Bollywood actor Madhuri Dixit shared an emotional account of her late mother’s influence on her life and career during an appearance on Sony Entertainment Television’s ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati 18’. In a conversation with host Amitabh Bachchan, the actor recalled how her mother’s advice helped her navigate the challenges of entering the film industry at a young age.

During their conversation on the hot seat, Bachchan asked Dixit whether she believed she had learnt a great deal from her mother, whom she affectionately called ‘Aai’, and what lessons she had carried forward from her upbringing.

Reflecting on her early years in the industry, Dixit described her mother as a strong source of support and compared her resilience to that of Bachchan’s late mother, Teji Bachchan. She also credited her mother for nurturing her artistic abilities, including her passion for dance.

Recalling the advice she received when criticism affected her, Dixit said, “I would say jitni bhi kala hain ya art hai ya dance ho, sab kuch mujhe unse hi aaya hain. Toh maa joh thi, she was very strong, jitni aapki maata ji strong thi waisi hi woh bhi thi. Jab main iss field mein aayi, main bahut hi young thi, toh koi kuch bol deta tha toh main ghar jaati thi aur mujhe bahut hi bura lagta tha.”

She added that her mother encouraged her not to be discouraged by others and to remain focused on her work. “Toh maa humesha kehti thi ki itna weak nahi hona aur kisi ki nahi sunna, tumhe yeh karna hain toh karke dikhao. Woh kehti thi bas kaam karo aur sincerity se kaam karo, aur jo logon ko sab negative lag raha hain, ek success ke baad sab positive ho jaata hain.”

Dixit’s recollection highlighted the role her mother played in shaping her approach to her profession, emphasising perseverance, sincerity and the importance of staying committed to one’s goals despite criticism.

‘Kaun Banega Crorepati Season’ 18 airs Monday to Friday at 9 pm on Sony Entertainment Television.