By Jagmohan Singh Barhok
याई रे याई रे जोर लगाके नाचे रे
याई रे याई रे मिलके धूम मचाई रे
चल मेरे संग संग लेले दुनिया के रंग
होजा रंगीला रे, रंग रंग रंगीला रे
Urmila Matodankar hit the limelight with Ram Goapl Verma’s “Rangeela” in 1995 dancing straight into the hearts of million of cinegoers .Her sensuous hip swaying in the popular ‘Rangeela’ number was too bewitching for the viewers to resist so much so that came to be known as “Rangeela ” girl thereafter. The film’s grand success further added to her popularity as it grossed over 33 crore worldwide against a moderate budget of over rupee 4 crore.
Urmila debuted as a child artiste in Shyam Benegal’s 1981 crime-drama ” Kalyug” starring Shahshi Kapoor, Rekha & Raj Babbar. She later made her presence felt in N. Chandra’s “Narsimha” in 1991 as a slim-trim teenager. Sridevi-Jeetendra starrer ” Judaai” (1997) and “Khoobsurat” (1999) followed by David Dhawan’s “Kunwara” (2000) opposite Govinda , were her other notable contributions.
Urmila won Filmfare Critics’ Choice Award for her role in Ram Gopal Varma’s “Satya” (1998), another of her best films. It received critical acclaim and was declared a Blockbuster. Was bestowed upon the prestigious Nandi Award For Best Supporting Actress in “Gaayam” (meaning- The Wound), a political-thriller starring Jagapathi Babu and Revathi. Received #Six other Nominations for Best Actress, Supporting Actress & Best Villain.
Urmila Matondkar, the slim trim cutie , made her screen debut in B.R. Chopra’s Rajesh Khanna starrer “Karm”(1977) followed by roles in ‘Kalyug’ (1980) & ‘Masoom’ (1983)as a child artist,
maturing into a well chiselled & shapely dame. She represented Indian National Congress, albeit brief, later joining Shiv Sena in 2020. ‘Deewane’ (2000), ‘Ek Hasina Thi’, ‘Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara’ (2005) include some of her other films. Also did cameos in some films towards the end of her career.
