Mumbai: Bollywood icon Madhuri Dixit has publicly supported Marathi performer Gautami Patil, who recently addressed the controversy surrounding her dance moves.
Patil, appearing on ‘Kon Honar Crorepati’ alongside Shiv Thakare, spoke to Madhuri about the backlash and her subsequent apology.
Recalling the 2022 incident, Gautami explained that a video of her performance, deemed controversial for ‘suggestive’ gestures and attire, went viral while she was still performing. “I found out what had happened only on my way home after the show,” she stated. “I immediately issued a statement, acknowledged my mistake, and apologised to the people of Maharashtra. It was unintentional, but I took responsibility and worked on myself to ensure it wouldn’t happen again.”
Patil expressed her frustration that old videos continue to circulate, overshadowing her current, reformed work. “Once you are labelled, it’s difficult to move past it,” she said. “People keep circulating those old videos, making others wonder if I’m still doing the same thing. But I have changed a lot. I ask people to see my work today before judging me.”
Gautami also highlighted a positive shift in her audience, noting an increase in women attending her shows. Madhuri Dixit responded with empathy, stating, “Once you have acknowledged your mistake and taken steps to correct it, what more is there to say? There is nothing left to hold against you.” This endorsement from Madhuri offers significant support to Patil as she navigates her career post-controversy.