Bollywood’s dhak dhak girl, Madhuri Dixit is all set for a homecoming. She once reigned as the undisputed queen of the silver screen for a decade, but with the new brigade of divas, most of them half her age, would she find a place in the industry? And more so with hardly any roles scripted for women above 40, does a comeback of an ex-queen hold much chance?
Film critic and film trade analyst Komal Nahta is hopeful of her comeback. He believes the new brigade of filmmakers is experimenting with newer scripts and different ideas. “So, there is a lot of scope for good actors. Also, I am sure that an actor like Madhuri wouldn’t be looking for 20 films a year, but a few nice and strong ones,” he says.
“Also, we are reading that she has already rejected a few offers, which means there is some weight and she won’t grab anything that comes her way,” he adds.
But unlike the West, are Indian audiences ready and mature enough to accept a leading lady above 40, married and with kids?
Filmmaker Rahul Dholakia talks about actress Sarika, who made a comeback with his film on Gujarat riots, Parzania, and bagged a National Award for her role. “I am very sure that Madhuri will make a great comeback. But having said that, she has to opt for subject-driven roles rather than aiming for blockbusters,” he says. “Things are definitely changing in India too. And also with so many small-budget and issue-based films being made, there is a lot of opportunity for the talented actors,” he adds.
Filmmaker Rajshree Ojha, who made Aisha, agrees that age has never been a problem with male actors in Bollywood. She feels that the comeback of yesteryear divas like Sridevi and Karisma Kapoor hints at a promising trend. “Given that Indian audiences have been narrow-minded as compared to the Western ones, there has certainly been an evolution,” she says.
“If I have a script ready today, I would love to approach Madhuri. Actresses like her are the goddesses of the silver screen and are still fresh in our memories. They certainly deserve a grand comeback and longer innings,” she adds.