After the marriage, it seems that the fortunes of the Bollywoods "Dhak-Dhak" lady has changed. Even though prior work commitments keep Mrs. Madhuri Dikshit Nene and her doctor hubby apart, the Bollywood star continues to be under the enchanting spell of the knot. "Ultimately, I have to go there" was her response when someone asked her at a recent press conference in Delhi whether she would continue acting in films or join her husband back in the U.S. That also explains why she has not taken up any new projects except the ones that she had on hand at the time of marriage, or well before it.
Two of those films -- "Yeh Raaste Hain Pyaar Ke'' and ``Lajja" have now been released. Both have had Madhuri at her best, but failing to click with the audience. ``Lajja'', in fact, sees her playing the role of a woman who refuses to remain silent. ``I fight for my rights,'' says she, explaining her role in the movie. The only other film in the pipeline for her is Sanjay Leela Bansali's ``Devdas'' due for release later this year.
So, it was indeed surprising when news came in that Madhuri had accepted to host a game show on Sony Television from October. But then, when it became known that it was a show on marriage, entitled ``Shub Vivah'' -- Madhuri's current pre-occupation -- the surprise wore off. The show, interestingly, has the Bollywood actress elucidating on the virtues of marriage in the very first episode.
From an actress who virtually dictated terms to the Bollywood biggies to a woman who chooses to accept the bonding of love, Madhuri, indeed, is in full control of herself. No wonder then that the role of Janaki in ``Lajja'' comes in handy for her to explain her beliefs.``I want to live life on my own terms,'' says Madhuri, who is now following the diktats of her heart.
