I’ve always been a private person, says Urmila Matondkar

Urmila Matondkar is back on the big screen and she is graceful as ever in Blackmail’s new song Bewafa Beauty. Urmila is a dancing queen of the 90’s and gets same magic in 2018 with her thumkas and nakhra. The song has been sung by Pawni Pandey and composed by Amit Trivedi. 

When asked about being missing from the screen for so long, she reveals, “It’s not about going missing; but there was nothing interesting or exciting enough to take up. If you notice, I had done a variety of roles in diverse genres within a short span. Unless something that was offered to me went beyond that, it didn’t make sense to do it. Also, over a period of time, there are other things that you want to do and they become your priorities. I wanted to travel. It’s different when you’re not married. That’s not the reason in my case. It’s just that unless I was doing something I hadn’t done before, I wasn’t going to take up any and every offer that came my way.”

When asked if keeping her marriage private was a conscious decision, Urmila said, “I’ve always been a private person. There was nothing to talk about. People got to know about my marriage, which was the important part, when it happened.”

Talking about the song, she continued, “When you listen to the track, you’ll understand the reason. The magical duo - composer Amit Trivedi and lyricist Amitabh Bhattacharya — has done a superb job. When director Abhinay Deo approached me, he said I don’t wish to do just another item song. And though this dance number will have thumkas, nakhras, jhatkas, it will have more to do with expressions, rather than just movements. I thought it would be amazing to do something like this. Moreover, Abhinay’s humour is also different. The way the song has been treated is important and the expressions had to be more sultry. My character is trying to convey the lyrics through her eyes and expressions. I’ve also been known for my glamorous and out-and-out dance numbers; and I’m game for something new and exciting.”

Has she changed post marriage? On this, the actor said, “Not much. If you have to change yourself or the other person too much, the purpose is lost. Marriage makes life fulfilling, you explore more things with a partner than when you are alone. When it happens at the right time, with the right person and for the right reason, only then does it have a meaning. There are not too many changes. I travel more often now. And since both of us like to travel, we take the opportunity to do that more than before.”

“I do visit Kashmir a lot, but we don’t stay there for long. His work is managed by his team. If someone asks me if I’d love to go (to Kashmir), I’d say yes every time. You’ll find it strange but despite having travelled all over India for work, Kashmir is the only place I had not gone to. It’s a breathtakingly beautiful place. And the food is awesome,” added Urmila.

Will she venture into production? On this, she said, “No, producing or directing is not my cup of tea. I’m happy being in front of the camera. It’s a big high and if it’s not a high, it’s no fun. So, I’m going to stick to acting for the time being.”

Asked about the long gap, she said, “It doesn’t feel like a break. You’re very much part of films, being on the jury of award ceremonies or constantly mingling with the fraternity. At the same time, I also believe that there’s a beautiful world out there. It’s better to explore what the world has to offer.  While it’s amazing to be in front of the camera, you need to do a lot of other things as well. If something exciting and interesting comes up, then I’ll take it up,” says Urmila

 — Courtesy: Pinkvilla