‘Society judges women for no reason’: Triptii Dimri on the powerful message of ‘Maa Behen’

Q. How do you place this film in your filmography?

A. I think this is one of the most special projects I have been a part of, and I feel extremely grateful to have been selected for the role.

I remember I was shooting for another project in Bhopal when Suresh sir flew down and narrated the story to me. I was completely awestruck after hearing the script. It felt like one of the best narrations I had ever heard, and there was no way I could turn it down.

Triptii Dimri on the sets of 'Maa Behen'. Photo: Triptii Dimri/Instagram

This film is difficult to place within a single genre, and I think audiences will truly understand that once they watch it.

Q. How was the atmosphere on the set?

A. The atmosphere on set was very relaxed yet completely work-oriented, so the energy was unmatched. The entire team made me feel at home.

Every single day of shooting felt exciting, and by the time the film wrapped up, we had all become emotional. We were constantly immersed in our characters, and there were several days when pure magic happened on set.

(L-R) Ravi Kishan, Triptii Dimri, Madhuri Dixit and Dharna Durga during promotions. Photo: Triptii Dimri/Instagram

Q. How was your experience of working with everyone, especially Madhuri Dixit and Ravi Kishan?

A. It was wonderful because the entire team felt like one happy family. We had a lot of fun while shooting the film.

While Madhuri ma’am is one of the most humble actors I have ever worked with, Ravi sir is full of love, energy and stories, so one could never get bored around him.

Q. What is your favourite Madhuri Dixit song, and did you get a chance to learn a hook step or perform with her?

A. It’s impossible to pick just one song because all of them are iconic. I still can’t believe I actually got to share screen space with Madhuri ma’am.

Madhuri Dixit and Triptii Dimri in 'Maa Behen' trailer. Photo: Triptii Dimri/Instagram

I may not have learnt any hook step from her, but we used to play Antakshari (popular Indian parlour game where players take turns singing lines from different songs) together during breaks. She was so warm and approachable that I never felt like I was working with a superstar. Besides being inspirational, she was also a saviour on several occasions on the set.

Q. Is there any dominant message in the film?

A. The film carries several important messages, but the one I connected with most deeply is how quickly people pass judgments, especially when it comes to women.

We often tend to categorise our mothers and overlook their human side, only realising their struggles much later in life.

Triptii talks about 'Maa Behen' and its underlying message. Photo: Triptii Dimri/Instagram

As I grew up, I witnessed how single and fashionable women in my neighbourhood were often judged and labelled unfairly. Children were even told to stay away from them. Those experiences stayed with me over the years and became one of the reasons I felt compelled to be part of this film.

Society judges such women for no reason, and in many ways, this film feels like an apology to them from my side.

(Photos: Triptii Dimri/Instagram)