Madhuri Dixit: The Way Women Are Perceived Has Changed

Through the 90s, it was Madhuri Dixit’s extraordinary acting skills and a charming persona that kept us hooked to the silver screen. Lately, she kept going on and off the silver screen but this year, she has a lot of surprises for the audience. Madhuri, who was never really seen in a comedy movie is stepping into an out and out comedy this time. Ahead of her upcoming film's release, we had a quick chat with Madhuri.

Excerpts:

Comedy movies are mostly considered underrated in Bollywood. What’s your take on that?

Not really. So many comedy franchises have come out and they are making one part after the other. A lot of comedy movies are coming up these days. These kinds of movies were not really happening during the time when I was doing movies like Beta. At those times, movies were a little balanced. There was a little comedy, some drama, so everything was in one film. There were no out and out comedy movies.These kindof movies have just recently started to come up.

What are the challenges of working in a comedy movie?

It is very easy to make people cry but it is so tough to make people laugh. It is like a challenge to make someone laugh. It is a difficult genre but it is always fun to do a comedy movie. I love doing it! Working for Total Dhamaal was so much fun. This ensemble cast, they are all crazy people and I think I have never laughed so much in between shots like a did while shooting for this movie.

Earlier actresses weren’t given prominent roles in the movies after crossing a certain age but now they have more opportunities. What’s your take on that?

Times have changed, perceptions have changed, writers have changed, content has also changed today. The way women are perceived has changed. Now such wonderful roles are being written for women. I think it is a great time for women to be in films.

What made you say ‘yes’ to Total Dhamaal?

Indu ji gave me a narration and I just laughed and laughed. Then I asked who is playing the role opposite me and he said I am thinking of asking Anil. I also called Anil to confirm if he is doing the movie. It didn’t make sense if only two of us were in the movie. Then I got to know that it is an ensemble cast. It was not like Anil and I were throughout the movie. Every character has their portions in the movie.

You and Anil Kapoor are coming back together on screen after a long time. How was it working with him?

It didn't feel like we are working together after so long. People usually saw us romancing on screen but this time we will be seen fighting and bickering. Now that is something unique for both us and the viewers!

This was your debut in the Dhamaal franchise. Did that bring along any pressure?

Nothing like it is a debut movie for me in the world of films. Yes, as a debut in the franchise, I will play the best of my ability. Earlier there were no leading ladies as such in the earlier two parts of the Dhamaal franchise. This time, there is a leading lady. When I started shooting for it, it was really fun and felt like these years have just not passed and we have just come out of the sets of the movie Beta.

Kalank was to star Sridevi but after her sudden demise, you were roped in for her role. Did you get enough time to prep for it?

I was busy shooting for Total Dhamaal during that time. So it was kind of sudden and on a personal front it was very emotional because of the way it happened. The entire incident made me realise that life is so short and you never know about tomorrow. Now I am like, just make sure you tell people that you love them, keep them close and just do good in life. Don't Miss Remembering Sridevi: An Enigma In Life And In Death

While Total Dhamaal is a comedy movie, Kalank is a period film, you are picking really different roles. Is it a conscious move?

I have always picked different roles. Aaja Nachle, Dedh Ishqiya, Gulaab Gang, Bucket List they are all different films. I always try to do different kind of characters and play something new. Both Kalank and Total Dhamaal are completely different.

Indra Kumar’s Total Dhamaal is the third part of the Dhamaal franchise. The movie has a great cast including Anil Kapoor, Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Sanjay Mishra, Javed Jaffrey. What is exciting the people most about this movie is the comeback of the hit 90s Jodi - Anil Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit back on screen!

After Total Dhamaal, Madhuri is excited for producing her first Netflix movie called “15 August” which will launch in the beginning of March. Next up is Karan Johar’s much-awaited, multi-starrer, Kalank. The movie is creating a lot of buzz because of Madhuri’s pairing with Sanjay Dutt after a long time. Recently, some pictures of Madhuri from the sets of the movie went viral over the web and according to reports she will be seen playing the role of a courtesan. Actors Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditya Roy Kapur will also be seen playing prominent roles in the movie.

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