STP 40 Over 40 Awards: Why Deepika Mhatre Considers Her Smile As A Superpower

Deepika Mhatre, once a humble housemaid navigating the complexities of survival, now commands the spotlight as a rising star in the comedy scene. Her journey from the shadows of domestic servitude to the forefront of stand-up comedy is nothing short of extraordinary.

Mhatre's daily routine revolved around the arduous tasks of selling imitation jewelry on Mumbai's local trains, followed by hours of labor as a housemaid, all while shouldering the responsibility of caring for her three children. Life, for Mhatre, was a relentless cycle of toil and struggle, with little respite in sight. It was during one accidental moment at a talent show hosted by a housing society that Mhatre's life took a remarkable turn. Performing for the first time on stage, she caught the attention of a journalist, who was captivated by her raw talent and authenticity.

The Turning Point

What began as a lighthearted activity soon blossomed into a full-fledged passion, as Deepika found herself drawn to the stage, eager to share her unique perspective with the world. Drawing from her own experiences of discrimination while working as a maid in rich households, Mhatre found her comedic voice.  "Wherever I worked, I noticed little things that 'madams' do. That has become my content," she shared in an interview, shedding light on the realities faced by domestic helpers like herself. From the segregation of utensils to the absence of a designated space for maids to sit, Mhatre's observations formed the linchpin of her comedic repertoire.

With the encouragement of the journalist who discovered her, Mhatre started her journey into the world of stand-up comedy. Under the mentorship of renowned comedian Aditi Mittal, she honed her craft and prepared for her debut performance and even collaborating on projects such as the popular web series "Bad Girl.". The stage became her platform for not only entertainment but also advocacy, as she fearlessly addressed societal inequalities  with humor and candor.

As her popularity soared, Mhatre found herself inundated with offers from television channels eager to showcase her talent. Despite the newfound fame, she remains grounded, driven by the desire to secure a stable source of income for her family. 

Mhatre on her Sucess

Recently honored as one of the winners of the SheThePeople 40 over 40 Awards 2024, Mhatre's story serves as an inspiration for women everywhere who dare to dream and pursue their passions, even after crossing the milestone of forty.

As she stood on stage, bathed in the glow of recognition, Mhatre shared her journey with a humility and grace that resonated with every soul in the audience. "My smile is my superpower," she said confidently, showing how something as simple as a smile can help us navigate life's ups and downs. With her belief in enjoying life to the fullest, Mhatre encouraged every woman to embrace their inner strength and follow their dreams, no matter their age or circumstances.

"Even if you are 40, 50, or 100," she exclaimed, her voice ringing with conviction, "keep enjoying your life. " She reminded us that just because we're getting older doesn't mean we have to lose our zest for life, "Just because we are aging doesn't mean the girl inside us has also aged. She is as vibrant as ever, and so should we be."

With each word, Mhatre shared the wisdom she gained from her own experiences, showing us the power of embracing who we truly are. "If any adversity knocks on your door," she said cheerfully, "welcome it with a smile, without fear or sadness." Her message was clear: no matter what challenges come our way, facing them with a positive attitude can help us find our way through.

From humble beginnings as a housemaid and jewelry vendor, she defied societal norms and expectations, embarking on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Through sheer grit and determination, she carved out a niche career for herself in the male-dominated world of stand-up comedy, using humor as a tool for social commentary and change.

As she continues to inspire others with her infectious optimism, Mhatre remains committed to lifting up those around her, showing us that age is just a number and that greatness knows no bounds.