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Urmila: " I do only what excites me! "
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So what is UM's USP? In a sentence, it is working strictly at her own pace. Right from her beginnings as a lead actor with modest successes Narsimha (1991) and Chamatkar (1992) and a lot of turkeys that followed till she metamorphosed into a 'bomb' with Rangeela (1995), Urmila has never been a part of the rat-race. This approach may not have made her the richest star among them all, but it has paid off handsomely in all-important matters like staying power and a strong reputation for histrionics along with a va-va-voom side of her persona that can sizzle - and how! - at will.
And that's why 15 years down the line, when most of her contemporaries have fizzled out, have quit the profession or are considered passé, Urmila, along with half-compatriot Maharashtrian Kajol is still a key contender for the few meaty roles going, irrespective of genre or base. She fits equally perfectly in a Pinjar as in a Bhoot and a Naina or an Ek Hasina Thi, while Banaras, Bas Ek Pal or the forthcoming Speed are but three more assignments that are all in the day's work. And while Kajol has the A-list of co-stars, filmmakers and banners going for her, Urmila has sustained purely on the results of her own work in her films.
Over to Urmila, uncensored.
About defying conventions:
"I don't think like that. I simply do anything that excites me - and only what excites me! After Rangeela I did not sign the dozens of films that came my way to make millions. I did not seek creative satisfaction or whatever in art cinema as the next step after loading myself with money. And this is simply because I came here to act. Judaai, Satya, Hindustani, Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya, Pinjar, Bhoot, Naina and Banaras - can you tell me who has that kind of variety in films and roles today?"
On her formidable histrionic reputation being a source of pressure:
"Frankly, I want people to have lots of expectations from me as an actor! Pressure does not come from audience expectations, it comes only when you do not give your work your 100%. I give every film my hundred percent attention and focus, so I never feel stressed out."
On Vikram Bhatt's Speed as different from her usual films:
"When this thriller was offered to me I really felt like doing after I heard the story. I am the central character among several leading ladies, I play a woman chased by killers who approaches a stranger for help on the cell-phone. And I loved working with a clear director like Vikram Bhatt. If I have done variety, this is definitely a part of that."
On Banaras missing out on public acceptance:
"I knew that Banaras would be a niche film, but I guess it became too niche! But let me tell you that I am proud of the film. I also believe a lot in what it says. I have learnt a lot as a human being through its script and by working on the film. Its influence on my life is definite. I do not think that any role is difficult, but this role was one that I was very passionate about, and you feel that way, work becomes easier."
On the "Mehbooba o mehbooba" song in Ram Gopal Varma Ke Sholay:
"It's something to which I am really looking forward. I get to do the song with Amitabh Bachchan. Helen is a tough artiste to match."
On doing a lot of bad movies, especially in the '90s:
"I think everyone makes wrong choices on occasion. Luckily, I made all my mistakes in those early years. They would narrate something and what ultimately came was something completely different as well as terrible!"
On her food and fitness habits:
"Please! I am tired of answering questions on the subject. It is rather vain after a point to be asked about this. (Sighing) I'm not an exercise addict, eat like a pig or horse and never diet! You can never see me nibbling salads - my plates at parties seem to be stacked rather high with delicious things!"
On her family's perspective of a star at home:
"I am treated so normally by kith and kin that I sometimes feel my family is a bit too indifferent to a star at home!. They don't seem to be ever impressed by my work, and tend to gape when others lavishly praise my performances!"
On who that family is:
"My parents first. My sister got married not too long ago, and though she lives close by and she has married my best friend's brother and I drop in often, I do miss her. My brother Kedar is the eldest among us and works with the Air Force. But hey, I don't discuss family in my interviews."
On being a sex symbol:
"If other people do say so, I will not go out of my way to change that. But I'm just a simple Maharashtrian girl whose simple life consists of work and family."
On shaadi:
"Ah - that will happen when it will. I don't plan such things."
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Rajiv Vijayakar
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