I'm itching to get back home' MADHURI

Ghar Ki Yaad: Madhuri Dixit pic/pradeep Dhivar

Madhuri Dixit has been in Mumbai for over two months now, shooting for Yash Raj Films' Aaja Nachle.

When we catch up with the actress with the million-dollar smile, she discusses her comeback film, her svelte new avatar and missing her life in Denver.

How does it feel to be back after a gap of six years?

It's fun. It's great to be back and catch up with my family and friends.

Were you nervous, anxious, excited on the first day of shooting?

All that and more and very emotional. It was tough facing the camera the first day, but acting is like swimming and cycling — no matter how long it's been since you last did it, you can't forget it.

What made you decide on Aaja Nachle as your comeback film?

The script was the most important factor as Aaja… has a great script. Also, I have worked with Yashji (Chopra) before in Dil Toh Pagal Hai and I share a certain level of comfort with him.

Being an experienced actress do you ever feel that you know everything that is to know about acting?

Not at all. I treat each film as a separate entity and give it the respect it deserves. I am a director's baby.

You've always been known as a professional. Did that come with being an actress?

No, I've grown up that way. I learnt kathak as a child — learning any dance form makes you disciplined. My family is a big supporter of culture, so we grew up learning classical singing and dancing. Discipline was in bred.

Are you a perfectionist?

No. I try to do everything perfectly, but I can't, so I try to do what I can to the best of my ability. I remember once when we were shooting for Prakash Jha's Mrityudand in Wai, he made a paper bird using Origami (Japanese form of artwork)and challenged us to do it too.

Everybody else gave up after a while, but I just kept going at it wanting to learn and perfect the art. By the next time we shot at Wai for the same film, I had learnt the art and showed him what I had made!

How are Arin and Ryan liking Madhuri Dixit, the actor?

My elder son Arin sometimes asks me why I am dressing up, but Ryan is too young to understand what's going on. If Arin likes something, he will comment on it. Like the other day, he commented, 'Oh, your hair is beautiful.' They come on the sets and have fun.

Are you missing Denver and your life there?

It is a different life. Right now, India is like a picnic where I am shooting and catching up with family and friends. I miss being with my children sometimes, but they are having fun too, so it's alright.

I missed the chatak-matak khaana. But yes, now I am itching to get back home to Denver. The kids miss their home, the cats and their friends.

You have lost a lot of weight since your return.

Ram (Nene, her husband) and I have always felt that if you want to live a good life, you have to be healthy. And if you want to establish a good example
for your kids, you have to do it first. So we are living healthy and working
out and our kids are health conscious too.

How has your husband taken to your new role as an actress?

He was here only for 10 days. He came on the sets one day and enjoyed it. He has seen Devdas, so for him it's not a big thing to see me as an actress.

An actress, wife and now a mother. Any unfulfilled dreams?

I love being all three. I love my art. The best thing about acting is that you can be so many different people in one lifetime. I always wanted to get married and settle down, and when that happened it was like living one of my dreams.

Being a mother was another extension of everything I had dreamed of. God has been very kind to me. There are no regrets and no complaints. Today, I feel complete and happy.