'Rangeela has changed the attitude
of the Indian audience towards sex.'

She started her career winning hearts, playing one of Naseeruddin Shah's cute children in Shekhar Kapur's Masoom. Unlike many child actresses who fade with acne and adolescence, Urmila Matondkar hung on in there, waiting for the right adult role to come her way. That arrived in the form of N Chandra's instantly forgettable Narsimha.

When even Shah Rukh Khan could not take Chamatkar, places, she seemed destined to join the ranks of the also-rans. Then, fate intervened. An encounter with southside director Ram Gopal Verma changed her life. Drohi, their first film together, sank without a trace. But Rangeela, their other collaboration, was on the way. The blockbuster has made Urmila one of the hottest properties in Bollywood, a clear contender for the perch currently occupied by Ms Dixit.

The actress spoke to Syed Firdaus Ashraf on the sets of Juddai in Hyderabad. Excerpts from the interview:

How does it feel to be at the top?

I am very satisfied. I feel my hard work has paid off. It's really great to be at the top.

Did you ever think you would be such a craze after Rangeela?

No! Nobody can link the success of a movie with a particular artiste. I did not expect I would be at the top after this movie. It is team work and lot of effort from every member of the unit that makes a film a hit.

Do you think you have changed after Rangeela?

No! I'm the same Urmila.

Did you feel disappointed that you did not win the Filmfare award?

No! I was not upset.

Did you want to be an actress since your childhood?

I always liked acting but it was not that I was dying to become an actress. It just happened, and I am enjoying it.

How many offers do you get in a day now?

It is very difficult to say. Quite a few.

Is it not true that every major director wants you for his film?

That's true.

What kind of films would you like to do now?

All kinds of films.

Women-oriented films?

I would like to do films where I will be remembered after people leave the theatres. At the moment it is difficult to say, but when good offers come I will be able to judge what kind of films I will do.

Are you planning to do Ram Gopal Verma's next film?

You must ask him that. But I would be most delighted if he casts me.

You began your career working with great actors like Naseeruddin Shah and Shabana Azmi. How did you feel then?

I won't call it acting. For me they were Shabana aunty and Naseer uncle. It is only when I see that movie (Masoom) today that I realise their acting calibre. I feel they are the greatest actors in the country.

You are doing Yash Chopra's film opposite Madhuri Dixit. Do you think you will get a fair deal?

It is too early to say, too premature. But I'm very excited about this film. I think it will do well.

Who is your ideal actress?

I like Meryl Streep and Jodie Foster. Among Indian actress I prefer Madhubala and Nutan.

You are doing Kamal Hassan's Indian. How is he to work with?

He is just great. I think he is one of the most dedicated, sincere artistes I have ever seen.

Did your parents always encourage you to become an actress?

No, they were cool about it. They wanted me to pursue my studies. They were not pushy. They were encouraging, but I can say they were not pushy.

Had you not been an actress, what would you have done?

It is impossible to say. But I would have been extraordinary in my field. When I was in college, I wanted to major in psychology. I'd probably have done something in that field.

You replaced Karishma Kapoor in Juddai.Did you speak to her about that?

No. I did not talk to her. Because when the role came to me it was all behind me. So why should I talk to her? The producers approached me so there is no question of talking to her.

People expect a lot from you after Rangeela.Are you nervous?

This is a problem with every actor. After every hit people expect a great deal from that actor, that s/he must perform better. And when the actors do not match their expectations they are upset.

How do you react when people call you a sex symbol?

Rangeela is a film which you can see with your family. There is nothing vulgar in it. It has changed the entire attitude of the Indian audience towards sex. It is a trend-setter.