Urmila Matondkar opens up on initially refusing 'Chamma Chamma'; Says Raj Kumar Santoshi's vision convinced her

Actor Urmila Matondkar has opened up about one of the biggest songs of her career, 'Chamma Chamma'. Appearing as a special guest on India's Best Dancer Season 5, the actress looked back at the making of the iconic dance number from 'China Gate'.

During the conversation, she revealed that she had initially decided against performing in the song before director Raj Kumar Santoshi convinced her otherwise.The actress shared several behind-the-scenes memories from the shoot. She also explained why she was hesitant to accept the offer despite the project coming from an acclaimed filmmaker.

Why Urmila Matondkar initially said no

Recalling the moment she was approached for the song, Urmila said she was uncomfortable with the idea of doing a guest appearance dance number.

According to her, such songs were viewed differently at that time, which made her reluctant to take up the offer. She said, “Mujhe kaha gaya ki Raj Kumar Santoshi ji, the great director of the film China Gate, basically uss waqt ki aap please ismein guest appearance item song kijiye.

Toh main bilkul iske favour mein nahi thi kyuki item song uss waqt bahut galat tarike se dekhe jaate the." ("I was approached and told that Raj Kumar Santoshi ji, the acclaimed director of China Gate, wanted me to do a guest appearance in an item song for the film.

But I was completely against the idea because, at that time, item songs were viewed in a very negative light.")The actress revealed that her reservations were genuine, but the filmmaker's confidence in the song eventually made her reconsider her decision.

Raj Kumar Santoshi's vision changed everything

Urmila explained that Raj Kumar Santoshi did not simply ask her to perform in the song. Instead, he spoke about his larger creative ambition and how he wanted to create a dance number that audiences would remember for years.

Sharing the conversation, she said, “Unhone mujhe ek baat batayi, ‘Urmila ek gaana aaya tha barso pehle aur jab bhi log dance ki baat karte hai aur choreography ki baat karte hai toh ye ek gaana hai jo aadmi ke aankhon ke saamne aata hai.

Mujhe uss gaane se behtar gaana karna hai." ("He told me one thing: 'Urmila, many years ago, there was a song that, even today, whenever people talk about dance or choreography, it is the first song that comes to their minds.

I want to create a song that is even better than that one.'")His words ultimately convinced the actress to join the project. The decision went on to become one of the defining moments of her career, with Chamma Chamma achieving lasting popularity among audiences.

The song was finished in just three days

Urmila also surprised everyone by revealing how quickly the elaborate song was filmed. She recalled speaking to choreographer Ganesh Master before production began and asking him about the expected shooting schedule.

She shared, “Maine pucha Ganesh Master ji se ye gaana kitne din shoot hoga, fir unhone bola plan toh baarah (12) din ka tha par humne teen din mein shoot kiya vo gaana." ("I asked Ganesh Master how many days it would take to shoot the song.

He told me the original plan was to film it over 12 days, but we ended up completing the entire shoot in just three days.")Judge Karisma Kapoor also reflected on the impact Chamma Chamma created upon its release. She remembered appreciating both the song and Urmila's performance, adding that it left a lasting impression on audiences. She said, “Vo time pe I remember when this song had come out, I complimented him and told him like what a song, amazing, and Urmila has done so well."Over the years, Chamma Chamma has remained one of Bollywood's most memorable dance tracks. The actress was last seen on the big screen in a special dance appearance in the 2018 Hindi comedy-drama 'Blackmail'.