Right Now, Musafir Cafe Is My Magic Wand

Mahima Makwana began as a child actor and has successfully transitioned into a mainstream film and OTT star. She’s now the toast of streaming with the Netflix series Musafir Café.

So young yet so experienced — has your transition from child actor to adult roles been easy?

Honestly, I never saw a major difference. For me, it was always about being responsible to my work, my characters and my time. My skill sets have matured, and yes, the care you get as a child actor is very different from the respect and expectations you face as an adult on set.

Musafir Café has brought you real fame. Does it feel like a homecoming?

Every project is special, but Musafir Café connected with audiences in a unique way. No matter how often your work is recognised, the magic feels fresh. Right now, Musafir Café is my magic wand.

What was your reaction when offered Preeti?

The moment I heard the story, I thought, “I want to be part of this.” I fell in love with Preeti while reading her — her empathy, sacrifice, strength and superhuman resilience. It wasn’t about choosing her over Sudha; I was drawn to living Preeti’s life and understanding her.

What can audiences expect from you in season two?

I won’t reveal much, but Preeti’s journey gets more layered. She’ll be tested in ways we haven’t seen. Experience has given her maturity, but it doesn’t make her invincible. As an actor, I don’t want to repeat Preeti — I want to evolve with her.

How do you feel about the sudden surge in recognition?

I see it as a huge blessing. My heart is full and my days are filled with gratitude. The most beautiful part is when people say they saw themselves in Preeti. That’s when you know the work has travelled beyond the screen. It also makes me more responsible — to work harder, trust my instincts and give everything to what’s next.

Where do you go from here?

I want to keep surprising myself. I want to explore different mediums, genres and characters that challenge me and push me out of my comfort zone. I don’t see this phase as “making it” — I see it as having more opportunities to choose. I want to use that privilege thoughtfully and build a body of work people remember.