Interview: Mahhi Vij Opens Up About Post-Divorce Struggles and Changing TV Industry Dynamics

Television actress Mahhi Vij, who recently divorced her husband Jay Bhanushali, is balancing her career while raising their three children. In an exclusive interview with Navbharat Times, Mahhi spoke candidly about her comeback to the TV industry and the challenges she has faced post-divorce.

Return to Acting After 9 Years
Mahhi Vij has returned to television after a nine-year hiatus. She credits her daughters for motivating her comeback, saying, “My eldest daughter encouraged me to return because she wanted to see me on the big screen. My younger daughter is now over six years old, so I can step out and work.” Despite her responsibilities at home, Mahhi is managing motherhood alongside her professional commitments with grace. She shared an emotional anecdote, recalling a ten-day shoot in Lucknow while her daughter had returned from Japan with her father, “She was looking for me at home because she wanted her mom to get her ready for school. That moment was truly emotional for me.”

Television Industry Still Largely the Same
When asked about changes in the television industry, Mahhi remarked that work conditions remain largely unchanged, including long hours and lack of weekly breaks. However, she highlighted a major shift: “Nowadays, casting decisions are often based on social media followers. Thankfully, I have a strong following, but I recently saw actress Sandhya Mridul express frustration over not getting work due to a smaller follower count. That’s truly disheartening.”

Impact of OTT Platforms
Mahhi also spoke about how the rise of OTT platforms has affected television viewership. “Earlier, TV channels competed among themselves, and shows would still perform well. Today, there are multiple entertainment options, especially OTT and short-form reels on mobile devices. Viewers’ attention spans are divided, and television shows face a bigger challenge to retain audiences.”

Mahhi Vij’s insights shed light on both the personal and professional hurdles actors face in today’s evolving entertainment landscape, emphasizing the growing role of social media and digital platforms in shaping careers.