Rangeela Makes Glorious Return After Three Decades
The iconic Bollywood film Rangeela has made a spectacular comeback to the screens exactly 30 years after its original release, now available in a beautifully restored version that brings its vibrant colors back to life.
In an exclusive and heartfelt conversation, leading actress Urmila Matondkar opened up about the film that transformed her career and became a permanent fixture in Indian pop culture. She described Rangeela as representing "in the biggest and best ways, a flight of fantasy that takes you to an alternate reality" - a world that manages to be both glamorous and strikingly authentic.
The Timeless Appeal of Rangeela's Characters
Urmila emphasized the enduring connection audiences feel with the film's characters. "Characters like Mili, whom I played, and Munna, portrayed by Aamir Khan, feel so genuine that you could literally imagine seeing them walking down your street," she shared. The actress believes the film's underdog success story contributes significantly to its timeless quality, making it resonate with viewers across generations.
The film's production details reveal its remarkable achievement against practical constraints. Shot on a minimalistic budget without expensive foreign locations, the movie primarily used Mumbai and some parts of Goa as its backdrop, yet managed to capture what Urmila describes as "the beauty of life itself magnificently."
Overnight Stardom and Career Transformation
Rangeela marked a dramatic turning point in Urmila Matondkar's professional journey. "Rangeela changed things overnight for me," she revealed, noting her sudden transition to stardom and the overwhelming public adulation that followed.
The actress highlighted the film's artistic depth, explaining how it showcases the navarasas (nine emotions) that form the foundation of Indian performing arts. "It presents a huge spectrum of emotions that audiences experience through the characters," she added, noting how naturally she connected with her role because it resonated deeply with her personally.
Changing Industry Standards and Career Choices
Beyond personal success, Rangeela had broader implications for the film industry. Urmila disclosed that the movie significantly impacted actresses' remuneration across Bollywood. "After Rangeela's release, not just my compensation, but overall actresses' payment structures shifted majorly," she stated, while acknowledging she cannot compare her earnings with co-stars Aamir Khan and Jackie Shroff, who were already established stars.
More importantly, the film opened doors to unconventional roles. "What I'm extremely proud of is that I didn't use that stardom to throw my weight around or hike my price unnecessarily," Urmila asserted. Instead, she strategically leveraged her newfound influence to pursue meaningful projects. "I used it to seek films that were waiting to be made," she explained, citing her subsequent choices like Pinjar, Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya, and Judaai as examples of the diverse characters she embraced.
Behind the Scenes: Dance and Choreography
The dance sequences in Rangeela became legendary, thanks to contributions from renowned choreographer Saroj Khan and newcomer Ahmed Khan. Urmila shared an interesting anecdote about Saroj Khan suggesting she deserved choreography credit for certain sequences.
"Saroj Khan told me I should get credit as a choreographer," Urmila recalled, explaining that several song pieces, including the memorable white sari sequence in 'Pyaar Ye Jaane Kaisa Hai', were performed without formal choreography. "I was simply asked to do whatever came to my mind naturally," she revealed.
A Modest Perspective on Lasting Legacy
Despite the film's massive impact and enduring popularity, Urmila confessed she hasn't watched Rangeela as frequently as people might assume. "I really haven't seen Rangeela as many times as people might think," she admitted with a laugh, describing herself as not megalomaniacal and noting she doesn't particularly enjoy watching herself on screen.
Nevertheless, the mere mention of the film's title brings her joy. "The name Rangeela brings a smile to my face," she shared, "and I hope it has the same effect on others who remember it after all these years." This restored version release ensures that new generations can experience the magic that made Rangeela an unforgettable chapter in Bollywood history.
