I'll be dancing for Mr Bachchan: Urmila M

Urmila Matondkar tells Subhash K Jha why she likes hosting the new TV show Superstars and her first children's film.

You've just done something totally unexpected.
Yes, I did my first children's film called Fun On The Run?. It's an adaptation of a Ruskin Bond story. My second literary adaptation after Pinjar. I've a very sweet cameo, like what Julie Andrews played in The Sound Of Music.

It's about the adventures of two kids on the run, and all the people they meet on the way. Towards the end of the film they meet this music teacher played by me.

How was the experience?
Lovely. I've just two scenes. But what a pleasure it was to work with these two child actors. I always want to connect with kids. Not much is done for them in the way of education and entertainment.

Barring a few, no special films are made for children in this country. Hullo? Are kids just supposed to study and grow up? My two little co-stars in this film were so skilled. Luckily they weren't filmy kids.

How has the experience of shooting for Superstars been so far?
I really like the experience. This is the first time that I'm getting to interact with people beyond my scope as an actress. It's like every evening you come in direct contact with people. Since this is a show that doesn't look at singing or acting ability, but the complete personality, I find it very exciting.

Do you think these talent-hunt shows on television make it easier for newcomers to make it?
The quick exposure that a wannabe gets is really heartening. Bollywood is the no.1 entertainment channel today. Everyone wants to get into it. Even people from non-film families want their children in. Of course once you get the first opportunity you are on your own. It isn't any easier for star kids. I wasn't a star kid. No one spared me when I came into the industry.

What's that 'IT' quality that makes a star?
It is that whole aura, a complete personality that makes a star. You cannot imagine anyone but Nutan in Bandini or Sujata…Or Rekha in Umrao Jaan. I was watching Mr Bachchan in Don the other day. I couldn't take my eyes off him.

That's what I call star quality. He has stayed in my mind forever. In Kabhi Alvidaa…. he has just 2-3 major scenes. But he's so wonderful. Really, if you ask me about the most complete star it will have to be Mr Bachchan.

Isn't it sad you've never shared screen space with AB sr?
Ah, but that will soon be rectified. I'll be dancing for Mr Bachchan in Ram Gopal Varma's Sholay. It'd be awesome. Who wouldn't want to perform Mehbooba oh mehbooba for Mr Bachchan?

It better be special. I've done some fairly well-received item songs. I've always tried to keep all my item songs separate from one another.

Mehbooba has to be special. I want it better than what I've done. And to match Helenji's steps! I know every dance of hers inside-out. Mehbooba oh mehbooba is my all-time favourite. I can't wait to do it in my own way.

Your last release Bas Ek Pal had you looking chic.
This was a rare ensemble film for me. I'm seldom cast with so many other actors. I was bowled over by the sincerity with which Onir made his first film. My Brother Nikhil isn't the kind of film I'd see too often. But I'm glad I saw it. It impelled me to work with Onir.

It left a deep impact. Bas Ek Pal is a take on life and how one moment can change our lives forever. I get to play a very contemporary character. She's vibrant and sensuous and not scared to flaunt her sexuality.

I saw the film. And I realized how sensitively Onir has shown human relationships. It's easy to show relationships. But hard to conclude them effectively. Onir has done it.

Then you've a completely different film coming up.
Yes, Speed. I hadn't done a thriller before. I share a very warm rapport with the producer Harry Baweja and his family. I'm listening to a lot of other scripts. I don't want to make old mistakes. Rather make fresh ones. I'd love to do comedy.

What happened to the comedy M.F Husain wanted to make with you?
That's what I'd like to ask him. Basically he just got busy with other things. He's a very humorous person. And would make a great comedy. When others come to me with comedies I don't know whether to laugh or cry. I just want to be in a comedy and have fun.