‘I should run away and find a guy' - Hindustan Times
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‘I should run away and find a guy'

Hindustan Times | ByHiren Kotwani, Mumbai
Aug 02, 2008 11:37 AM IST

While remaining entrenched in the movies, she has reinvented herself as a TV personality. What's on her immediate agenda? Urmila Matondkar in conversation with Hiren Kotwani.

She pop ups in your drawing rooms now. While remaining entrenched in the movies, she has reinvented herself as a TV personality. Constantly springing surprises, she was suddenly all over the city hoardings for a fashion line..she can sing and write too. What's on her immediate agenda? Urmila Matondkar in converstion with Hiren Kotwani.

Why a TV show like Waar Parivaar?
I did Jhalak Dikhla Jaa because I love dancing. And I thought I was done with TV. There were several offers but I wasn't tempted. Then this concept came up.. with families as participants. Being a family person myself, I felt I would be in a comfort zone.

(Laughs) I wouldn't have done it if it was about American country music. And I won't deny that the money is fantastic too. But money has never been the deciding factor so far.

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HT Image

Emotions, politics, fights, tears, drama.. so much is faked on reality shows these days. After two shows, I can say that there's much more drama in real life. We're not speaking rehearsed lines like mannequins, what you see is for real. I've been around for too long to take the audience for a ride. You can't fake emotions because sooner or later, you'll get caught and lose your credibility. That was also the first thing I cleared before I took on the show.

The TRPs haven't been as high as those for Jhalak Dikhla Jaa 2.
The IPL was on when Sony launched it. The show is aired at 8 pm, and the matches also started simultaneously. After the IPL ended, the TRPs are better.

You only have two movies on hand, EMI and Karzzzz.
As time passes, one becomes even more selective.. Some of the films I'd thumbed down turned out to be big hits. You learn. I'm like Alice in Wonderland, learning every day. I've always taken risks. It's not the greatest feeling when some of them didn't pay off.

So you aren't satisfied with the way your career has shaped up?
No, I didn't mean that. The mistakes, failures and achievements, all are the result of my decisions. If you look at life as a destination, you're dead.

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I started at 16, so till now, there has been a huge growth. Whether it was an item song or a fullfledged role, I've always gone where others have feared to tread. And I have succeeded too.

How does a film like EMI fit into your scheme of things?
I haven't done a multi-starrer in a while. Also I loved the fact that a serious issue like EMI could be treated lightly. I'm working with Sanju (Dutt) after a long time. And we've shot at some of the most godforsaken places in Mumbai.

The film seems to revolve around Sanjay Dutt.
EMI was the first movie Sanju started shooting for after he came out. The media was on the sets to interview him. That created the buzz. I can't be written about for my little toe's nail being chipped, ha ha.. My philosophy is that my work should create the buzz. That has kept me where I am, instead of screaming from rooftops about supposed makeovers. Ha ha..

Then why a remake of Karz with Himesh Reshammiya?
Why not? Karz has been one of my favourite films and this one has superb music. The character is a strong woman, though many changes have been incorporated in the second half.

Initially I was skeptical about Karzzzz, but Satishji (Kaushik) and Bhushan Kumar were hellbent and brainwashed me into believing that I'd regret it if I didn't do a role like this. And so far, I've no regrets.

How come Ram Gopal Varma signs you for an item song, but doesn't do a full-fledged film with you?
I believe the director knows best. If Ramu had offered me a role in Aag or Sarkar Raj and not Mehbooba mehbooba, then you would have asked me why he didn't offer me the Mehbooba song.

There were times when we were planning movies and things didn't work out. I've never be one of those actress to wonder why this.. and why not that. How many actresses do you know who have got films like Pinjar and acted in them too?

What do you think of the newer lot of actresses?
The new lot are all very good, competent, focused and know their job. They also know they have lesser time, so they have to give acting their best shot.

Deepika Padukone was good in

Om Shanti Om

, Sonam Kapoor was superb in

Saawariya

, Genelia D'Souza is lovely in

Jaane Tu..

these are immediate ones that come to mind now.

What about direction? Or production with a film producing corporation? Or cutting your own album since you've sung a track with Asha Bhosle?
I'm not cut out for production or direction. I've been asked about an album, but it's too time consuming.

So what else have you been doing when not shooting?
Travelling here and there.. music.. lots of things under question mark, like learning to play the guitar, learning French, salsa.. these are some of the things I'd like to do some time.

What about writing about your travels?
Writing is interesting. Blogging has been on my mind for over a year now. I've already got 20 ready themes to start blogging. But my friends ask me what for.. to change the world?

For me it's more about expressing thoughts, ideas.. it's high time I did it. But certainly not for making news.. before you ask me.

And who's the secret man in your life?
Colin Farrell (laughs).. No yaar, I think I should run away and find someone in some other part of the world. Think it's difficult finding a man who is not affected by the fact that you're an actress? I guess it is tough when you're a celebrity.. but not much is lost. I've never believed in getting into a relationship just for the sake of it. It needs to be something that is important and takes life to another level.

Otherwise, I'd rather wait. I hope men are not overawed. If a man has his own individuality, then there are no issues. But if he doesn't, then he's not worth the time.

Hasn't Sunita Menon predicted anything for you?
No yaar.. she doesn't have time for me.. ha ha..

What next?
I'm looking at some more scripts.. I'll be signing a couple of projects in the next week or so.

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