Madhoo revisited Munnar after more than two decades. Memories of another day came flood another day came flooding back, bringing an overwhelming sense of nostalgia. Back in 1991, the pretty lady had shot here for her debut film 'Azhagan' (Tamil) opposite Mammootty.
Interestingly, she is back to the same turf for her come back venture starring Mammootty's son Dulquer Salmaan!
In this exclusive tete a tete, Madhoo talks about her self-imposed sabbatical, being the modern Indian mother, her costars and of course, her comeback.
Madhoo made her film debut with K. Balachander’s Tamil film 'Azhagan'. She followed it up with commendable performances in several hit films like 'Roja' (Tamil), 'Phool Aur Kaante' (Hindi), 'Yodha' (Malayalam), opposite leading men like Mammootty, Mohanlal, Arvind Swamy and Ajay Devgn among others.
Despite having a repertoire of 40-odd films across many languages, the 41year-old has only starred in four Malayalam films yet.
“Because I found it the most challenging among all other languages. I didn't know much Malayalam then, now I understand it a lot better" she says matter-of-factly.
On her evocative return to Malayalam cinema, she says, “I have a melange of feelings. I actually shot first for the Malayalam film 'Otta yal Pattalam', but it released only after 'Azhagan' opposite 
Mammookka. And, now after two decades, I'm making a comeback with his son Dulquer. It's a beautiful co-incidence."
Madhoo plays an important role in Balaji Mohan's upcoming Tamil-Malayalam bilingual 'Vaai Moodi Pesavum' (Malayalam version is yet to be titled) starring Dulquer and Nazriya in the lead. Madhoo makes her Tamil debut with this film.
“I had initially refused it, but the director's commitment and the manner in which he has conceived the subject intrigued me and I eventually gave in. I play a writer — a confused modern woman who gives up her career to settle for holy matrimony. It’s a progressive, experimental film that shows how lack of communication, or miscommunication, can cripple relationships,” decodes Madhoo.
The actress, who pulled the plug on a successful career, says she had a distinct sense of déja vu while shooting for the film, “I could see a lot of me in the character. I quit films to start a family. My kids miss me when I am shooting, but kids today need to understand that their mothers too have a life outside the kitchen.”
She is all praise for her young co-stars, “Dulquer is an immensely talented boy and is sure to go places. He is very serious and focused about his work. As for Nazriya, there is this innocent confidence that she exudes; she keeps prancing around the sets but when the camera starts rolling, she brings a melody of emotions on that pretty face. She’s already a sensation. She reminds me of my daughters.”
Having worked with veteran directors like Mani Ratnam, Shankar and K. Balachander among others, Madhoo says that it was a refreshing change to be part of a young team. “Today's filmmakers are a talented lot with a very interesting approach. Back then, I was the youngest on the sets and today, I'm a senior."
Madhoo still exudes the same charisma she did then. “In fact, people say I'm the first choice when it comes to playing the 'young mother'," says the glamorous mother of two lovely girls Ameyaa and Keia.
Madhoo starts shooting for Laksmi Ramakrishnan's Tamil movie in January. “I'm reading scripts and want to do performance-oriented roles that real people can relate to."
As a parting note, she says, “When I was away from films I couldn't find satisfaction in anything I did. Acting is what gives me complete creative satisfaction. Now, when I go home after shooting I'm so happy and content with myself. I want all women to do what they enjoy and believe in."
