'I overthink everything': Maa Behen' actor Dharna Durga shares journey from creating videos during lockdown to sharing screen space with Madhuri Dixit and Triptii Dimri

Content creator-turned-actor Dharna Durga is receiving appreciation for her performance in 'Maa Behen', directed by Suresh Triveni. The film stars Madhuri Dixit and Triptii Dimri in pivotal roles and marks Dharna's first feature film.Speaking to Indian Express about joining the project, Dharna revealed that the film's title immediately grabbed her attention. She admitted she was curious about it even before learning the story. “I thought, ‘What kind of title is this?’ It instantly made me curious. But as I heard the story of the film, I realised there couldn’t have been a better title. It’s one of those titles that stays with you,” she said.The actor added that the experience of working on a feature film was very different from creating content for social media, but the transition became easier because of the supportive atmosphere on set.

Credits the 'Maa Behen' team for making her comfortable

Dharna explained that filmmaking introduced her to a much larger production setup than she was used to while making Instagram videos. She said the biggest adjustment was understanding how scenes are filmed from multiple angles. "In my videos, there aren’t many people behind the camera, but on a film set, the same scene is shot multiple times from different angles. That was the biggest difference.”Despite entering a completely new environment, Dharna said she never felt out of place.

“But I never felt uncomfortable because everyone made me feel so welcome that I never once felt like I didn’t belong there.”She also thanked director Suresh Triveni, writer Pooja Tolani and cinematographer Anuj Rakesh Dhawan for making her first film memorable. “Initially, I was nervous, but gradually everyone made me feel comfortable, and I learnt a lot through the process,” she shared.

From lockdown videos to the big screen

Dharna revealed that becoming a content creator was never part of her career plan.

According to her, the journey began during the COVID-19 lockdown after a friend's suggestion encouraged her to upload videos online.“My friends and I used to make random videos and challenge each other. One of my friends told me, ‘You should actually post these.’ Honestly, I wasn’t even active on social media. I would deactivate my account and then activate it again. I posted one video, liked how it turned out, and slowly kept creating more.

I never planned on becoming a content creator. It all happened very randomly,” she said.She also described working alongside established actors as a dream she never believed would come true.“There are certain dreams you hesitate to even put on your wish list because they seem impossible. And then they actually happen. That’s exactly what this feels like,” Dharna said.

Characters inspired by everyday life

Many of Dharna's online characters have become popular with audiences, and she says most of them are inspired by real people she has observed over the years.“I simply showed the things I could relate to. Initially, I was just recreating what happened in my own home—things my mother says, the way my aunt behaves, the way my relatives speak. Then I started reading the comments and realised this happens in everyone’s house. Some experiences are just universal,” she explained.Speaking about her favourite character, Dharna said, “Personally, my favourite is the parlour lady.

I love her accent and the way she speaks. Girls visit beauty parlours so often, and almost everyone has had similar experiences there. That’s why I enjoy playing that character the most.”She added that observing people remains an important part of her creative process.“If I notice someone’s tiny habit or a particular expression and it stays with me, I incorporate it into my characters,” she said.

Self-doubt remains despite success

Although Dharna has successfully transitioned from social media to films, she admitted that self-doubt still affects her at times.

She believes those moments are a natural part of any creative journey.“I also have days when I think, ‘These videos aren’t turning out well. What am I doing? Were they ever good? I overthink everything.’ All of that is completely normal,” she said.She also revealed that if content creation had not become her profession, she would have joined her family's business. “I would probably have been helping my mother with our family business.” Dharna said, “Trust the process. It’s good to have goals, but don’t let them become pressure. I’m still learning too. Just be patient. Believe in yourself. Focus more on the handful of people who genuinely support you than on the negativity.

Those are the people who keep you motivated to move forward.”Meanwhile, Maa Behen has been receiving positive reviews from critics. ETimes awarded the film 3.5 out of 5 stars.