I’m not a feminist, just independent: Madhuri Dixit

Actor says she supports the idea of women empowerment.

MACAU: She dances like a swan, but for her new film Gulaab Gang, actor Madhuri Dixit has tried some kicking and punching. She admits action is tough, but says she is tough herself, too. Dixit, who portrays a powerful character in the woman-centric film, says she isn’t a feminist but is all for strong and independent women.

“I don’t think I’m a feminist. I am independent and strong, which is what women should be like,” said Dixit, during a press conference. The 46-year-old also said that the progress of women is being reflected in films. “There are some wonderful directors today. Also, you can make any sort of film today. The villain of our movie Gulaab Gang is a woman, which is a rare sight in Bollywood.”

“We have a very evil woman in the film. Usually, they [film-makers] show that men are evil. This is not a fight between men and women; this is a fight of ideologies. It does not matter who the antagonist is,” she said.

Gulaab Gang is said to be loosely based on Uttar Pradesh-based social activist Sampat Pal and her Gulabi Gang, which works towards liberation of women in the state. The film, produced by Anubhav Sinha and directed  by Soumik Sen, also features actor Juhi Chawla.

Madhuri admits the movie talks about women emancipation, but it deals with the issue in an entertaining way. “The film talks about the empowerment of women, but it is set in an entertaining and beautiful set-up. You will take away a lot from the film,” she expressed.

The actor who is known for the delicacy and poise of her dance moves will be seen doing some action sequences. “I’ve done action for the first time. It is tough to do action [sequences], but I am a tough person and I enjoyed doing it. I love action films in both Hollywood and Bollywood, as well as in Chinese films,” said Dixit.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 9^th, 2013.

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