Actor Madhoo Shah is still popularly refereed to as ‘Roja Madhoo’ after her role in the award-winning film Roja , directed by Mani Ratnam. The actor, who carved a niche for herself with the Hindi film Phool Aur Kaante went on to act in films in many langauges including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada. She was in the city recently at the Kanteerava Studios to complete the final leg of shooting for the Kannada film Premier Padmini, directed by Ramesh Indira.
Madhoo takes time off her busy shoot and speaks to MetroPlus .
Edited excerpts
Tell us about your foray into Kannada films.
I don’t make plans in life and never say no. If things work out for me and allows me to have time with my family and my other commitments, then I go ahead.
I never back out because of language issues. If someone comes to me with an offer, believing I fit into it, then I am game for it.
Tell us about your films - Premier Padmini and Seetharama Kalyana
I am working on three films — two Kannada and a Tamil film. I have been working simultaneously for all three, shuttling between Chennai, Bengaluru and Mumbai.
Each one is different. Seetharama Kalyana has an ensemble cast, actors galore. There is a wedding, a song and lot more . It is a great experience to be a part of a multi-starrer . Premier Padmini is a dream role as I have always seen myself be part of mature love stories.
There are love stories that happen when you are not happy in your marriage and those that happen after a divorce. You see such movies mostly in the West where you see Ashley Judd or Julia Roberts portraying such roles.
I am super happy about this film. Premier Padmini is a mature love story between Jaggesh, me and Ramesh Indira. I also love online platforms that offer a chance to explore diffrent roles .
Agni Dev is a Tamil film where I play a character with shades of grey. I love to play villain and enjoy portraying these characters . I feel I excel in such roles.
Do you think there is a change in the industry as women in their 40s are also getting substantial roles?
Yes. I think it is because of the exposure people have through platforms like Netflix. There is so much content coming in that one wonders how much local content do we actually watch. You see all kinds of roles and women on screen. The change is enough to fit in an actor like me as I get a chance to engage my family also . When I get a film, it is good, I can switch off my phone and sign in to family life.
What do you feel about the Kannada film industry?
I love it. Earlier, I was scared I could not speak the language and did not come back after Annayya .
I felt the language was hard and I will not be able to do justice to the character as I don’t understand the language.
I did feel the stress when I came back for Ranna , but that opened my mind to Kannada and now even my tongue has started to roll when I speak the language. I can pronounce tough words too.
Any Hindi films in the pipeline?
Talks are on. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I get a role for a show like Sacred Games for Netflix. The maker of the show is in touch with me for new shows in the pipeline.
Does Netflix pose as a challenge for cinema?
Challenges will be there at every step . Whether you are a struggling actor or an established one, a dancer or a stand-up comedian, you have to cross hurdles. Life is like a Game of Thrones.
