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Two years ago, when
Madhuri Dixit got married film folks wondered how she would balance an overseas marriage
and a career back home. Madhuri Dixit has proved that where there’s a will there is a
way. After a lukewarm Yeh Raaste Hain Pyaar Ke, Dixit looks forward to
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Devdas and the much talked about TV show Shubh
Vivah. A lot may have changed in Madhuri’s daily routine but a lot remains
the same. You enter the apartment and are relieved to discover that unlike most upper
class families, who treat their livingroom as a showcase of artefacts, Dixits’ make
no attempt to disguise their domesticity. It’s a hot afternoon. Madhuri orders a
chilled nimbu pani for both of us, switches off her mobile phone and we’re ready for
serious conversation.
Do you find
yourself changing?
I think I’m the same. But people around me point out that I’m more receptive.
Maybe because now I’m not racing against time.
Your consistent
reserve all these years -- is it natural or an image you have cultivated?
Neither. I was just shy. I
still am. It’s just that people give different interpretations to my reserve.
Strangely
everyone still refers to you by your maiden name.
That’s understandable. Stars are remembered by their original names. What irks me is
when I’m invited for formal functions and they refer to me as Mrs Dixit. In that case
I should be sending my mother for the function.
Some of them
address you as Madhuri Dixit -Nene.
That’s better than the former. In fact, now one understands why more and more women,
even those not in the limelight prefer retaining their maiden names and just adding an
extra surname. It’s less complicated.
You come across
extremely poised at public functions. Do you ever feel unsure?
(Laughs) What you call poise is a dressing up for my nervousness. When I’m on stage
receiving an award, I can actually feel my knees quaking. It’s just that I cover it
up with my cheerfulness. I can fib you know, I’m an actress.
What about your
appropriate speeches? Are they impromptu or have you given them a thought?
No, no. I don’t plan any speeches. During the function, if something moves me, I
react accordingly. Prepared words always sound hollow.
People say you
can be groomed to become an effective leader.
(Surprised) You mean politics? No, I’m not interested. Probably something for the
downtrodden women that too if it happens naturally.
You’ve
always liked challenges?
Yes, they make me deliver to my optimum level. I have been like that ever since childhood
and later in my career. If there is a conflict I have to express it.
When you’re
not convinced of a scene, do you express it to your director?
I explain my point of view. If he is open to suggestions, we discuss further. If he’s
stubborn, I give up. There are times, the director has determined the tone of his film and
the slightest underplaying by the artiste can upset him, in which case it is better to
quietly surrender.
What about
instances when he’s open to suggestions?
Then the problem is automatically resolved. Sometimes, if it’s a difficult scene and
the director enacts it for you, then the scene does not appear as complicated as you had
thought.
Filmmakers feel
you always contribute something special to every film.
That’s very flattering and I feel all the more responsible to not let them down.
After so much
name, fame and money, what makes you happy?
To know that you can do better and have enough space around you is the greatest kick. I
think that’s what keeps me going.
So would you say
you are happy?
Yeh, I’m always happy. Good or bad times, I’m an optimist. I treat my bad times
as a learning experience. I’m of the firm belief that nothing in life happens just
like that. There is meaning to every encounter, every expression.
Does shopping
make you happy?
I’m not obsessed with possession. Spending a day with my little niece would make me
happy... Being creative makes me happy. Using my time constructively makes me happy...
Can money be a
source of happiness?
It definitely instills security, particularly for a woman. It provides a roof above your
head and to a certain extent gives you power and freedom. But beyond a point, money is
just paper.
What next?
There’s a long pending Bokadia’s Hum Aapke Hain Sanam and Bhansali’s Devdas
. I’m not signing too many films because I’m now committed to my TV show Shubh
Vivah which is going to take a lot of my time. It’s my first exposure on the small
screen as an anchor and I’m learning.
Have the recent
years brought changes in your fan mail?
Yes and no. Variety of letters from different age groups, class and caste pour in. The
reactions are a jumble of emotions. Some identify you as a daughter, some as sister and
there are some romantic letters as well.
Despite your
marriage?
Yes, despite my marriage. I get to read them when I return after a long vacation at home.
You refer to Los
Angeles as home.
It is.
—Bhawana
Somaaya |
