PERSONALITY OVER PERCEPTION

As Rangeela completes 30 years and prepares for a 4K re-release, Urmila Matondkar reflects on cinema, choice, and why personality—not appearance—defines lasting stardom

Three decades after Rangeela redefined urban Hindi cinema, Urmila Matondkar still speaks of the film with the wonder of someone who understands its enduring pulse. With the 1995 cult classic set for a 4K re-release on 28 November 2025, the actor looks back at a film that shaped her career—and forward to stories that continue to challenge her.

Calling the re-release “exciting and thrilling”, Urmila says the film’s longevity itself is proof of its relevance. “Not only because it’s my film, but because it’s re-releasing after 30 years—that itself shows how loved and alive it still is,” she says. For her, Rangeela was always more than style and music. “It celebrates life to its fullest. Even grief in the film is shown so beautifully and poetically. Cinema, to me, has always been a celebration of life—and it doesn’t get more colourful or joyful than Rangeela.”

Revisiting scenes from the film recently left her surprised by how contemporary they still feel. “The clips reminded me how witty, funny, and beautiful the scenes are—even today they feel fresh and make complete sense. And the songs were truly path-breaking.”

What often gets overlooked, she points out, is the simplicity behind the spectacle. “The film was made on a fairly average budget. At a time when everyone was obsessed with shooting in Switzerland, Rangeela didn’t have a single foreign location. Most songs were shot on the streets of Mumbai, one in Goa—and yet the visual impact was stunning. That’s the magic of cinema. Rangeela transports you to another world without leaving home.”

Known for refusing to be boxed into a single image, Urmila sees her career as a conscious exercise in reinvention. “I tried not to repeat myself. I moved quickly from Judaai, where I played a sari-clad character, to Kaun, which was completely different. Every film had a different story to tell—that was the most interesting part of my journey.”

Having spoken earlier about the challenges women face in the industry, she feels the broader picture has improved—but not enough. “Challenges for women exist in every industry. It depends on how society changes—or doesn’t. Things have improved, yes, but there is still a long way to go.”

On social media, her view is balanced. “It’s a double-edged sword. You get control over your narrative—that’s the positive. Trolling and criticism are the negative. You have to take it with a pinch of salt, learn, and move on.”

One of the defining moments of her career was Judaai, opposite Sridevi. Receiving appreciation alongside such a towering presence was deeply affirming. “Working with a stalwart like Sridevi and still being appreciated was a huge compliment. Many questioned why I was doing the film, but I trusted my conviction.”

She insists there was never intimidation. “If you take up a film, you do your best—that’s all one can do. And I always did my best.”

Urmila has often been labelled “seductive”, particularly for her dance numbers—a tag she has never fully accepted. “I never looked at dance numbers that way. Critics will always say something. Earlier, they had more power. Today, actors can connect directly with audiences through social media. Everyone should do what they believe in and do it well.”

Compliments about her appeal—even in simple saris and salwar kameez—bring her back to a core belief she has held throughout her career. “It’s always the personality, never the outfit. If looks alone made stars, all models would be the biggest stars. Personality is the real game-changer in your life and career.”

As for what lies ahead, Urmila reveals she has just completed a woman-centric, action-oriented OTT thriller. “The shooting is done, and it should release early next year. It’s a little early to talk about it now. As for films, I haven’t finalised anything—but if something interesting comes along, I would love to return to the big screen.”

(Pics: @urmilamatondkarofficial)