Bollywood star Madhuri Dixit spoke to Indiatimes users live on Friday
from her home in Denver. The transcript of her hour-long chat.
Madhuri Dixit: Hi to everyone.
ruma: How did you feel while perfoming the role of Chandramukhi?
Madhuri Dixit: I enjoyed myself because this is the character
that I had not played earlier, and what I liked about her is that she
was totally devoted to Devdas. Selfless. That's what I liked about
her.
barodain_1978: Is Chandrmukhi the best character you have ever
played? Will you continue acting?
Madhuri Dixit: I don't know because it's difficult to say...
every role is very important. It is special. I guess in that sense
even Chandramukhi is very special. And yes, as of now I will continue
to act, but probably once in a year.
medha_sinha: Do you enjoy working in films like Devdas,
or do you enjoy working in the usual Hindi-masala movies?
Madhuri Dixit: (smiles) Well, I have been the baby of masala
movies. But I have worked in both kinds of films because I feel that
both are creative and fascinating.
aseeda: What are your upcoming film projects?
Madhuri Dixit: Right now I am busy working on Kahi Na Kahi
Koi Hai with Sony. There are a few projects in the pipeline. Wait
for the Sony stint to get over, and after that I will decide.
neha_agarwal: How do you find life in NY?
Madhuri Dixit: Well I wouldn't know that because I am not in
NY. I am in Denver. I am just kind of settling in now and having fun.
akhila: This is so great. How did you decide to become a movie
actress? Was there no opposition at home?
Madhuri Dixit: First of all let me thank you for taking time to
chat with me. I never thought that I would be an actress. It was
destiny. My first film was by accident and that's how I got into it. I
love my work and that shows. Initially there was opposition, but as
things progressed my family supported me throughout my career -
through ups and downs, and they have always been there for me.
kngs: What's your message to the younger generation?
Madhuri Dixit: First say no to drugs. Secondly, whatever you do
in life, choose something that you love to do. Work hard and be
successful. Make goals in life and strive to achieve them. Life will
be good after that.
hum.appke.hain.kaun: How's life in Denver? Do many people know
you there?
Madhuri Dixit: I met quite a few Indians in Denver. I haven't
made friends yet because I have just moved here. When I go shopping
they (Indians) recognise me. And as far as hum apke hain kaun -
aap hamare hain and hum tumhare hain!
ashoo: How do you maintain your beauty, looks and physique?
Madhuri Dixit: Work hard and you shall succeed. There are so
many temptations around, like things you love to eat. But because of
my profession, I have to deprive myself of some of the joys of life. I
guess it's all worth it in the end.
devdasi: You look great in Kahi Na Kahi Koi Hai. But do
you think the theme will keep the audience?
Madhuri Dixit: We are hoping for that. Any serial takes its
time to cast its grip. It's not like a movie. People have to
understand the format. We are looking forward to audience's
suggestions. If you are interested, we would love to have you.
stan_neo_viper: How did you meet Dr Nene? Why did you choose
Nene?
Madhuri Dixit: I strongly believe kahin na kahin koi hai.
I met him at my brother's place. We liked each other instantly. We met
for a few months, and got to know each other better. We are similar in
a lot of ways - except for the profession. But like me, he is very
committed to his profession. I like that quality in a person. He has
the basic human values. I can go on and on but I thought that I would
like someone like him to be my life partner.
skywalker: I am mad about you. But since you are from the film
industry, tell me one thing very truly and clearly: Do the film
industry and underworld have a relationship?
Madhuri Dixit: Well... Like in the world, there are all kinds
of elements, and every profession has good and bad people. But by far
the people I have worked with have been good. But just because a few
people are like that doesn't mean that the whole industry is bad.
zarinafromny: Hi Madhuri! You're magnificent in every form! If
you can invite anyone to dinner, dead or alive, who would it be and
why? Love you!
Madhuri Dixit: Well it would be you because I would like to
hear some more good things about myself. And, of course, I would like
to get to know you.
roshan_rm: First of all, three cheers to you for your 'as
electrifying as your smile' performance in Devdas! Great stars!
Great performances! And above all, great movie! If you were a viewer
like me, how would you rate Devdas?
Madhuri Dixit: I would rate it very high. Every frame is so
beautiful. It boasts of very good sets. An era film has been made
after a long time. The performances have been good. Definitely, I have
not seen such sets in a long, long time. It's very high on my list.
The product is good in totality.
luv_kavita: Did you truly love playing all the roles you have
done so far? Or is there some character you still wish to play?
