You might have been non-committal. But one encounter is enough.
Enough to realise the lady is just not another pretty face in Bollywood. She's articulate, aware and very definitely has a mind of her own.

If you need more proof, just switch back to the night of the Filmfare awards. And Madhuri Dixit's answer to her critics on receiving the award for the best actress for Dil to Pagal Hai.

You have seen her prowess in acting, now catch a glimpse of Madhuri, the woman behind the face. This year Madhuri has four films slated for release. Her Tamil film, Engineer with Arvind Swamy is due for release at the end of the year. We caught up with Madhuri in between her shots for Wajood.

How do you react to the awards?
I feel just great. The Screen awards are decided by a jury. They watch every film, every nuance. In that sense, it is a critics' award. Whereas in Filmfare, the people vote. It's a vindication of your commercial success. In India, commercial success for an artiste is very important. But since I love this art very much, my artistic nature is very satisfied with critical acclaim. So these awards are an ideal combination. It is an answer to all my critics and people who have written against me.

Which role gave you more satisfaction, Mrityudand or Dil To Pagal Hai?
Both really. I love to get carried away by the character of Ketaki (Mrityudand). People can also identify with Ketaki to the point where it's not Madhuri anymore, but Ketaki. Dil To Pagal Haion the other hand is a commercial film. I was working with a man of Yashji's stature for the first time. I knew he has the reputation of presenting his heroines very aesthetically. For me, every film is important and every film is my baby.

What are the films in hand now?
I am working on four films this year - Pukar, Wajood, Arzoo and Hum Tere Hai Sanam. All are very important to me. There is also a Tamil film which I am working on, Engineer, which should be released at the end of this year.

Do you agree that Dil To Pagal Hai did give a boost to your career?
I committed to Dil To Pagal Hai three years ago, after Hum Aapke.. .So there is no question of a boost. It's just that everything finally worked out between Yashji and me. I was able to give him dates.

Where is it from here? There's been a lot of talk of your supposed plans to marry and settle in the US.
That's been going for four years now! Every time I go to the US for a holiday, this happens. I am not feeling any urge to marry now. I feel the day it is destined that I will marry, that day I will.

So now its career?
It's been that way for all these years. I am fully committed to my career. No one tells me, isko yeh kaam karna hai ki nahi. I live my life my own way. If I meet some guy who I feel is good and right for me, I'll marry him at the time.

How do you feel about M F Husain's adulation? Since you must be used to adulation, do you feel it's just some more?
Husain is an achiever who has established himself internationally. Now it must be easier since the world has opened up, but before it must have been quite difficult. When one achiever acknowledges another as an achiever, it's definitely a big boost. Not just mere flattery .

How about the porogress of Gajagamini?
Hopefully all the problems have now settled down. We will be starting shooting soon.

Your fans have been loyal to you?
Yes, They have been unfailingly loyal. They have shown me the same love again and again. They have been with me through the triumphs and the lean times. If any negative thing is written about me, they send letters to the editor! When some child says to me 'I really liked you in that dance,' I feel so lucky. You must be really fortunate to be the object of such liking. The loyalty is a major plus.

What is it like to be a woman in the industry?
I believe that whatever a woman is, be it a doctor, lawyer, journalist, she must create her own personality. Create a niche for herself. People treat you exactly the way you want to be treated. If you chooses to compromise, then no one can be blamed for the consequences. I have always done things my way.

Describe Madhuri Dixit:
I love to meet people, talk to them. I am aware of what is happening around me, of people and their lives. When I do get some time, I love to travel, meet my friends, play with my nieces...

No discos, or parties?
It's nice to go sometimes if one is with a group of friends. But I love to read or listen to my music. I would rather stay home with my music or watch TV.

By N Anandhi