"I had butterflies in my stomach" Madhuri Dixit

By: Devansh Patel, IndiaFM
Tuesday, 27, November, 2007

It's the most awaited comeback in Bollywood and the wait is going to end soon. Her film Aaja Nachle, hits the cinemas worldwide on Friday and she is all set to melt the hearts of millions with her million dollar smile. In this exclusive interview, Devansh Patel speaks to the Indian Film Industry's heartbeat or shall I say..."Dhak Dhak" - Madhuri Dixit.

1988 film Tezaab's Ek Do Teen song brought you in the limelight and gave Bollywood it's biggest star. What is Aaja Nachle going to do next?
I don't know. I think people will have to tell me what the film is going to do. All I can say is that I've had fun working in this movie and it's been great. The kind of response I got from the people, the way they accepted me after five years all goes to show that I am back to where I belong, in Bollywood.

How emotional are you feeling today while talking about Aaja Nachle?
It's a bit emotional but yet exciting for me. There are butterflies in my stomach right now. You wonder how will people react to the film, what's going to happen next, will I be able to deliver the goods, etc. But so far the reaction has been good. People have loved the promos and we have kept our fingers crossed.

When Aditya Chopra approached you with the script, did you instantly agree to do the film or was he in for a shock of his life?
When Aditya came to meet me, he was very keen that he wanted only me to do this film as he had specially scripted the film with me in mind. So I told him that do people still want to see me again because it's almost five years that I have been out of the industry. Then when I read the script I thought that I could draw some parallels to my life. Aaja Nachle is a fun film with music and dance. It's very realistic and contemporary too.

Does that mean that the film has an underlined message?
Yes, it does have. The new cultures from the West are always going to come in and there are going to be lot of influences on our own culture. But in spite of that, we should not forget our identity and tradition. You can invite new cultures but try and nourish your own, is what the message of the film is.

How was your journey from Denver to India and describe your first day in front of the camera after five years.
My journey was a long one. It took me 22 hours to reach India and then it took another two hours to get to Shamli, the make believe town where we have shot the film. It's been a wonderful journey. When I met the whole cast and crew, I stood in front of the camera to decide whether I should quit or not? But once the camera rolled, everything else just melted away.

Was it difficult to work with new comers like Kunal Kapoor, Konkana Sen Sharma, Ranvir Shorey and Vinay?
You know the funny thing is that it wasn't difficult at all. They are so sweet, they are so likeable, they are so bright and at the end of the day they are such good actors that it's been fun working with them. Even though Kunal Kapoor and a few others are not so experienced, they are so professional that you start wondering if you are actually working with the new bunch of actors. Even Ranvir and Vinay are so natural and have immense talent. There was a lot of life and energy in all the scenes we have performed together.

You came, you acted and then you had to part. I mean, how was your last day of the shoot?
Don't remind me of that! We all got so emotional. I was fortunate to be a part of such a big family that it was difficult to leave the cast and the crew. We all nearly had tears in our eyes but thankfully no one cried.

So what is the secret behind your gorgeous figure and your energetic dance moves even after being a mother of two?
It is just my love for dancing and keeping myself fit which I think is so important in today's time. In fact, my kids love dancing too and you will always find them shaking a leg or two at home.