At 58, Madhuri Dixit refuses body double in Mrs Deshpande

At 58, Madhuri Dixit continues to defy expectations and challenge norms, even after spending over four decades in cinema. The actor is set to surprise audiences once again by performing her own action sequences in the upcoming series Mrs Deshpande, refusing to use a body double despite the physically demanding nature of the role.  reported by Hindustan Times.

In the series, Madhuri’s character is trained in Krav Maga, the Israeli self-defence martial art, which required her to take on intense fight sequences. Speaking to Hindustan Times, the actor explained why authenticity mattered more to her than comfort or safety on set.

She said, "It should look real; it should look believable that a woman who is so petite and looks like a normal housewife can do something like that. It has to look authentic. There's also an element of surprise in that."

Madhuri even performed action scenes opposite a man twice her size, further underlining her commitment to realism and credibility in the character’s physical journey.

Beyond the physical demands, Mrs Deshpande also marks a significant shift in terms of the kind of role Madhuri has taken on. While women have played morally grey characters in the past, portraying a dark, ruthless, and unredeemable figure remains rare for a mainstream star. According to Madhuri, this change is closely linked to how audiences have evolved over time.

Reflecting on this shift, she said, "Times have changed, and the audience has changed. During the lockdown, people were watching a lot of series and movies from different parts of the world. They began to understand what layers are and how characters work. They have started liking those things. The audience has matured to a considerable extent due to their exposure."

She added that pushing boundaries has always been central to her career choices. "Having said that, if you look at my career, I started with Abodh. I did some films where I played a supporting role, and yet, I managed to be where I am. So, I think rules are made to be broken.

Somewhere, we needed to do that. It is path-breaking that women are getting these kinds of roles, and we have directors like Nagesh who think like that. And we need more directors who think like that."

Directed by Nagesh Kukunoor, Mrs Deshpande stars Madhuri Dixit alongside Priyanshu Chatterjee and Siddharth Chandekar in pivotal roles. The series is scheduled to premiere on JioHotstar on December 19, marking yet another bold chapter in Madhuri Dixit’s ever-evolving career.