I Love My Character Of Begam Para In Dedh Ishqiya Alongside legendary Naseeruddin Shah
By Tanveer Zaidi (Actor–Author–Educationist)
In the realm of Indian cinema, where legends are born and iconic pairings become immortal, few on-screen collaborations hold as much allure as that of Madhuri Dixit and Naseeruddin Shah.
The two stalwarts, who had previously crossed paths in cinematic gems like Tridev and Gaja Gamini, came together once again in Abhishek Chaubey’s critically acclaimed black comedy, Dedh Ishqiya—a film that redefined unconventional love stories in Bollywood.
Shah, revered for his unparalleled craft, slipped into the skin of Ifthekhar Hussain, a refined poet whose charisma lies in his silences, while Madhuri breathed life into the mysterious and regal Begum Para, a widowed heiress shrouded in secrets.
The narrative was a tapestry of romance, betrayal, and dark humor, and its richness allowed both actors to showcase their remarkable depth.
For Madhuri, celebrated for her grace and effortless charm, the experience was both exhilarating and humbling. Despite her towering stardom, she candidly confessed to feeling a flutter of shyness when filming intimate and emotionally charged scenes opposite Naseeruddin Shah.
“It wasn’t nervousness,” she shared in an interview, “but the intensity of his gaze… it made me shy for a moment. He’s so natural, so spontaneous. All I had to do was react to him.”
Madhuri’s return to the big screen after a hiatus added to the anticipation surrounding Dedh Ishqiya. Her portrayal of Begum Para was a masterclass in subtlety and elegance, a role she relished deeply.
She described the script as a “tight weave of trust, betrayal, and passion,” and spoke fondly of shooting in rugged, remote locations. “The long hours and harsh conditions faded away in the face of the joy of performing,” she said with her signature warmth. “Working with this team was a deeply rewarding experience.”
Her admiration for Shah was boundless: “What new can I say about him? Volumes have already been written about his craft. He’s an institution of acting. To work alongside him was like attending a masterclass every single day. I’ve learned so much.”
For Naseeruddin Shah, too, the project was deeply personal. Known for his eclectic roles across parallel and mainstream cinema, he rarely had the chance to play a romantic hero in commercial films. “Dedh Ishqiya allowed me to fulfill that long-held wish,” he confessed with a twinkle in his eye. “And to share screen space with Madhuri again… I’ve been a fan of hers for years.”
Interestingly, Shah also reflected on his dynamic with co-star Arshad Warsi, noting how their camaraderie had evolved since the original Ishqiya. “Our chemistry was warmer and more organic this time around,” he said. “We had both grown as actors, and that mutual respect brought a richness to our scenes together.”
Together, Madhuri Dixit and Naseeruddin Shah brought depth, dignity, and gravitas to Dedh Ishqiya. The film stood out not just for its intricate plot and intelligent humor but for showcasing a romance between mature characters—an aspect rarely explored in Bollywood’s mainstream landscape.
For audiences, it was a treat to see two of Indian cinema’s finest sharing the screen, blending poetry, mystery, and raw emotion. For the actors, it was a meeting of minds, a celebration of craft, and a reaffirmation that true artistry transcends time, trends, and generations.
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