I'm enjoying motherhood: Madhuri Dixit

New Delhi, Nov 29 (UNI) Hers has been the most awaited comeback in Bollywood, an enthusiasm that is unprecedented for a leading lady in a male dominated industry.

For the 90s Bollywood diva Madhuri Dixit, who makes a comback to films with 'Aaja Nachle' after a nearly five-year hiatus since Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Devdas', it is the love of her craft, more than anything else, that has led her to don the greasepaint again.

''What I missed sorely all these years was my craft - acting, dancing et al. I don't miss the paraphernalia of it all - being in the limelight, being the number one,'' says Madhuri.

In a tete-a-tete with the media during her visit to the Capital, Madhuri, who left films after marrying US-based doctor Sriram Nene and is presently settled in New York with her husband, said but for her love for acting and cinema, she was content in her role as mother and wife.

''The life I am leading in New York is a big part of the dream I had seen for myself. I love children and wanted to have my own.

So, I am enjoying the experience of motherhood,''added Madhuri, whose comback venture, produced by Yashraj films and directed by cinematographer turned director Anil Mehta, hits theatres tomorrow.

It was the brilliant script of 'Aaja Nachle', coupled with the fact that it was a film from the stable of Yashraj films, that impelled the 90s superstar to agree to don the greasepaint again.

''I liked the script. Also the way my role was written. And, the fact that all the characters of the film are so real. Also, it is a film about dancing, something that is really close to my heart.

''Also, the fact that it is a Yashraj production. For me, working with Yashraj films was a wonderful experience in 'Dil To Pagal Hai'.

They are so organised. With them, I am confident that they will be true to their word and complete their shooting in time,'' said the actress.

Talking about her role, the actress said, ''I play the character of Dia in the film. She has lived for 10-15 years in New York. Now, she is coming back as her master called her to India to revive a dream that he had envisioned and that is crumbling today before his eyes. He feels Dia is the only one capable of doing so.'' Considering that Madhuri herself is returning to her roots in the film industry after a long hiatus, one senses a similarity between her and the character of Dia.

''There are a lot of similarities between Dia and me. Like Dia, I have also come back (to films) for art's sake. Infact, when people watch the film, they will immediately realise the similarities between Dia and Dia,'' added Madhuri.

The diva said working in 'Aaja Nachle' had been an exciting experience for her.

''Shooting for the film was an exciting experience. It has dance and music like many Bollywood films. Yet, it is different in that all characters are very real and the film is very believable,'' she said.

From 'Devdas' in 2003 to 'Aaja Nachle' in 2007, what changes does she sense in the film industry.

''Everything here has undergone a change. There is an increasingly streamlined way of shooting a film in India today,'' the actress said.

Madhuri said the tremendous enthusiasm with which India greeted her comeback to films has been heartening.

''When I came here for shooting the film, everyone greeted me so warmly. Also, at the Filmfare Awards, where I gave a performance, I received an extremely warm welcome. Whenever I am here and meet my fans they tell me, 'We love you and are waiting for your movie to come.' I think it is a pleasure to get such a wonderful welcome,'' the legenddary actress expressed.

On her future plans, she said, ''Right now, its only 'Aaja Nachle'. I have not given a thought to anything else.'' Also present at the press meet were the director of the film Anil Mehta, its male lead Kunal Kapoor, writer Jaideep Sahni and music directors Salim Suleiman.

UNI