The 1998 cult classic Satya recently returned to cinemas, 27 years after its original release. Directed by Ram Gopal Varma, the film, starring Manoj Bajpayee and Urmila Matondkar, is widely regarded as a landmark in Indian cinema. On the occasion of its re-release, Urmila Matondkar opened up about her experience with the film, addressing longstanding rumours about her alleged fallout with Varma and reflecting on the challenges she faced as an actor.
Speaking to Bombay Times, Urmila dismissed claims of a fallout with Ram Gopal Varma, clarifying that the two share mutual respect. “There is no such thing as us stopping work together. There was no fallout between RGV and me. I even did special songs in his movies like Company and Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag,” she explained.
Praising Varma’s contributions to Indian cinema, she called him “an institution” and expressed pride in their collaborations. “If the right opportunity comes along, I would love to collaborate with Manoj Bajpayee and Ramuji again,” she added. The re-release screening of Satya was attended by industry stalwarts such as Sriram Raghavan, Madhu Mantena, and Anurag Kashyap, all of whom began their careers under Varma’s mentorship.
Urmila recalled how Satya pushed her to shed the glamorous image she had built with Rangeela. “I was the only known face in the film, while the rest were talented newcomers. It was a challenge to step back into a girl-next-door avatar,” she said.
Her character Vidya, the protagonist’s neighbour, was deliberately understated. “Vidya had no identity of her own. She was relevant only because she was Satya’s neighbour,” Urmila explained. To embody the simplicity of her character, she turned to her mother’s old saris, which she described as “perfect for the role.”
The actress also touched upon being a victim of nepotism in the industry, though she refrained from elaborating. Reflecting on her journey, Urmila credited her hard work for carving a space in Bollywood.
As fans celebrate Satya’s legacy, Urmila’s candid reflections highlight the film’s enduring influence and the resilience required to thrive in an industry often dictated by connections and image. With her willingness to collaborate with Varma again, audiences may yet witness another iconic partnership between the director and his muse.