‘I’m Looking for Characters That Challenge Me’

After over four decades in cinema, Madhuri Dixit says she no longer wants to play idealized women and is instead drawn to complex, flawed characters that challenge her as an actress. The actor, who is back with Maa Behen, also talks about the appeal of digital storytelling and the joy of working with the film crew.

Are you willing to increase your turnover at this point in your career? What do you look for in your characters?

I think I’m looking for something different every time I come to the screen. Ms. Deshpande was very different from The Fame Game and both were very different from Maja Ma. As you can see in my new movie Maa Behen, I don’t mind being a little bad. The hero no longer needs to be whitewashed. My role in this movie is extremely different from the roles I have played before. I’m looking for something that will challenge me and excite me enough to go to the set and work every day.

Which films do you consider as the turning point in your career?

The biggest turning point was Tezaab. I was already in the industry and working regularly, but I could not achieve great success. Tezaab was my first big hit. And of course, the rest is history.

How different is working on a digital platform compared to the big screen?

I don’t think there is a big difference because, whether it is a movie or a digital project, you are ultimately playing a character. The only difference is that a series gives you more time to establish the characters and their backstories. Even the smaller characters are explored in greater depth, which adds layers to the narrative. In the movie, the story is shorter and you have to convey everything in a shorter time. But that doesn’t change what we do as players.

How was the experience of working with the Maa Behen team?

It was easy because we all got along so well. After watching Tumhari Sulu, I always wanted to work with director Suresh Triveni. I was very excited when this opportunity presented itself. It was amazing working with Triptii Dimri and Dharna Durga. We got along like a house on fire and we literally set the house on fire during the shoot! (Laughs) Ravi Kishanji and all the other actors were amazing. We had so much fun making this movie. It’s been an exciting journey, I hope the audience enjoys it too.

What attracted you to the project?

The characters were amazing. The film portrays a chaotic, dysfunctional family. They are far from perfect and there is a certain madness in their world. The mother role I play is a strong woman in itself. He breaks all the rules and even drags his children into his chaos. That’s what I loved about the character. Women, especially mothers, are often placed on a pedestal. But this movie breaks that tradition. She is not an ideal mother; he is human first. That’s what made the role so appealing to me.

What was your initial reaction to the title and theme of Maa Behen?

At first I was surprised by the title. But when I listened to the script, I felt like it was absolutely appropriate. The title, like the movie itself, is a bit sarcastic. Comedy, drama, mystery and detective thriller; all in one.