Urmila Matondkar recalls being “Slotted as an item girl, sex siren” in the 90s: “Many couldn’t handle the fact that this nobody was shining”

January 21, 2025 - 3:32 PM IST

In a candid interview with The Times of India, actress Urmila Matondkar, known for her iconic roles in Rangeela, Satya, and Bhoot, opened up about the stereotypes she faced during the 90s. Despite her diverse filmography, Matondkar revealed that she was often labeled as an “item girl” or a “sex siren,” a perception that overlooked her talent. Sharing her thoughts, she expressed gratitude for the evolving perspective of today’s media towards women.

Urmila Matondkar recalls being “Slotted as an item girl, sex siren” in the 90s: “Many couldn’t handle the fact that this nobody was shining”

Urmila Matondkar Speaks On Overcoming Labels And Stereotypes

Urmila shared her frustration over being slotted into a particular image despite notable performances in films like Kaun?, Pinjar, and Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara. “My body of work includes some of the finest films, but I was still slotted as an item girl or a sex siren. The sexy image you see in Rangeela is a character’s fantasy, not who I am,” she explained. She credited the current media for fostering a more nuanced understanding of women in cinema.

Urmila Matondkar REACTS To Rumours Of Fallout With Ram Gopal Varma

The re-release of Satya, a film directed by Ram Gopal Varma, marked another milestone in Matondkar’s career. Reflecting on her collaboration with the filmmaker, she called him “an institution in cinema” and praised his ability to nurture talent. “Ramuji is undoubtedly one of our finest filmmakers. Look at his contributions—not just actors but also cinematographers, writers, and technicians,” she said.

Dismissing rumors of a fallout with Ram Gopal Varma, Matondkar clarified, “There was no fallout. I even did special songs for his films like Company and Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag.” She expressed her pride in the work they did together and expressed interest in collaborating again with Varma and Manoj Bajpayee.

Urmila Matondkar Calls Herself “People-made Star”

Urmila also addressed the challenges she faced as an outsider in Bollywood. Coming from a middle-class Marathi background, she often found herself in a competitive environment dominated by star kids. “Many couldn’t handle the fact that this nobody was shining. I am a people-made star, and my work has always spoken for itself,” she declared with pride.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Satya’s special screening to be held in Mumbai on January 15 as part of its re-release celebrations; Manoj Bajpayee, Urmila Matondkar, Ram Gopal Varma and others expected