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Action star Ajay Devgn debuted with 'Phool Aur Kaante' in 1991. The captivating storyline, melodious songs and high-octane actions helped the movie storm the box office. Along with Ajay, actress Madhoo Shah also made her Bollywood debut with the movie.
Her hiatus from the big screen sparked controversy when she stated she didn't want to play Ajay’s mother, citing that they were introduced in the same film and are the same age. Recently, Madhoo clarified her earlier statement in an interview with Zoom.
Madhoo explained, “That statement was taken out of context. I said if, hypothetically… I am correcting myself now because I have evolved as an actor. I made the statement 2-3 years ago, in some other context. In the 2-3 years, I have realised, I have played many different roles. I played an apsara in ‘Shakuntalam’ with Samantha (Ruth Prabhu)… So when I play, as an actor, actually I am enjoying the liberty and freedom of being an actor today. Back in the 90s, we were put in a box. We romanced, we sang, we danced. But now, with OTT, stories and content, I think that is kind of broken away. A lot of great opportunities are coming for every actor.”
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She continued, “So, today I am thinking as an actor if I do get a role where they say you have to look older than Ajay and play his mother’s role, I would take it as a challenge as an actor. If I get a role where I have to play any yesteryear lead actor’s mother’s role, I would look at it as a challenge and not as a sexist, controversial or that kind of a conversation. Let me see if I am convincing.”
For those unfamiliar, Madhoo captured audiences across the country with her performance in Mani Ratnam’s 1992 Tamil film ‘Roja’ and starred in other films like ‘Yeshwant’ and ‘Diljale’. However, by the late 90s, Madhoo withdrew from films.
She revealed in an earlier interview that her departure was a conscious decision due to her dissatisfaction with playing only the romantic interest of larger-than-life heroes, limited to songs and dance numbers.
After ‘Roja’, she sought more substantial roles but found none, prompting her to quit. Madhoo even wrote letters to multiple people announcing her departure, implying they didn’t deserve her talent. However, when she attempted a comeback, she feared being typecast into older roles.
“It was difficult because I did not want to play mother to Ajay Devgn, with whom I was introduced in the same film. We are of the same age,” she reiterated. Yet, she acknowledged that the industry is evolving, pointing to Tabu's recent roles opposite Ajay Devgn.
Meanwhile, Madhoo will soon appear in ‘Kartam Bhugtam’ alongside Shreyas Talpade and Vijay Raaz, marking her return to the screen.
