I want to connect with kids: Urmila Matondkar

Urmila Matondkar has done her first children's film called "Fun On The Run". She complains that programmes for children are few and far between. She told IANS. "I've just two scenes. But what a pleasure it was to work with these two child actors. I always want to connect with kids. Not much is done for them in the way of education and entertainment. Barring a few, no special films are made for children in this country. Hullo, are kids just supposed to study and grow up!"

An adaptation of a Ruskin Bond story, the film is Urmila's second literary adaptation after "Pinjar". Apart from this, she also is doing an item song in Ram Gopal Varma's much-publicised film "Sholay" as well as in "Speed".

"I'll be dancing for Amitabh in Ram Gopal Varma's 'Sholay'. It'd be awesome. Who wouldn't want to perform 'Mehbooba' for Amitabh."

Excerpts:

Q: You've just done something totally unexpected.

A: Yes, I did my first children's film called "Fun On The Run". It's an adaptation of a Ruskin Bond story. It is my second literary adaptation after "Pinjar".

It's about the adventures of two kids on the run, and all the people they meet on the way. Towards the end of the film they meet this music teacher played by me.

Q: How was the experience?

A: Lovely. I've just two scenes. But what a pleasure it was to work with these two child actors. I always want to connect with kids. Not much is done for them in the way of education and entertainment. Barring a few, no special films are made for children in this country. Hullo? Are kids just supposed to study and grow up? My two little co-stars in this film were so skilled. Luckily, they weren't filmy kids.

Q: How was the experience of shooting for Sahara TV's "Superstars"?

A: I really like it. For the first time I interacted with people beyond my scope as an actress. It's like every evening you come in direct contact with people. Since this is a show that doesn't look at singing or acting abilities but the complete personality, I find it very exciting.

Q: Do you think these talent-hunt shows on television make it easier for newcomers to make it?

A: The quick exposure that a wannabe gets is really heartening. Bollywood is the no.1 entertainment channel today. Everyone wants to get into it. Even people from non-film families want their children in. Of course, once you get the first opportunity you are on your own. It isn't any easier for star kids. I wasn't a star kid. No one spared me when I came into the industry.

Q: What's that 'IT' quality that makes a star?

A: It is that whole aura, a complete personality that makes a star. You cannot imagine anyone but Nutan in "Bandini" or "Sujata" or Rekha in "Umrao Jaan".

I was watching Amitabh Bachchan in "Don" the other day. I couldn't take my eyes off him. That's what I call star quality. He has stayed in my mind forever. In "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna" he has just two-three major scenes. But he's so wonderful. Really, if you ask me about the most complete star it will have to be Amitabh.

Q: Isn't it sad you've never shared screen space with Amitabh?

A: But that will soon be rectified. I'll be dancing for Amitabh in Ram Gopal Varma's "Sholay". It'd be awesome. Who wouldn't want to perform "Mehbooba" for Amitabh? It better be special. I've done some fairly well received item songs. I've always tried to keep all my item songs separate from one another. Mehbooba has to be special. I want it better than what I've done. And to match Helenji's steps! I know every dance of hers inside-out. "Mehbooba" is my all-time favourite. I can't wait to do it in my own way.

Q: You've a completely different film coming up.

A: Yes, "Speed". I hadn't done a thriller before. I share a very warm rapport with the producer Harry Baweja and his family. I'm listening to a lot of other scripts. I don't want to make old mistakes. Rather make fresh ones. I'd love to do comedy.

Q: What happened to the comedy M.F. Husain wanted to make with you?

A: That's what I'd like to ask him. Basically, he just got busy with other things. He's a very humorous person. And would make a great comedy. When others come to me with comedies I don't know whether to laugh or cry. I just want to be in a comedy and have fun.

By Subhash K. Jha, Indo-Asian News Service