Rangeela's Triumphant Return After Three Decades
Urmila Matondkar vividly recalls the exhilarating experience of sprinting across beaches in an oversized white ganji and transforming Mumbai's streets into her personal performance space. As her iconic 1995 film Rangeela prepares for a grand re-release in newly restored format, the actress expresses deep emotion about the enduring legacy of this cinematic masterpiece that continues to resonate with audiences even after thirty years.
The actor reveals her excitement about the film's lasting impact, stating that it's genuinely thrilling to witness how people never forget such timeless movies. The restoration work has been handled by Ultra Media, bringing the classic back to life for both nostalgic fans and new generations of cinema lovers.
Revolutionizing the Bollywood Heroine
In exclusive material shared by the restoration company, Matondkar reflects on how Rangeela quietly but fundamentally reshaped the mainstream Hindi film heroine. Her character Mili, positioned between the stellar performances of Aamir Khan and Jackie Shroff, represented a girl-next-door chasing both acting dreams and romantic aspirations.
She emphasizes the character's relatability, noting that Mili came from a middle-class background that audiences could instantly connect with. The revolutionary styling by fashion maestro Manish Malhotra under director Ram Gopal Varma's vision didn't just create a character - it sparked nationwide fashion trends while presenting a heroine who openly celebrated her sensuality without apology.
Matondkar admits she didn't fully grasp the film's transformative potential during production, acknowledging that the entire team contributed to the project's phenomenal success. She specifically mentions that Rangeela represents career-best work for many involved in its creation.
Enduring Collaborations and Creative Partnerships
The actress also opens up about her long professional association with director Ram Gopal Varma, which began with Rangeela and continued with his production Ek Hasina Thi in 2004. She clarifies that their collaboration paused not due to creative differences but simply because Varma worked more frequently with other actors, and she was only cast when stories genuinely required her specific talents.
The Magic of Music and Movement
Another significant aspect of Rangeela's enduring appeal lies in its groundbreaking choreography and A.R. Rahman's unforgettable musical compositions. From the sensual yearning of 'Tanha Tanha' to the vibrant street celebration of 'Rangeela Re,' the film's songs remain cultural touchstones.
Matondkar shares an astonishing revelation - she actually created some of the film's most memorable dance steps herself. She recalls that after the film's release, legendary choreographer Saroj Khan told her she deserved credit as a co-choreographer, a compliment that initially embarrassed the actor.
She confesses to devising specific portions of choreography, including the opening sequences of 'Hai Rama' and 'Pyaar Yeh Jaane Kaisa Hai,' noting that she brought similar creative contributions to other films throughout her career.
Cherished Memories with Co-Stars
Matondkar's affection for her co-stars remains vivid even after three decades. She describes Jackie Shroff as embodying the ultimate male portrayal in cinema, contrasting perfectly with her character's femininity. She remembers him as a phenomenal co-star who provided tremendous support to someone still finding her footing in the industry.
Her recollections of Aamir Khan reveal both professional admiration and personal fandom. She confesses having a crush on him after his breakthrough performance in Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988). On the Rangeela set, she witnessed his legendary perfectionism firsthand, marveling at how he played a tapori character for the first time while maintaining spontaneous energy even after fifteen takes.
As Rangeela returns to theaters in its restored glory, these behind-the-scenes stories add new layers to our understanding of this classic film that continues to define an era of Bollywood cinema while influencing generations of filmmakers and actors.
