Choreographer Terence Lewis fondly recalled working with Madhuri Dixit Nene in 1998-99, who approached him for fitness training to lose weight at that time. At the time, Lewis, then 22 years old, described Madhuri as someone who had no airs about herself and remains humble to this day.
“I have to tell you this openly. I used to train many actresses at that time, in 1998, for fitness. I was called to her house to train her in fitness to help her lose weight at that time. I was a fitness trainer, as well as a dance trainer. I was 22. Madhuri is the simplest and so humble. I decided that if I ever get fame or celebrity status, I want to be like her. So grounded, so down to Earth. So hardworking. And no ego,” said Lewis in an interaction with Pinkvilla.
While wondering what he, as a newbie, would teach her, Lewis mentioned that he was awed by her graceful personality and being so mature.
“I thought, what will I teach her? She is a dancer. But she was so humble. I was younger than her in so many ways, like experience and age. But she never made me feel like I was a nobody. Just out of college, and I am training her in fitness. But she said, ‘You do what you do because I believe you have helped a lot of women lose weight…so make me lose weight… don’t worry about anything else. So, she made me feel very comfortable, and I am very grateful to her. She still is very graceful as a human being,” said Lewis, who added that life came full circle when both of them judged a show together in 2015-16.
Drawing inspiration from his admiration for Madhuri, let’s explore how emotional maturity can have a lasting impact.
In a world obsessed with being right, being seen, and being in control, humility has become a rare superpower, according to Delnna Rrajesh, psychotherapist and life coach. “Especially among high performers, leaders, and those who are used to being in charge. The greatest block to growth, whether in therapy, relationships, or leadership, isn’t lack of ability. It’s the inability to surrender,” said Delnna.
According to the expert, Madhuri proved that a mindset of trust, receptivity, and presence leaves a lasting impact.
What does emotional maturity look like?
*Not needing to dominate the process, but deeply engaging in it.
*Not having all the answers, but choosing the right person to guide you.
*Not pretending to know, but being willing to learn—fully, openly, without resistance.
So, what does this mean for us?
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Whether you’re building a business, healing from trauma, or simply trying to grow, here’s what to reflect on:
*Check your ego at the door
Choose wisely and trust fully. Half-trusting leads to half-results. “If you’ve chosen a mentor, therapist, coach, or teacher, lean in without micromanaging the process,” said Delnna.
*Separate your identity from control. “You are not less capable because you’re not in control. You are more powerful when you can step back and still feel secure,” said Delnna.
*Strength is not about holding it all together. It’s about knowing when to soften, delegate, and receive, mentioned Delnna.
*Stay flexible and open to learning, mainly when you’re accomplished. The higher you rise, the harder it becomes to stay open. But the ones who keep rising are the ones who keep learning, said Delnna.
According to Delnna, growth doesn’t come from control. “It comes from the courage to surrender. And sometimes, the most powerful person in the room…is the one willing to be led,” said Delnna.
