Deepak Tijori: I have acted with Madhuri Dixit, now I want to direct her – Times of India

Deepak Tijori has worked with Madhuri Dixit in films like ‘Anjaam’ and ‘Aasu Bane Angarey’ in the early ’90s. On her birthday today, the actor shares memories he has of working with the actress in a first-person account. Here’s what he had to say:

For me, Madhuri is the epitome of talent. If I have to give a brief description of her as an artiste, she is the perfect actor, dancer, and an absolutely perfect Bollywood superstar.

It is amazing how grounded she was when I was working with her in ‘Anjaam’. She was already a huge star; much bigger than me and Shah Rukh (Khan) put together. I can say that she was the Amitabh Bachchan of our film. I remember we were in Mauritius and there was some strike going on due to which, we had to extend the shooting. She was so cooperative and understood their problems unlike one of those superstars who are full of tantrums. Her compassion towards her colleagues was very shocking for someone like me. When you are working with Madhuri Dixit, you see a halo around her, but here she was, so grounded! I also met her parents. She comes from such a lovely cultured family and that reflects in her behaviour towards others.

As for her performance, she was simply impeccable; you can’t find someone like her anymore just like Saroj Khan ji often said. She is absolutely gorgeous as ever. I have acted with her and now I would like to direct her. It will be a dream come true.

She was a very understanding and cooperative co-actor. I remember during a sequence between me, Shah Rukh and Madhuri, I had sustained a foot injury and was not being able to move. This was making our director, Rahul Rawail, uncomfortable. Madhuri immediately jumped in and worked it out for me and told Rahul not to worry as the scene would look busy and no one will notice my immobility. It was so wonderful to find such a person who, even at that stage of her life and career, was so cooperative and understanding with regards to her co-actors. Madhuri was very easy to work with; she used to make things comfortable for all of us.

During a bathroom scene in the film, which was supposed to be a romantic one, I was standing with my foot in a plastic bag inside the water. She was managing my foot while sitting on the opposite side of the bathtub. It was crazy how understanding an actor can be, and yet express beautifully on camera. She is perfect! –As told to Bharti Dubey