but also with her vulnerability and emotional honesty.

“Musafir Cafe helped me build that connect with my audience, and as actors, that’s all we strive for. People are rooting for Preeti because they saw themselves in her,” Mahima said.

She revealed that messages continue to pour in from viewers across India and overseas, making the experience deeply personal.

“Ever since I started my career, all I wanted was to build an emotional connection with people and find a place in their hearts. It’s not just about a project becoming a hit; it’s about becoming a part of people’s lives,” she added.

Why Preeti resonated with audiences

Mahima believes one of the biggest strengths of the character lies in her emotional authenticity. Rather than portraying Preeti as a flawless individual, the series presents her as someone who balances confidence with moments of insecurity, making her relatable to viewers.

The actor explained that many of Preeti’s most impactful scenes relied on silence rather than dialogue. She said she enjoys performing such moments because they challenge actors to communicate emotions without speaking.

“Sometimes you’re not given many lines. Those silent moments become the biggest challenge because you have to communicate without words. I think people connected with Preeti because her silences became just as expressive as her dialogues,” Mahima said.

She added that while preparing for the role, she drew from her own life experiences and approached the character with complete honesty instead of trying to manufacture emotions.

‘You don’t have to be loud to be strong’

Reflecting on what she learnt from playing Preeti, Mahima said the character reinforced the idea that strength does not always need to be expressed loudly.

“Preeti taught me that you don’t have to be loud to be courageous. Sometimes your presence alone is enough. Her biggest strength was her heart, her grace and her ability to make people feel they belonged,” she said.

Mahima acknowledged that, like Preeti, everyone experiences moments of confidence as well as insecurity. She said those emotions naturally became part of her performance, allowing the character to feel genuine on screen.

Growing up on film sets shaped her acting journey

Having started her career as a child actor at the age of 10, Mahima said her understanding of acting developed through years of practical experience rather than formal training. She described film sets as her classroom, where she observed people, absorbed emotions and gradually refined her craft.

Looking back, she said every phase of her career—from television to films and OTT—played an important role in shaping the performer she is today.

“I’m not formally trained. My training happened on film sets. When you’ve spent so much of your life on sets, you absorb things without even realising it,” she said.

Mahima also credited the writing team of Musafir Cafe for creating layered and emotionally grounded characters, saying the sensitivity with which Preeti and Sudha were written contributed significantly to the show’s impact.

Starting over after television wasn’t easy

After establishing herself in television, Mahima deliberately chose to explore films and streaming platforms. She admitted that the transition was challenging because, despite nearly a decade of experience, she had to begin again as a newcomer in a different space.

She said the shift tested her confidence but also pushed her to grow creatively.

“Imagine spending almost ten years building a name for yourself and then entering a space where you’re perceived as a newcomer. It really punctured my ego. But that’s exactly what I had signed up for,” Mahima said.

According to the actor, she never had the luxury of waiting indefinitely for ideal projects and instead focused on making the most of every opportunity that came her way.

How ‘Antim’ changed her career

Mahima said starring alongside Salman Khan in Antim: The Final Truth proved to be a significant milestone. While the film opened new opportunities, she realised that building a lasting identity in the industry required consistently making thoughtful career choices.

She added that projects such as Tumse Na Ho Payega allowed audiences to see a different side of her as an actor and helped expand her range beyond earlier roles.

Staying grounded despite early success

Mahima credited her family and close friends for keeping her grounded throughout her career. She recalled her mother’s advice to never let success define her personality and said the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry has helped her remain realistic.

“My mother has always told me, ‘No matter what happens, don’t let success enter your head.’ The uncertainty of this profession has made me more self-aware and taught me to stay authentic,” she said.

She explained that acting remains an important part of her life but no longer defines her entire identity, adding that she consciously works on protecting her inner peace while navigating the pressures of the industry.