Madhuri Dixit opens up on the Kalank debacle, dismisses talks about a biopic on her, says focus on inspiring real life success stories
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 29, 2019)

This year has been a mixed bag for Madhuri Dixit. While Indra Kumar’s madcap comedy, Total Dhamaal, opened in February to an overwhelming response, Karan Johar’s period drama, Kalank, which followed soon after was a crashing disappointment. But the actress remains blissfully unfazed, reasoning that after over three decades in showbiz, such things don’t matter. “I’ve been around for far too long to be either disappointed or elated by the box-office result of a film. We gave it our best, but sometimes things don’t work, and you just move on,” she shrugs nonchalantly.

Madhuri hasn’t announced new films but buzz is, she features in Tahira Kashyap’s debut directorial. “Not just this film, there are also rumours that someone is making a biopic on me. I think it’s too early for a biopic, I have a lot more to achieve,” she laughs.

She also clears speculations about teaming up with her Tezaab director, N Chandra. “He hasn’t approached me yet but maybe there is something on his mind,” she muses. While speaking to Mirror, the filmmaker had revealed that he had bumped into Madhuri on the set of Total Dhamaal and was working on a script with her in mind.

Meanwhile, the actress is entering the music space and is scheduled to shoot a video for her debut album. “I do have an album in English that I plan to drop soon. We’re working towards releasing it this year but still planning the shoot. Let’s see how that works out,” she smiles.

The smile broadens when quizzed about her boys, 16-year-old Arin and 14-year-old Raayan, and whether they are showing any interest in acting or dance. “Not in acting yet, no, but the older one has begun to show interest in dance. They have learnt the piano and the tabla, so they do have music in their lives,” she says.

The actress cherishes her life beyond the movies and whenever free, makes it a point to spend time with her kids. “They need me now and I want to impart the values my parents passed on. When we were growing up, we didn’t have things, so were more motivated to achieve. But how do you inspire those who have everything and don’t want more? It’s important to keep encouraging them to be achievers,” she avers.

The actress is gearing up to make her comeback on TV with the second season of her reality show Dance Deewane. She avers that the USP of the show are the ‘third generation’ contestants who are 35 and above. “The success of the first season has inspired many to compete. We have some interesting backstories of the contestants and would like to discover another Madhuri Dixit and Prabhudheva,” she says.

Does she watch TV? “I enjoy singing shows like Sa Re Ga Ma Pa and Rising Star. Recently we had an Indian team (Kings United India) win World of Dance. These are kids from Nalasopara. Such stories inspire us to give a platform to real talent,” she signs off.