This earthy beauty has a smile that dazzles you. Madhuri Dixit may have turned 40, but she still gives actresses half her age a run for their money. Tackling films, motherhood and constant jetsetting between India and US with aplomb, the actress talks about her upcoming film Aaja Nachle and being on the cover of the latest edition of Filmfare. Excerpts:
It's been a long time since you've been on the cover of the Filmfare magazine. What's it like?
It's simply great! I have had a long association with the magazine. My first cover shoot for them was in 1991. The magazine has undergone a lot of changes since then. Being back on the cover is a great feeling.
These days the look and feel of magazine covers requires a lot of work!
Yeah, they do! Mickey Contractor has done my make up for the cover and fashion designer Reza Shariffi did my outfits. I was nervous, since my last photo shoot was for Devdas (which released in 2002). This time, the cover look is smart and basic.
It's simply great! I have had a long association with the magazine. My first cover shoot for them was in 1991. The magazine has undergone a lot of changes since then. Being back on the cover is a great feeling.
These days the look and feel of magazine covers requires a lot of work!
Yeah, they do! Mickey Contractor has done my make up for the cover and fashion designer Reza Shariffi did my outfits. I was nervous, since my last photo shoot was for Devdas (which released in 2002). This time, the cover look is smart and basic.
Coming to Aaja Nachle, what was it like shooting for this film after so long?
After a gap of six years, I was hesitant. When (producer) Aditya Chopra offered me the script, I asked him if people would still want to watch me. I was also worried that people will judge me as a mother of two kids now!
But once I came back here, the greeting that I received from fans was so warm. At every event, people wished me luck.
Yash Raj Films, which were always organised, have become super-organised now! They facilitated things for my sons Arin and Ryan too. So Aaja Nachle was a memorable experience.
After a gap of six years, I was hesitant. When (producer) Aditya Chopra offered me the script, I asked him if people would still want to watch me. I was also worried that people will judge me as a mother of two kids now!
But once I came back here, the greeting that I received from fans was so warm. At every event, people wished me luck.
Yash Raj Films, which were always organised, have become super-organised now! They facilitated things for my sons Arin and Ryan too. So Aaja Nachle was a memorable experience.
So what kind of changes do you see in today's Bollywood? Are you comfortable with sync sound and bound scripts?
I think all the changes in Bollywood today are positive. The bound script makes an actor's work so much easier.
Before this, we used to arrive on sets not knowing our dialogues. Now, the script gives us preparation time. As for sync sound, initially, I did take time getting used to it, but it saves the dubbing effort brilliantly.
I think all the changes in Bollywood today are positive. The bound script makes an actor's work so much easier.
Before this, we used to arrive on sets not knowing our dialogues. Now, the script gives us preparation time. As for sync sound, initially, I did take time getting used to it, but it saves the dubbing effort brilliantly.
What about dance? This film is sans choreographer Saroj Khan.
Sarojji is in her own league, and she isn't just my dance teacher, she is like family to me.
As for Vaibhavi Merchant, she has worked very hard on Aaja Nachle. I have also considered it my responsibility to give my best. We will have to wait and see the audience's reaction, but I think we have done a good job.
Which other films have you planned to do? Any of Saroj Khan's projects?
I haven't been offered Sarojji's film, and right now, I don't think I will take on another project till I see the response to Aaja Nachle. Of course, I wish Sarojji all the best for her film.
Sarojji is in her own league, and she isn't just my dance teacher, she is like family to me.
As for Vaibhavi Merchant, she has worked very hard on Aaja Nachle. I have also considered it my responsibility to give my best. We will have to wait and see the audience's reaction, but I think we have done a good job.
Which other films have you planned to do? Any of Saroj Khan's projects?
I haven't been offered Sarojji's film, and right now, I don't think I will take on another project till I see the response to Aaja Nachle. Of course, I wish Sarojji all the best for her film.
What are your plans once you get back home to Denver? Oh, lots! My sons will be meeting their father, so the elder one is really excited! He has learnt Hindi too... and I have asked him to teach it to his dad! Sriram and I want to take a vacation once I return home, but his work schedules have to be organised. My sons love Mumbai too, but they are raring to go back!
Are you at a happy place in life?
Yes, I am. I have never asked for anything from God all my life; and I only have nice things to look back. I only want happiness for my husband and children. God has given all of this to me, so I am very, very grateful for the life I have.
Are you at a happy place in life?
Yes, I am. I have never asked for anything from God all my life; and I only have nice things to look back. I only want happiness for my husband and children. God has given all of this to me, so I am very, very grateful for the life I have.
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