'Vocal critic' of the Hindutva ideology, Urmila Matondkar redefined Bollywood

By Harsh Thakor*

Urmila Matondkar celebrated her milestone 50th birthday on February 4th this year, marking a remarkable journey in Indian cinema. Known for her dynamism, vivacity, and captivating presence on screen, she was among the finest actresses of her time, lauded for her authentic acting style. While many praised her for her sex appeal, it was her adaptability, frankness, spontaneity, emotional depth, intense performances, and remarkable versatility that truly set her apart from her peers.

Unlike many of her contemporaries in Bollywood, Urmila never resorted to overacting; few could keep audiences in suspense as effectively as she did. Notably, she courageously spoke out against Hindutva in 2019, highlighting her commitment to social justice.

Born on February 4, 1974, in Bombay to Shrikant and Sunita Matondkar, Urmila came from a Hindu Maharashtrian family and received her education at DG Ruparel College in Mumbai. She married Kashmir-based businessman and model Mohsin Akhtar Mir on March 3, 2016. In my view, while the film industry does not always rank her among the elite, Urmila's prowess at her peak could overshadow notable actresses like Madhuri Dixit, Sridevi, and Kajol.

It is regrettable that her film career ended prematurely, as she possessed a unique blend of talent and elegance that few could match, making her one of Bollywood's most unconventional heroines. Urmila emerged during an era of liberalization and globalization, ushering in a new wave in Bollywood. She was introduced to acting at a young age and showcased her exceptional talent, eventually blossoming into a superstar.

Reflecting on her early career, Urmila has candidly addressed her experiences with nepotism, describing herself as a victim at the onset of her journey as a leading actress. She felt she was unfairly dismissed, unlike any other actor in cinema history.

Film career highlights

Urmila's career took flight with notable performances, particularly in "Masoom" (1983), which garnered her early attention. Transitioning to lead roles, she made a significant mark with the Malayalam film "Chanakyan" (1989) and later in Hindi cinema with "Narsimha" (1991), both of which achieved commercial success. However, it was her compelling portrayal in Ram Gopal Verma’s "Rangeela" (1995) that truly catapulted her to fame.

Following the success of "Rangeela", Urmila's career soared. She continued to enchant audiences with blockbuster hits like "Judaai" (1997), "Satya" (1998), "Khoobsurat" (1999), and "Jungle" (2000). Demonstrating her range, she ventured into regional cinema with lead roles in Telugu and Tamil films including "Antham" (1992), "Gaayam" (1993), "Indian" (1996), and "Anaganaga Oka Roju" (1997).

Additionally, Urmila proved her mettle in critically acclaimed roles during thrillers and horror films like "Kaun" (1999), "Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya" (2001), "Bhoot" (2003), and "Ek Hasina Thi" (2004), giving us a plethora of memorable songs along the way. It's a missed opportunity that she did not take on more art-house films or projects with progressive themes.

Post-retirement from acting, Urmila has hosted several television and stage shows, and has been actively involved in charitable organizations advocating for women’s rights. She also ventured into politics, first aligning with the Indian National Congress in 2019 before joining the Shiv Sena over a year later. She has been a vocal critic of the ‘Hindutva’ ideology endorsed by the BJP.

Expressing her concerns about communal violence, Urmila stated that Hinduism had become the most violent religion

Expressing her concerns about communal violence, Urmila stated that Hinduism had become “the most violent religion.” She lamented that under Modi's administration, a faith known for its tolerance had morphed into something far less forgiving, leading to the glamorization of heinous acts.

Iconic films of Urmila Matondkar

Rangeela (1995): In Ram Gopal Verma’s iconic film, Urmila portrays Mili Joshi, a vibrant character embroiled in a love triangle. Her performance was daring and unapologetic, brilliantly complemented by A.R. Rahman's "Tanha Tanha," where she exuded dignity even in revealing outfits.

Pinjar (2004): Although Manoj Bajpayee gained much attention, Urmila's portrayal of Puro, a Punjabi woman kidnapped and subjected to trials, showcased her emotional depth in key moments of the film, which ultimately won the National Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration.

Satya (1998): In this groundbreaking film by Ram Gopal Verma, Urmila played Vidya, an innocent singer ensnared in the Mumbai underworld. Her gripping performance earned her a Filmfare nomination.

Ek Hasina Thi (2004): In Sriram Raghavan’s debut, Urmila played Sarika, whose love turns deadly when framed for a crime. Her subtle portrayal of a woman’s transformation from innocence to vengeance was striking and culminated in accolades, including a Filmfare nomination.

Kaun (1999): Portraying a woman confined to her home, Urmila excelled at capturing the character’s psychological turmoil, displaying remarkable control over her performance.

Bhoot (2003): Urmila's role as Swati in this horror film earned her the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress, showcasing her ability to deliver nuanced emotional performances in a genre dominated by familiar romantic narratives.

I Did Not Kill Gandhi (2005): In this poignant film, Urmila plays a daughter grappling with her father’s Alzheimer's, perfectly encapsulating the emotional complexities of caregiving.

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*Freelance journalist

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