“Mein diva jaisi nahi hoon,” humbly says the greatest diva of them all, Madhuri Dixit Nene. The comeback queen has two films lined up for release, 'Dedh Ishqiya' and 'Gulab Gang', and is once again in a great position in Bollywood.
Talking about 'Dedh Ishqiya', she says, “There is a lot of satire. My character says one thing while meaning something else. However, my character Begum Para has nothing to do with Vidya Balan’s character in 'Ishqiya'. The film is very entertaining because it has comedy, romance and betrayal.” Madhuri’s Kathak steps for the song 'Humri Attariya' are already becoming popular thanks to the promos.
Talking about co-star Naseeruddin Shah, Madhuri says, “I have been his admirer. I watched his films 'Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron', 'A Wednesday' and I did do Rajkumar with him earlier. Working with him again was a great experience.”
“A sequel should be interesting, it should not be made for the sake of making a sequel. Khalu and Babban’s (Arshad Warsi) characters are being carried forward and have some interesting twists,” she adds.
About working with debutant director Soumik Sen in 'Gulab Gang', she says, “Soumik has a different style of working. He likes to take long shots while Abhishekh goes in for close shots.”
“Cinema has undergone a lot of change. I remember doing a film on the sets of which the dialogue writer went missing; those days everything was done in the last minute. Now, everything is planned much in advance… the look, dresses etc.”
“In 'Gulab Gang', a group of women and I are working towards our goal i.e. getting justice,” she says, adding, “The women wear pink and they are the pink (gulab) gang.”
In the film, Madhuri is back dancing to Saroj Khan’s steps. “We had made a pact not to repeat the dancing style and steps from our previous numbers. But sometimes Saroj ji would show me old steps and I would immediately tell her that we had done these steps earlier. Saroj ji would smile and say, ‘teri elephant jaisi memory hai’!”
Talking about lyrics these days, Madhuri says, “We need to bring in more efficient and better lyricists.” She, however, quickly adds, “I remember people felt that 'Choli ke Peeche' was cheap. But the number turned out to be a rage among women folk. It was also one of the most popular songs in all the baraths. It all depends how songs are picturised.”
