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An eye for horror
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It has been a long and eventful journey from "Masoom" to "Naina", says Urmila Matondkar
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Meaningful journeyUrmila Matondkar PHOto: sampath kumar g.p.
Everyone remembers Urmila Matondkar as the Masoom girl, young and bubbly. But they will also remember her as the Rangeela girl, young and bubbly again, but this time as the "queen of sensuality". After Narsimha and Chamatkar did not make it at the box office, Ramgopal Verma's Rangeela gave her the big break. In fact, Rangeela and Urmila became the framework in the mid and late Nineties for on-screen sensuality. After Rangeela, she has had good roles in Mere Sapno Ki Rani, Judaai, Satya and Kaun.
And from 2000 onwards, she seems to be re-casting herself radically in films such as Bhoot, Pinjar, Ek Hasina Thi and now Naina. Urmila shared a few quick thoughts on the turns in her career.
Masoom, Rangeela, Satya, Pinjar and now Naina... You've moved from one role to another, all very different.
Yes, I have. Every actor needs to keep reinventing himself or herself. Looking back, I can say I have been re-inventing myself all the time. You have to offer something new to the audience, be open to risk.
Are you happy with your journey from Masoom to Naina?
Life couldn't have been luckier for me. I did not have a film background. My family never thought of a film career for me. Whatever I am today is because of my fans and non-fans. They are the ones who have made me.
Are your roles in Bhoot and Naina different?
In Bhoot, I play a one-dimensional role, whereas in Naina it is multi-dimensional. The horror in Naina is also treated at a higher level than in Bhoot. The script is detailed and enriching and there has been no such character on the Indian screen in a supernatural film. I find it challenging to play the role of a blind person because most often we take our eyesight and co-ordination between mind and eye for granted.
Is acting in the supernatural genre different from other genres?
It is probably the toughest genre. It is like acting in a vacuum. You have to use your imagination to bring out the best in the character. And you have to connect. That is the challenge.
How was it working with Ramgopal Verma? And now Shripal Morakhia?
It is not right to compare the two. I wouldn't do it because they are directors with different plans, different visions and different frameworks. Both are technically accomplished. But yes, it is great working with Ramgopal Verma. He is intense.
Did you have to really wait till Rangeela to take off?
Rangeela kick-started my career. It was the biggest high I ever had. It is a film close to my heart because it was good cinema and good cinema comes from hard work. Rangeela is also memorable owing to the adulation I received. When I was watching the film in a theatre, I chanced upon two guys, one of whom had seen the film 76 times and the other 81 times. That kind of adulation didn't really sink into me then!
About working with Aamir Khan...
He is such a fine actor. I would love to work with him any day.
You've been described as the Queen of Horror after Kaun, Bhoot and now Naina. How do you feel about this shift from sensuality to horror?
People describe me as horror queen, drama queen, sex symbol... Only I know I've done more roles than these descriptions. So long as it is in me to do a role, to relate to a role and so long as I have the talent to change a role, I will do it. I wouldn't worry about the descriptions. And I don't rate my performances. What matters is I have given my best.
Pinjar is significant in the context of the Indo-Pakistan peace process.
As actors, we have social responsibilities. I went to Pakistan on behalf of the U.N. as peace ambassador. It was described as the biggest summit after the Vajpayee-Musharraf one. I think we have to take the message of harmony from the grassroots to the politician. I am involved in campaigns against AIDS, tobacco consumption and so on. And I do work relating to orphanages. But these are personal matters. Society has given us a lot and we have to give something back.. I think as artistes, we should be used as social messengers.
PRASHANTH G. N.
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