Mumbai, Jan 13 (NationPress) The talented actress Shweta Basu Prasad reflects on her experience with the 2002 film Makdee, describing it as one of the most rewarding moments in her career. Not only did it provide her with a solid foundation in acting, but it also instilled a profound sense of emotional security that continues to ignite her passion for cinema.

Shweta took to Instagram to express her gratitude to Dipa De Motwane, the mother of filmmaker Vikram Motwane, who played an essential role as an executive producer in Makdee. The film also features performances from Shabana Azmi, Makrand Deshpande, and Alaap Mazgaonkar.

She shared a series of photographs, including a memorable moment with the Makdee team and a candid shot with Dipa at her residence, captioning: “11.1.2026 35 at Dipa aunty’s house.”

“Anyone who knows me understands how significant she was in my life. I am thankful to @motwayne for allowing me to celebrate my birthday at her place this year. I prepared Khao Seuy and mulled wine, recipes she taught me.”

The actress fondly remembered Dipa De, who sadly passed away recently, recalling her as the line producer of Makdee.

Shweta shared a cherished memory: “On my 11th birthday, while on the Makdee set, she had ‘Happy Birthday Shweta’ written on the large production board in our hotel lobby in Alibaug, where we filmed. I was ecstatic to see that message, usually reserved for call times and scheduling.”

“‘You are the star of our film!’ Dipa aunty and @vishalrbhardwaj organized a delightful terrace party for me after wrap-up, complete with my favorite junk food,” she added.

Shweta elaborated on her enduring love for acting, stating, “What makes me passionate about my work is that Makdee was such a fulfilling experience. Dipa aunty, Vishal uncle, and the entire crew, including my mother, made me feel emotionally secure, fueling my desire to explore more within the film industry.”

In her heartfelt note to Dipa, she recalled, “On 11.1.2016, I was already working at Phantom Films as a script consultant under my then-boss, head of development @nehasinha_roy. Dipa aunty offered me this job in 2014 when I needed it most, always encouraging me to ‘chin up and keep walking.’ Over the years, she became my friend, confidante, travel companion, mentor, and more.”

“She would often jest when I interrupted her and my mother’s lunch meetings, saying, ‘Mishti, why have you brought your daughter here? She won’t let us talk.’ I was always curious about their conversations about life and relationships as single mothers. She supported me during my marriage and was my therapist during my divorce, always eager to hear about my dating life and crushes,” Shweta reminisced.

The actress also expressed gratitude for Dipa's assistance in budgeting her directorial project, Retake.

“She formed a community of individuals, particularly women, who celebrated each other without needing a reason. She was a giver, deeply loving her children, Vikram and Reetika, and was immensely proud of her granddaughter. ‘Not Saturday, Shweta... Akira is coming over. Let’s plan lunch next week?’”

“She inspired us to sing aloud! We jammed over Bhajans and Beatles songs, cooked, painted, and watched movies together, often leading to sleepovers with the best breakfast the following day, which would extend into lunch and more catch-up time,” she shared.

Reflecting on a moment from her time shooting Jubilee in Missouri in 2021, she recalled, “After a sunset shoot, she told me, ‘You know when I am gone... that’s where I will be—a cozy house surrounded by meadows, nestled between mountains with flowers and trees and bees...’”

She concluded with warmth: “On 11.1.2026, as I blow out the candle on my cake, wearing the top you gifted me and the choker from your wedding collection—a Diwali from years ago, surrounded by friends—I hope you are singing out loud there. There were food, music, flowers, and heartfelt conversations in your home, which we all consider our own.”

Makdee is a comedy horror film directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, telling the tale of a young girl in northern India who encounters a supposed witch in a haunted mansion. The film explores the beliefs surrounding witches and witchcraft in contemporary India.