‘My neighbor in Denver once called me, saying, “I think someone is watching your house. Should I alert the police?”… They were worried about potential robberies.’
‘I reassured them, “No, no, it’s just because I’m an actress.”‘
IMAGE: Madhuri Dixit. Photograph: Kind courtesy Madhuri Dixit/Instagram
Career and Family Background
Madhuri Dixit is preparing to portray a serial killer in her upcoming series, Mrs Deshpande. She recently shared insights into her life and career journey.
Coming from a ‘traditional’ background, Madhuri discussed her family’s initial reluctance towards her acting career, particularly from her mother’s side.
“Pursuing acting was a significant decision. My mom’s family was very orthodox, though my dad’s side was more accepting. We sought approval from my mom’s family,” Madhuri explained.
Her great-grandmother, who was progressive in her thinking, supported her decision, saying, ‘I’ve seen her dance, and she’s talented. She should share her art with the world.’ With this blessing, Madhuri embarked on her acting career.
IMAGE: Madhuri’s husband Dr. Sriram Nene with their sons Arin and Ryan. Photograph: Kind courtesy Madhuri Dixit/Instagram
Personal Life and Move to the U.S.
Madhuri married Dr. Sriram Nene, a cardiovascular surgeon from Los Angeles, on October 17, 1999, and relocated to the United States. They have two sons, Arin (born in 2003) and Ryan (born in 2005).
Dr. Nene, having grown up in London and the U.S., was unfamiliar with Madhuri’s Bollywood fame.
“He visited India during vacations and wasn’t exposed to movies much. Education was prioritized in his family. The only film he had seen was Amar Akbar Anthony, so he knew Amitabh Bachchan,” Madhuri shared.
Meeting Dr. Nene
Madhuri found it refreshing that Dr. Nene was unaware of her celebrity status when they met.
“When we first met, he asked, ‘What do you do?’ I said I work in films, and he responded, ‘Oh, very nice.’ He had no idea of my fame, allowing us to connect personally without preconceived notions,” she recalled.
IMAGE: Madhuri with Dr. Nene, Arin, and Ryan. Photograph: Kind courtesy Madhuri Dixit/Instagram
Life in Denver
Madhuri shared a humorous anecdote from Denver when neighbors mistook her for a regular resident until a car’s suspicious behavior prompted concern.
“We lived in LA for six months, then moved to Denver. My neighbors, who were unaware of my identity, were alarmed by a car repeatedly passing our house,” she recounted. “I had to explain it was because I was an actress.”
Her neighbors were surprised to learn of her stardom and became interested in watching her films.
Returning to India
Madhuri’s decision to return to India was driven by professional commitments, her parents’ desire to return, and Dr. Nene’s interest in preventive healthcare.
“My husband adjusted quickly to India, being naturally social, while I am more private. He became my ‘goodwill ambassador,'” Madhuri noted.
IMAGE: Madhuri in Aaja Nachle.
Professional Decisions and Challenges
“A combination of factors led to my return. I was working in India frequently, and my parents wanted to come back. My husband was keen on exploring preventive healthcare using technology,” she explained.
IMAGE: Aishwarya Rai and Madhuri in the song Dola Re from Devdas.
Iconic Roles and Performances
Madhuri reminisced about performing Dola Re with Aishwarya Rai in Devdas, describing the costumes as “heavy but fitting the grandeur of the film.”
Work-Life Balance and Industry Issues
Addressing the debate over eight-hour work shifts, Madhuri emphasized the importance of personal choice in balancing work and life.
“Everyone should have the freedom to choose their work hours. It’s empowering for women to set their own terms,” she commented.
She also discussed pay disparity in the film industry, highlighting that the issue is widespread across various professions.
IMAGE: Madhuri in Mrs Deshpande.
Upcoming Roles
Madhuri plays a complex serial killer in the crime series Mrs Deshpande, directed by Nagesh Kukunoor.
“Mrs Deshpande offers a new challenge as it portrays a female serial killer in a unique way,” she said. “The character is multi-layered, and the portrayal had to be natural yet unsettling.”
The series, adapted from the French thriller La Mante, will be available on Jio Hotstar from December 19.
Photographs curated by Satish Bodas/Rediff
