‘How many comebacks should I make?’ Says Madhuri Dixit,

‘How many comebacks should I make?’

Says Madhuri Dixit, as she talks about her priorities, staying fit and why she is in no hurry to make a blockbuster comeback film

Madhuri Dixit has had a long day. She’s been giving interviews on behalf of the beauty brand that she endorses. “You’re the last one,” she says, as we settle down. We look for signs of impatience or tiredness. There aren’t any. She looks straight at you while she talks, gives you her full attention. She is happy to talk about beauty and fitness, and the product (Olay Regenerist Wrinkle Revolution Complex) that she is launching, but her guard goes up as soon as you talk about her career. Her answers are measured and movie-star diplomatic, but she can be wry. Especially when you throw at her Bollywood’s buzzword du jour — comebacks. My first priority continues to be my family. But like millions of professional women all over the world, I manage to balance work and personal life. Luckily, I have the fortune of selecting the work that I want to do. It’s not a cakewalk, though. A big deal is made of it in our industry. But age is just a number, whereas it’s your ability that makes you who you are, which will still exist whether you’re 20, 40, 60...there’s no expiry date for it. My exercise comes through dance. I practise Kathak for an hour every day. That’s how I burn calories. I also eat five balanced meals, but I have a cheat day once a week, when I allow myself chocolate and mithai. Yes, the other kids in school talk about it. The other day, they came home and asked me, ‘Mom, are you really famous?’ No, that’s not something that bothers me. Everyone works according to their own plan. Besides, how many comebacks should I make? I did a lot of work after marriage. I did Devdas in 2002. I took a break after having kids, but then I did Aaja Nachle (2007). Now I’m doing Jhalak (the dance competition show, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa season five). So I’m doing things at my own pace. I’ve signed Dedh Ishqiya and Gulab Gang, but they’ll happen when they happen.