MUMBAI: Denver, Colorado, in the United States is dotted with bears and wolves. But there were more bears and certainly more wolves who logged on to Indiatimes Chat on Friday August 2, 7:00 pm IST when Indian actress par excellence, Madhuri Dixit Nene, logged on from the US where she is now settled with her husband Dr Sriram Nene.
And to ensure that the thousand odd wolves did not come up with unwanted questions, Dr Nene was keen to log on to the chat too, but his laptop was still to be unpacked. So, he could not ask his beautiful wife all those questions he always wanted to ask, but was waiting for an Indiatimes chat to be able to do so!
Having graced the silver screen and enthralled audiences with her charming smile, her graceful dancing and her versatile performances for fourteen years now, it was no surprise that the online chat with Madhuri equalled some record-breaking previous chats set on Indiatimes Celebrity Chats.
Having graced the silver screen and enthralled audiences with her charming smile, her graceful dancing and her versatile performances for fourteen years now, it was no surprise that the online chat with Madhuri equalled some record-breaking previous chats set on Indiatimes Celebrity Chats.
Coming close on the heels of the record-breaking successes of the chats held with Shah Rukh Khan (18,000-plus questions) and Aishwarya Rai (22,000-plus questions), Madhuri had a whopping 10,000 plus questions asked by her fans the world over proving that with the Internet, there's simply no barrier stopping the fans who want to connect with their onscreen idols.
Add to that the 3,000 odd questions that mobile users sent using the Indiatimes 8888 service, which made it a total of 13,000 questions in an hour! The numbers would've crossed 15-20 thousand had the server not gone under just moments before the chat began, causing the moderator to lose close to 5000 questions.
It was the first time ever that Madhuri - who has been receiving high critical acclaim for her portrayal of Chandramukhi in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's recently released version of Devdas - chatted online with her fans and audiences. The chat was an extension of the tie-up between Indiatimes and Bharat Shah's Devdas courtesy Filmfare.com. And just another step up from its position as the leading entertainment presence for Indians worldwide.
THE CHAT TRANSCRIPT
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.
Source: Times of India (Aug 2002)
Add to that the 3,000 odd questions that mobile users sent using the Indiatimes 8888 service, which made it a total of 13,000 questions in an hour! The numbers would've crossed 15-20 thousand had the server not gone under just moments before the chat began, causing the moderator to lose close to 5000 questions.
It was the first time ever that Madhuri - who has been receiving high critical acclaim for her portrayal of Chandramukhi in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's recently released version of Devdas - chatted online with her fans and audiences. The chat was an extension of the tie-up between Indiatimes and Bharat Shah's Devdas courtesy Filmfare.com. And just another step up from its position as the leading entertainment presence for Indians worldwide.
THE CHAT TRANSCRIPT
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.
Source: Times of India (Aug 2002)
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