Interview: My problem is that I don’t keep in touch with people – Madhu

You are still looking as beautiful and fit as you did during Roza. First of all, what is the secret of this fitness?

I believe in the power of less (Power of Less), so first of all I eat less food. Now our culture has become such that we meet all our family members and friends for lunch, dinner or tea. Even if you are not hungry, you keep eating, but my mantra is to eat less. Live a simple life. I follow the old rule of not eating after sunset. I also do rest, yoga and walking every day. It is not that you did a lot of diet or exercise for four days and then gave up after feeling tired or bored. I believe in consistency, so I take care of my diet and workout daily. This is the result of that.

You debuted in Bollywood with superhit films like Phool Aur Kaante. Did a hit film like Roja. Then why did she suddenly disappear from Hindi films?

Actually, I was working in five languages ​​at the same time, so sometimes I was not able to do many films due to dates, but I worked continuously from 1991 to 1999 and I can proudly say that I never She was not sitting idle at home. Today actors do one or two films a year. Then they have a lot of gap period but I cannot sit idle. I get nervous about this, so by the grace of God I was very busy. The system was also different at that time, we used to do all types of films, so I don’t think that I did not work much in Hindi because Tamil people also say that your Roja, Gentleman was such a big hit but you did not do much work. The reason for this was that I was working in five industries simultaneously, so I got divided into five different languages. Even today, people in every industry know me for a different film. In Bollywood he is known for flowers and thorns and in Malayalam he is known for the warrior. In Kannada it is known for Anaiya and in Telugu it is known for Allaripriyadu. Roja was a Tamil film, which later became a hit in Hindi also, so everywhere I have worked in a film which was an iconic film for that state at that time. Yes, later I had decided to take a break from the industry and give time to my family.

Now how did you decide to return to Bollywood with Kartam Bhugatam?

Actually, when I took a break from the industry for a few years thinking that okay man, I don’t want to act anymore. I wanted to spend time with my family, then I realized that no friend, I am an actor and will always be an actor. So, I started doing films again with that feeling, because I felt that whether I act or not, whether I get a platform or not, I will always be an actor. So, now I want to work more. I want to stay in this industry because I love it. So, when Soham Shah offered me Kartam Bhugatam and I liked its story, I said yes to it.

Kartam Bhugatam is about astrology and planetary movements. How much do you believe in these things?

I am selective about the way astrologers describe the planets. I believe those who say, ‘Hey, something very good is going to happen’, because it gives me hope, but those who say that you are not having a good time right now. If you give me money, I can do this ritual and perform puja, then I don’t do it at all. I don’t think any person can tell my future exactly and anyone can change my destiny by doing puja. However, I believe in destiny, I believe in the power of God or the universe but do not believe in rituals.

In that era of 90’s, actresses were mostly kept for dancing and singing as glamour. Do you believe that the position of heroines in the industry has strengthened with time?

Don’t know. I did all types of roles even at that time. I was recognized as a good actor, which was a big thing for me because when I tried to enter films, I was rejected saying that I could not be a good actor. I was told that she doesn’t even know how to answer the phone, will she become an actor and when a child hears such a thing before starting his career, he gets shocked. So, after that I came back fully prepared by learning acting, dancing, diction, and when I was told that she is a good actress, I felt it was a victory. I have never seen whether I am a good actor or a glamor star. I did both types of work. I have also danced wearing a short skirt and have also done scenes wearing a saree and tying a braid.

You started Ajay Devgan’s career. Heartfelt feelings with them too. Later, were you in touch with him or anyone in the industry?

My problem is that I don’t keep in touch with anyone. If there is one thing I would like to change in myself then it is this habit and I am changing it. Whoever I remember now, I pick up the phone and say hello to them. If I see any of my old friends or acquaintances somewhere, I go and say hello to them. I am bringing these changes in myself which I did not do before. I had never been in touch with anyone before.