Urmila Matondkar Turns 50: Her Journey, Top Movies, Songs, and What She's Doing Now

Actress Urmila Matondkar needs no introduction. A leading figure in 90s Bollywood, she effortlessly carved her niche with flawless acting and a charming on-screen persona. She is known for her work in Hindi films, in addition to Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and Marathi cinema. Urmila married Kashmir based businessman and model Mohsin Akhtar Mir on 3 March, 2016. As she celebrates her 50th birthday on February 4, let’s embark on a journey through her illustrious career, highlighting some of her best works and more. Read on to revisit the legacy of Urmila Matondkar in the world of Indian cinema.

Hindi Cinema Debut to Stardom

Urmila Matondkar initiated her journey in the film industry as a child artist. Her noteworthy performances, especially in Masoom (1983), garnered early recognition. Transitioning to lead roles, she made her mark with the Malayalam film Chanakyan (1989) and then in Hindi cinema with Narsimha (1991), both proving to be commercial successes. However, it was her pivotal role in Ram Gopal Verma’s romantic drama Rangeela (1995) that catapulted Urmila Matondkar to stardom.

Following the success of Rangeela, Urmila Matondkar experienced a prolific phase in her career. She continued to captivate audiences with hit films like Judaai (1997), Satya (1998), Khoobsurat (1999), and Jungle (2000). Demonstrating her versatility, she also explored regional cinema, essaying lead roles in Telugu and Tamil films such as Antham (1992), Gaayam (1993), Indian (1996), and Anaganaga Oka Roju (1997).

Not only commercial success, Urmila Matondkar garnered critical acclaim for depicting intense roles in thrillers and horrors like Kaun (1999), Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya (2001), Bhoot (2003) and Ek Hasina Thi (2004). Urmila has a host of hit songs to her credit. Let’s take a look at 5 of her best songs.

Urmila Matondkar’s 5 Best Songs

Rangeela Re

The iconic song Rangeela Re hails from the film Rangeela. Urmila Matondkar’s dance moves in this song not only became a massive hit but also added to the film’s cultural impact. https://youtu.be/i65HIFzIfec?si=1HjLl5XFJjbGSI83

Chamma Chamma

Featured in the Rajkumar Santoshi-directed film China Gate, the song Chamma Chamma showcased Urmila Matondkar’s impeccable dancing skills. Her flawless performance in this dance number left a lasting impression on the audience. https://youtu.be/1ZnPY1c3u_0?si=rkvfXIfmUbq9zwF6

Kambakth Ishq

This song from the film Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya became a fan favourite. Urmila Matondkar gave an energetic dance performance along with Fardeen Khan. https://youtu.be/zxP6FO4HcJo?si=6loU3JNbdxC9Gcrl

Haan Mujhe Pyaar Hua Allah Miya

This Judaai song gained fame for its peppy track. Urmila’s chemistry with Anil Kapoor in the song made it even more special. https://youtu.be/ar6lI1knBCY?si=gx19uw8QW4XrAxQz

Tanha Tanha Yahan Pe Jeena

This song from Rangeela is known for Urmila and Jackie Shroff’s sizzling chemistry. It was sung by Asha Bhosle. https://youtu.be/fvnbKR6W5N8?si=sjPEaHjBJQFFa5i_

Life After Karzzzz

In 2007, Urmila Matondkar took on a film that is considered to have adversely impacted her career. The film in question is Karzzzz, starring Himesh Reshammiya, which was a remake of the 1981 cult classic with the same name.

Following Karzzzz, Urmila played a lead role in the film EMI, alongside Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, and Malaika Arora. Unfortunately, this film also faced commercial disappointment. Subsequently, it marked her last venture as a lead actress, and she has since made cameo appearances in a few films.

Where is Urmila Matondkar now?

Urmila Matondkar has been actively involved in television, serving as a judge on prominent shows such as Jhalak Dikhla Jaa, Dance Maharashtra Dance, and DID Super Moms from 2008 to 2022. Currently, she is not associated with any ongoing projects in the entertainment industry.