Urmila Matondkar Biography

The lady who immortalised the song ‘Rangeela Re’ in every 90s kids’ mind, Urmila Matondkar is an Indian actress, who has carved a niche in the industry by making several appearances in thriller movies. Having started her career as a child artiste, Urmila has been associated with the Marathi, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam film industries. She started her career at the age of six with the Marathi movie Zaakol, following which she was cast alongside Shashi Kapoor and Rekha in the crime drama Kalyug in 1981. However, it was her portrayal of Winky in Shekhar Kapur’s directorial debut Masoom won her widespread recognition as a child artist.

After appearing in movies like Bhavna, Sur Sangam, Dacait, and Bade Ghar Ki Beti, she made her Malayalam film debut with the T. K. Rajeev Kumar-directed Chanakyan cast alongside Kamal Haasan, Jayaram, and Madhu in 1989. Two years after this, she made her Bollywood debut as a lead actress in the action drama Narasimha, which featured her alongside Sunny Deol and Dimple Kapadia. Next, she was starred in the ghost comedy Chamatkar, which also featured Naseeruddin Shah and Shah Rukh Khan in pivotal roles. The movie was a commercial success and became quite popular with the kids.

Marking the first of the many associations with director RGV, Urmila made her Telugu film debut in the 1992 neo-noir action-crime film Antham. Among her many collaborations with the director are Drohi, Gaayam, Daud, Anaganaga Oka Roju, Satya, Kaun, Mast, and Bhoot, which won her the Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Critics. Known for being a brilliant dancer, Urmila made several special appearances as well and has memorable performances in songs such as Chamma Chamma from China Gate, Aa Hi Jaiye from Lajja, and Mehbooba Mehbooba from Aag.

The actress tied the knot with Kashmir-based businessman and model Mohsin Akhtar Mir and has since then not made an appearance in movies. However, some of the actress’ most noted performances have been in movies like Judaai, Jaanam Samjha Karo, Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya, Ek Hasina Thi, Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara, and Bas Ek Pal. She was last seen in the 2014 Marathi movie Ajoba, playing the role of Purva Rao. Four years after her last appearance, Urmila made a comeback to the silver screen by making a special appearance in Irrfan Khan and Kirti Kulhari-starrer black comedy-drama Blackmail in 2018.