Mahima Chaudhry, who debuted in Bollywood with Pardes in 1997, quickly became a rising star with her charm and talent. However, in 1999, during the filming of Dil Kya Kare, Mahima experienced a life-altering accident that left her shaken and uncertain about her future in the film industry.
In a recent interview, Mahima revealed how the accident changed the course of her career and how she went to great lengths to keep the incident hidden from the public eye, fearing it would lead to the end of her acting journey.
The Accident That Changed Everything
During the interview with Radio Nasha, Mahima recalled the harrowing day in 1999 when a vehicle crashed into her car, resulting in severe injuries to her face. “I had 67 glass pieces taken out of my face,” she said, remembering the shock she felt when she saw herself in the mirror. Despite the severity of her injuries, Mahima initially wanted to continue shooting, unaware of the extent of the damage.
“At first, I told Prakash ji [Prakash Jha] that if nothing has happened, let’s shoot. But when I looked in the mirror, I realised my face was injured,” she said.
Ajay Devgn and Prakash Jha’s Support
Mahima revealed that her co-star and producer Ajay Devgn, along with director Prakash Jha, were incredibly supportive. She pleaded with them to keep the accident a secret, fearing that news of her injuries would ruin her career. “I requested Ajay and Prakash ji to not tell anyone about my accident. I wanted to see if I could salvage my career. They respected my wishes, and no one from the production said a word,” Mahima recalled, praising their discretion and loyalty.
The Struggle to Heal
While Mahima’s accident was kept under wraps, she struggled to cope with the emotional and physical scars. Despite multiple surgeries, she doubted whether she would ever be able to return to acting. “Ajay used to say that after surgeries, everything would be fine, but I didn’t believe it,” she shared. Mahima admitted that during this time, she considered other career options as she wasn’t sure if she’d ever fully recover. “Even today, one of my eyes is smaller than the other,” she confessed, adding that the trauma left her hesitant to face the camera directly.
Facing Criticism
Mahima also recalled a film magazine that secretly captured and published a photo of her post-accident, labelling her “Scarface.” She reflected on how hurtful it was, but beyond that incident, the industry remained silent about her injury. Mahima even pretended to have a broken foot to avoid discussing her injuries when actor Anil Kapoor visited her during this period.
A Secret Finally Revealed
For 20 years, Mahima kept her accident private, only speaking about it later in life. Her courage and perseverance to continue despite the odds remain an inspiring chapter of her life.
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