Madhuri one of my best co-stars, says Juhi

Actress Juhi Chawla, who is sharing the screen space with her once arch rival Madhuri Dixit Nene for the first time in "Gulaab Gang", calls the "dhak dhak" girl her "one of the best co-stars" so far.

Loosely based on Uttar-Pradesh based Sampat Pal's "Gulabi Gang", which works for the women's betterment, "Gulaab Gang" features Madhuri in the main lead, and Juhi in a negative role.

"I enjoyed working in 'Gulaab Gang' because I was working with Madhuri in the film. First time we shot the scenes with each other," Juhi said here Tuesday at the wrap-up party of the film.

"I think she (Madhuri Dixit) has been one of my best co-stars," Juhi added.

Juhi made her acting debut in 1986 with "Sultanat", while Madhuri started acting with 1984 film "Abodh".

But both the actresses had their first commercial hits in 1988 - Juhi made it big with "Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak", while Madhuri rocked the nation with her "Ek do teen" number in "Tezaab".

Post that, both gave many hits - If Juhi's Oeuvre boasts of films like "Darr", "Yes Boss", "Deewana Mastana", "Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke", "Bol Radha Bol" and "Ishq", Madhuri gave blockbusters like "Dil", "Saajan", "Beta", "Ram Lakhan", "Dil To Pagal Hai" and "Devdas".

Recalling the time of their rivalry, Juhi said: "There was a time when we were arch rivals and that rivalry remained for many years. We used to talk little bit. Whenever we met at any function or on the set of the film...just said 'hello' and moved ahead," the 46-year-old said.

But now, putting all the rivalry aside, Juhi is really looking forward to "Gulaab Gang".

"After so many years, we both have got an opportunity to work together in a film. Besides, when I accepted that the script is very strong and she (Madhuri) is the hero and I am the villain in the film, it became very easy to work in the film," Juhi said.

Co-produced by Anubhav Sinha and Abhinay Deo, "Gulaab Gang" has been directed by debutante Soumik Sen.

Crediting Soumik for breaking the ice between her and Madhuri, Juhi said: "Soumik did one of the best things. He called the whole gang (team) of the film and read out the script. Before the shooting of the film, he called me and Madhuri in his office and said, 'You people talk about anything, whatever you want to'."

"So, that was an 'ice breaker' (between me and Madhuri) before going on the set," Juhi recalled.