Madhuri considers Hollywood debut
Top film actress Madhuri Dixit, settled in the United States after marriage, says she has no plans to quit films, and would consider a debut in Hollywood films if offered ‘‘suitable roles’’.
‘‘Though I live in America, you will see more of me in films. I love acting and I am not not going to give up (acting) so easily,’’ Madhuri said in Berlin on Saturday night.
Looking resplendent in a multi-coloured silk sari worn in typical Maharashtrian style, a glamorous Madhuri made these comments when asked about plans after the world premiere of eminent painter Maqbool Fida Hussian’s Hindi film Gajagamini.
Hussain, who has conceived, written and directed the film, told a packed audience at the Arsenal theatre in the ultra modern Sony centre complex that the film was planned to be released in India in November.
Madhuri plays the lead role in the 130-minute film essaying different forms of women spanning several centuries. Shah Rukh Khan, Naseerudian Shah and Shabana Azmi are also in the star-cast in what film critics here said was ‘‘out and out a Madhuri film’’.
On whether she would take up Hollywood films, Madhuri said, ‘‘If I get offers for roles to my liking, I will consider making a Hollywood debut.’’ But she was quick to point out, ‘‘I am not following a strategised approach to work in Hollywood films.’’
On whether she likes India or the US, her new home, Madhuri diplomatically replied that ‘‘India is where I grew up and got fame, but my husband is in the US and I love my husband.’’
On acting in Hussian’s directorial venture, she said it was a ‘‘great experience’’, different from acting in mainstream Bollywood films. ‘‘To act in Hussain’s film was a learning process for me and Gajagamini has added another beautiful movie to my repertoire of films,’’ remarked Madhuri, who is on her first visit to Germany.
Madhuri said she decided to act in Gajagamini, impressed more out of its content than the form. ‘‘The film’s unique and does not fall into any particular category like a Bollywood film or arty film or parallel cinema,’’ she said.
Hussain said he chose Berlin for the world premiere of his directorial venture because of ‘‘emotional reasons and special attachment to the German capital’’.
Hussain recalled that a short film by him 30 years back was first shown in a Berlin film festival where he got ‘‘recognition’’ as a film-maker.
He said the theatre release of his film would be synchronised with holding major painting exhibitions featuring his works and other parallel cultural events, adding, ‘‘It will not be a typical release.’’
On why he chose Madhuri to play the role of Gaja Gamini, Hussain said she was the actress who ‘‘fitted the role best’’.