"I look forward to meaningful films nowadays"

The Choli ke peechhe girl's priorities have clearly changed. Presenting Madhuri Dixit uncut:

How has life changed after marriage?
Well, it's peaceful, contented and happy. Marriage is a great feeling, I must say.

How do you manage to keep in touch with your husband in the US, given your long shooting schedules in India?
I do miss him and that is one of the reasons why I am doing very few films. I do not want to be away from my husband for a long time.

Has marriage changed you as a person?
I am still the same. But my priorities have changed.

How did your husband react when you decided to continue acting after marriage?
This was an understanding we had come to long before we decided to get married. Besides, it was he who inspired me to continue acting if I wanted to. I have all the freedom I want. I can continue acting till I myself want to give up.

What kind of films are you doing now?
I am doing Engineer with Arvind Swamy. Then there is another film with Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan. I am also doing a Deepak Shivdasani film called Yeh Raaste Hain Pyar Ke opposite Ajay Devgan. There is Sanjay Bhansali's Devdas and Rajkumar Santoshi's Lajja.

Lajja is a multistarrer with Manisha Koirala playing the central character. What, then, is your role in the film?
Lajja is one film that will shock people. The film has turned out to be one of my greatest experiences as an actress. About my role, all I'll say is you will have to see it yourself. It is the kind of role I was looking for.

Is there a feeling of insecurity among seniors like you, with so many newcomers swarming the industry everyday and making it too?
Frankly, I have never ever felt insecure about anything in life. I have always been confident.

You have been around for more than 16 years now. Are you satisfied with the kind of films you have done so far?
No. I just did a couple of good roles to prove myself as an actress. For most of my career I was either falling in love, or singing and dancing. I don't think that is my fault. Roles for an actress normally mean nothing more than that for directors here. But I hope to do some good meaningful roles from now on.

Would you call M F Husain's Gajagamini a meaningful film?
I would like to say Gajagamini is a very different film that only a man like Husain Sahab, who is known for experimenting, could make. Gajagamini is his daring experiment as a filmmaker. The film is all about a great painter's vision of woman. I play a very difficult role in the film and so do the others. The film has depth.

What was it like working with Husain?
I must say it was a learning experience. Frankly, I never dreamt that I would be working with one of the living geniuses of the world today. I don't think I could have asked for more.

In terms of success, fame and fortune do you think you have achieved everything?
To an extent, yes. But I am trying my best to achieve something more than I have already achieved. It may take some time but that doesn't matter. I am a go-getter. I will not leave this place till I realize my dream. Today, I am looking forward to doing meaningful films. There is so much more for me to give as an actress.

Is it true you plan to do Marathi films as well?
There have been writers and directors who have approached me but frankly none of them satisfied the actress in me. I wouldn't mind doing a couple of Marathi films if the director and the script are good.

When do you plan to start a family?
It will happen in due course of time.