Sanjay Dutt calls Madhuri Dixit 'ma'am' at Kalank teaser launch, invites laughter

Actors Sanjay Dutt and Madhuri Dixit, who were once romantically linked in the 1990s, came together to share the dais at the teaser launch of Dharma Productions' Kalank on Tuesday (12 March) in Mumbai. Dixit plays the character of Bahaar Begum, while Dutt plays Balraj Chaudhry in the film directed by Abhishek Varman.

At the teaser launch, Dutt stood to the left of Dixit on the stage. The duo made no eye contact until they were asked about their reunion after a long time. While Dutt sported a black sherwani, Dixit wore a black designer saree. Similarly, Alia Bhatt-Varun Dhawan and Sonakshi Sinha-Aditya Roy Kapur were colour-coordinated in white and red, respectively.

“Karan, you know how close I was to your father [Yash Johar]. It’s always a pleasure working with Dharma [Productions]. Nice to see you grow, I am proud of you. Nice to work with Varun, Alia and ma’am. I really enjoyed being part of it. I hope to work more [with Madhuri],” said Dutt, inviting laughs as he called Dixit "ma'am".

Later, Bhatt joked that Dhawan should follow suit and address her as "ma'am" too. Dhawan humbly said that he calls Bhatt "maa" (mother).

“I think we are working together after 20 odd years. Recently, I worked with Anil Kapoor after a long period [in Total Dhamaal]. It is always wonderful to work with actors that you have worked with before," said a graceful Dixit.

Dutt and Dixit were last seen together in Mahaanta (1997).

The role of Bahaar Begum was to be played by late actress Sridevi. But due to her untimely death in Dubai in February 2017, the role was taken up by Dixit.

The Tezaab (1988) actress accepted the role with a heavy heart. “What happened then was very tragic. She was a fabulous human being. She was in our thoughts when he began filming. However, an actress, once you get on with work, then you looked beyond everything,” said Dixit.

Speaking about working with director Varman, Dixit said he was a hard man to please, "but if you give the shot right then he gives a bright smile."

Kalank means taint and the controversial Dutt was asked whether if there was a kalank he was unable to wash. Dutt sportingly said, “Brother, I have served jail time, I have cleared my Kalank."

Dhawan added that his kalank came as a child when after being dismissed for nought in a game of cricket, and his captain mocked him saying that he’s the kalank [weak link] in his team.

Kalank will be released on 17 April.