Madhuri Dixit: Artistes are very greedy people. The more we get
to play different characters, the more we want to. I enjoyed working
in Mritydand, the strong woman in Beta, Khalnayak
and Prahaar. I loved to play different roles - one can never
say this is better, and the best is yet to come.
lko_nawab: I think you are a real heroine. Can you just tell me
one word that inspires you the most?
Madhuri Dixit: Love. Because when you love something, there is
a lot you do for it. Also when someone loves you, it's also inspiring.
When my fans call me and tell me that they love me - that inspires me.
sweet_arabian: What do you do in your free time? Are you a
typical housewife?
Madhuri Dixit: As yet you cannot call me a typical housewife
because I am working half the time in Bombay and the other half I am
here. Yes, when I am here I cook etc. And in my free time learn
something new. I do scubs, snorkel. I also sketch.
ashwini_t: What do you intend to be after another decade -
apart from being the brilliant actress and owning the zillion-dollar
smile?
Madhuri Dixit: As of now, I don't know because I am taking it as it
comes. But later at some point I would love to teach. I love children.
But not immediately. Lots of plans are going on in my mind. Since you
are my admirer, you would know what I am doing and hope they would be
as appreciative as they are now. Que sera sera, whatever will be, will
be…
your_handsome_boy: What do you think about life after marriage?
After being so successful, do you think marriage was a mistake or a
boon?
Madhuri Dixit: I think marriage is wonderful - and for me, a
boon. I have found someone who loves me, supports me, and encourages
me. I am lucky. Marriage is what you make of it. Just like he supports
me, I support him in his work and I hope it continues to be that way -
touch wood!
tushna: Which is your favourite scene in Devdas?
Madhuri Dixit: The scene where Shahrukh says if anyone he would
have loved after Paro, it would be me. And another one is when I slap
Kali babu.
peppypavi: When are you most happy - at home or at work?
Madhuri Dixit: Both have degrees of happiness. Because I am
working, I am creative. When I am at home, I am with my husband and I
am basically leading a normal life. That makes me happy too.
bhaskar: Where do you want to settle down finally?
Madhuri Dixit: I think I would finally settle down here in the
US. That's where my husband's work is. But my ties with India will
never break. They gave me wonderful fans like you, fame and fortune.
Even if I am travelling in the future, more of my time will be spent
here
javeed: What do you think about film stars joining politics in
India?
Madhuri Dixit: I don't know about film stars joining politcs.
But anybody joining politics should be one with political inclinations
and an urge to work for people. We need good politicians who want to
work for people and help India grow. That's what we need today.
veena-anu: I personally liked your pairing with Shahrukh. But
can I expect to see you both together? And how is your relationship
with him off the screen?
Madhuri Dixit: We share a wonderful rapport off the screen. I
find him very intelligent. He can talk on anything under the sun. He
can make jokes at others and also laugh at himself.
warda_rahman-sj: What would you be doing if you weren't an
actress?
Madhuri Dixit: I would probably be a scientist. In college, I
wanted to do microbiology and research in genetics was my final goal
at that time.
nene: Where is Dr Nene right now? Is he logged on?
Madhuri Dixit: No, he is not logged on.
doggydoggy: You always wanted to eat roadside chaat in
Mumbai but couldn't because you were a star. Do you at least have
burgers out there?
Madhuri Dixit: Of course, I would love to have hamburgers. I
always loved junk food!
r211: Who is your favourite designer?
Madhuri Dixit: Reza Sharifi.
pardesi: Would you agree that your popularity decreased after
marriage?
Madhuri Dixit: I don't agree with that or else people would not
chat with me. As long as you do your work well, people will love you.
Chapul: In which language do you converse with your hubby?
Madhuri Dixit: Either in Marathi or English. He doesn't know
Hindi.
doggydoggy: Do you plan to produce, direct films some time
later in life like Juhi is doing?
Madhuri Dixit: I would love to direct at some point but not so
soon because I still have to learn a lot. The day I am ready, I would
love to direct a film.
hum.appke.hain.kaun: How does your husband handle your success?
Madhuri Dixit: Very, very gracefully. This is the first
premiere he attended. Even I am surprised how calm he was and how
quickly he made friends with all my friends and colleagues. Because of
his profession, he is a very calm person.
Madhuri Dixit: I would like to thank all of you for chatting
with me. I am happy that you liked my performance in Devdas. I
would like to do better in the future. Thank you. Bye.
