By Subhash K. Jha

Mumbai, Dec 26 (IANS) A mother of two now, Madhuri Dixt is excited at the prospect of returning to the silver screen after five years and says she chose Yash Chopra's banner for the occasion because she is comfortable with them.

"Yash-ji has worked wonderfully well with married actresses before. Whether it's Raakhee-ji-Waheeda-ji in 'Kabhi Kabhie' or Kajol in 'Fanaa', he's aware and sensitive to the schedules and needs of an actress who is a wife and a mother," Madhuri told IANS in an interview.

Cinematographer Anil Mehta will direct Madhuri's comeback vehicle.

"My comeback film has a bit of everything in it. Hopefully, it will be something that people will like to see me back in."

Madhuri, who has decided not to do more than two films a year, is not apprehensive about changes in the industry.

"I've heard the change is for the better. Everyone's more disciplined. That makes things easier for me. I'd be able to work better. To be a part of this phase, when so much is happening, is a challenging thought."

The film is expected to go on the floors in January.

Excerpts:

Everyone is truly excited about your return in a Yash Raj Films' project?
Yes, my comeback film has a bit of everything in it. Hopefully, it will be something that people will like to see me back in.

 Why is cinematographer Anil Mehta directing it?
Firstly, when they narrated the script to me I was deeply excited. I felt this would be the right film to do after a long break. The way the story is written is quite interesting.

I've worked with Yash Raj Films before and they know me so well. They know I'd never cause unnecessary delays. More importantly, Yash-ji has worked wonderfully well with married actresses before. Whether it's Raakhee-ji-Waheeda-ji in "Kabhi Kabhie" or Kajol in "Fanaa", he's aware and sensitive to the schedules and needs of an actress who's a wife and a mother. Things may be a little out of the timetable once in a while. And I feel comfortable with them.

What was your husband's reaction to your decision to return to movies?
He's fully supportive of whatever I do. He feels I should have no regrets in life. He feels one's talent shouldn't be suppressed.

Any nervousness about taking away from your kids' time?
I'm extremely nervous. But there comes a time in a woman's life when she needs to think of a world outside her home. There're so many women all over the world who work and manage a career. My children are the most important part of my life. But they are growing and need to be a little independent.

Also, my shooting in India will give the kids a chance to get in touch with their roots, to be in the country of their origins. They'll be with my family and they'll meet with their cousins. I think they'll have fun.

How much time can you give to acting?
Well, once my two kids start going to school they won't be able to travel with me to India. Therefore, I thought this would be a good opportunity. I wasn't desperate to get back to work. But I've worked for so many years that it's become inbred in me. So, the thought of returning does excite me.

Everyone missed you after your last film "Devdas". Did you miss films?
I don't miss the adulation or the glamour, though it's great to know people still miss me. What I missed was being in front of a camera and assuming various characters. Yeah, I missed that. I'm glad to have that back.

Of course, those five years away from the camera have been very, very rewarding. I always wanted children and a family. It was a big part of my dream. I thoroughly enjoyed that whole phase. Now, that the kids are growing up, I can take a little time off for myself.

How old are the kids?
The older one is four-and-a-half-years-old and the younger is one-and-a-half-years-old. And there's no question of leaving them behind in the US. I can't imagine my life without them. They'll come with me to Mumbai.

Looking back at your truckload of blockbusters, are you satisfied?
Ask any actor, they'll tell you they've a long way to go. To be satisfied with what you've done isn't the way to move ahead. There's always something better around the corner.

When do you start shooting?
Sometime in January 2007. And we'll be done in three-four months.

Then it's the return of Madhuri Dixit?
I'm doing this without any thought for the repercussions. I just want to enjoy the feeling of facing the camera.

Any apprehensions about how much cinema has changed since you last showed up?
I've heard the change is for the better. Everyone's more disciplined. That makes things easier for me. I'd be able to work better. To be a part of this phase, when so much is happening, is a challenging thought.

 Any more projects?
Right now I'll just focus on this project, test the waters and see how the audience and I react. This film will give me the confidence to make further career decisions.

Have you met up with your director Anil Mehta as yet?
No I haven't. But I'm very familiar with his work as a cinematographer. In fact, when I had to do my ad films for Himami, I had asked for him. But he was very busy. We just have to see what happens. 

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