Did you know Urmila Matondkar helped choreograph iconic 'Rangeela' songs
What's the story
As the classic Bollywood film Rangeela (1995) celebrates its 30th anniversary with a re-release, lead actor Urmila Matondkar reminisced about her experience working on the movie. She spoke about how she had contributed to the choreography of some of its memorable songs. The film was directed by Ram Gopal Varma and also starred Aamir Khan and Jackie Shroff.
Choreography
'Saroj ji said I should've also been credited...'
Matondkar revealed that she had stepped in for choreographer Saroj Khan on several occasions. "When I met Saroj ji after Rangeela's release, she told me that I should have also been credited as a choreographer. I was so embarrassed [on getting the compliment]." "There were some pieces like the opening of Hai Rama and Pyaar Yeh Jaane Kaisa Hai, and a few steps here and there that I had done. I've done that in other movies as well."
Film's legacy
'Rangeela' re-release: Matondkar reflects on film's impact
Matondkar was thrilled to see the film being re-released after three decades. She said, "It's thrilling because it shows that people never forget such timeless movies." The movie, which centered around her character Mili, was a game-changer for Bollywood heroines. The styling influenced fashion trends across the country while Varma's directorial venture gave us a heroine who "celebrated her sensuality."
Character insights
Matondkar's thoughts on her character and co-stars
Matondkar reflected on her character in Rangeela, saying there was a lot of relatability as Mili came from a middle-class family. She credited Manish Malhotra and Varma for creating Mili's look. On her co-stars, she said Shroff was the "ultimate male portrayal in cinema" while Khan was a "true perfectionist." The film's music was composed by AR Rahman. Rangeela is currently in cinemas.