Urmila Matondkar on changing scenario of films, female actors and more in Bollywood

Bollywood actor Urmila Matondkar hasn’t had a prominent role in a film for a long time. She recently did a special dance number in the movie, Blackmail, but the movie did not feature her in any other way. However, the actor says that she would be open to doing a film provided something interesting comes along.

Talking about the way the industry functions, she says that she is glad that Bollywood is in an experimental phase. “Different kinds of movies are being made and they’re doing good business. It’s changed a lot and for the better. This whole thing that movies are not being made for heroines solely is also not prevalent anymore,” Urmila says.

Watch Urmila Matondkar groove to Bewafa Beauty from Blackmail:

Speaking about the current generation of heroines, Urmila says she admires them for the way they have moulded themselves. She says, “I’ve love the way Deepika (Padukone) has evolved as an actor over the years. From where she has started to where she has reached, she has tried to do different kinds of roles. The range has been fantastic. Alia (Bhatt), of course, is lovely. Even Kangana (Ranaut) has done phenomenal work. She becomes the character she plays.”

When asked about how she has managed to have a balanced life amidst all the glitz and glamour in the ’90s, Urmila says, “I was in this line of work for the right reasons. I was not here for the glamour alone. Money, glitz and glamour are the by-products. If you enjoy your work, there would be no one happier than you. I came in this profession too early. So, either people go cuckoo or they get it right. I was in the latter category. I come from a rooted background. I’ve enjoyed the glamour and adulation, but while knowing that there is life beyond it. I’ve always given more importance to life in general, and therefore the balance.”

Speaking about her life in recent years, the actor says that she has had many interests beyond movies. “As much as I remember acting, I remember reading. I’ve been an avid reader since my childhood. I’ve read classics in probably all languages. I love learning languages and I’ve even learnt Spanish. At one point, I even wanted to become an air hostess. Thankfully, God had better plans for me. I’ve also been doing yoga since I was eight or nine because of my mother. Life has been wonderful,” Urmila signs off.