Madhuri Dixit, one of the most cherished figures in Indian cinema, has captivated audiences for over four decades. As she takes on the unexpected role of a serial killer in the upcoming series Mrs Deshpande, directed by Nagesh Kukunoor, she speaks about the evolution of roles for women in the industry and her approach to portraying a darker character.
Historically, female actors have engaged in dark roles, but mainstream stars rarely portrayed unredeemable killers. Madhuri attributes this shift to changing audience expectations and more daring filmmakers. She notes, “Times have changed, and the audience has changed,” reflecting on how increased access to global cinema has broadened viewers’ understanding of character complexity. This newfound appreciation for layered storytelling marks a significant maturation in audience taste, she believes.
Reflecting on her own career journey, Madhuri shares insights on the challenges she faced early on. Starting with her debut in Abodh, she emphasizes the importance of breaking traditional molds and embracing diverse roles. “It is path-breaking that women are getting these kinds of roles. We need more directors like Nagesh who think like that,” she states, highlighting the crucial role of progressive storytelling in shaping female characters.
Having dominated the industry in the 90s, Madhuri also explored parallel cinema, engaging with films like Mrityudand and Lajja. Through these choices, she showcases her versatility. Recalling her collaboration with Prakash Jha on Mrityudand, she expresses gratitude for the opportunity to work across various genres, despite being primarily known as a commercial actress.
Madhuri emphasizes that the responsibility for artistic experimentation often lies with the stars themselves. She points out that many artists hesitate to venture outside their comfort zones, adhering to existing norms. “A lot of times, because of these myths that exist, the artist doesn’t want to do that kind of film,” she explains, underlining the need for openness in exploring unconventional roles.
In Mrs Deshpande, Madhuri not only steps into the shoes of a serial killer, but also performs her own action sequences, including Krav Maga, defying typical expectations of her character. Remarkably, she declined the use of a stunt double during filming, believing it essential for authenticity. “It should look real; it should look believable that a woman who is so petite and looks like a normal housewife can do something like that,” she insists. This dedication to realism not only enhances the character’s authenticity but also adds an unexpected element of surprise.
Scheduled to premiere on JioHotstar on December 19, Mrs Deshpande features Madhuri alongside actors Priyanshu Chatterjee and Siddharth Chandekar. As she ventures into this new and ambitious role, Madhuri Dixit continues to redefine boundaries for women in the film industry.