Rajul Hegde in Mumbai
A horror film as a debut may not be everyone's cup of tea. But Madhurima Tuli is not perturbed.
The former beauty queen and face of Loreal is making a transition from ads to films with her Hindi debut film Kaalo, which won the Best Horror Film and Best Cinematography awards in South Africa. The film releases today.
Rajul Hegde finds out more.
What is your role in Kaalo?
When I first signed the film I was told that I was the lead. But after I started shooting, I realised that there is no lead, as all the characters were equal. I have no issues because I enjoyed shooting for the film in Rajasthan.
I play a newly-married girl who is bubbly and innocent. My husband and I are on our way to visit our kuldevata (family diety) temple after marriage. What happens during the course of our travel is what the film is about.
Did you experience anything spooky while shooting for the film?
No. But we all got saved from a major accident. Nobody wants to talk about it because it could have been fatal.
'I don't want to do any more television shows'
Do you believe in spirits?
Yes, because my friends told me about an incident where they felt the presence of spirits.
You did a daily soap too...
Yes, I did a cameo in Shree on Zee TV. But my role got extended because the makers got a good response after my entry. However, I don't want to do any more television shows.
You were also part of this season's Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi with Dino Morea as your partner...
Yes, I took part in the reality show because I am more of an adventurous person. I have done trekking, mountaineering and river rafting. I wanted to experience the fear factor in my life. I have done a basic course in mountain climbing from Uttarkashi.
'I have always dreamt of becoming Miss World'
Tell us little a bit about yourself.
I am from Dehradun and won the Miss Uttaranchal contest when I was in college. After my studies I came to Mumbai in 2006 for better prospects. First thing I did was to enroll myself in Kishore Namit acting classes. Simultaneously I did some modeling too. Later I hosted the TV show Krazy Kiya Re but it didn't do well. I did a Telugu film, Homam opposite JD Chakravarthy which was a super hit. My dad works for Tata Steel and my mother is working in an NGO. I have a younger brother who is studying engineering.
When did you realise that you wanted to become a model or an actress?
I have always dreamt of becoming Miss World. I would dress up and do the catwalk in front of my mother. I was bitten by the acting bug only after I won the contest.
How did your parents react to your decision?
My mother has always been supportive but my father was little apprehensive to send me to Mumbai. But my mother managed to convince him and now both support me.
'Homam was huge success and I was hounded by the public during the premiere'
Would you do action films?
Yes, something like Charlie's Angels. I am not being overconfident but I think such roles would suit me.
Who is your favourite actor?
Madhuri Dixit because she has the complete package.
You haven't done any Telugu films after Homam...
Homam was huge success and I was hounded by the public during the premiere. I got many film offers from the Telugu industry but I refused. Now I want to concentrate on Bollywood. Regional films are limited to a particular region unlike Bollywood.
'I want to learn horse riding'
What are your hobbies?
Dancing and swimming. Now I want to learn horse riding.
What are your other films?
Chunnu and Munnu, a comedy film opposite Aryeman Ramsay and an untitled film with Rajsingh Chaudhary.
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