India, Dec. 18 -- To call Madhuri Dixit one of Indian cinema's most loved actors won't be an exaggeration. In a four-decade-long career, the actor has done a wide range of roles, and has been a favourite of the masses. So, it was a casting coup of sorts when Nagesh Kukunoor convinced her to play a serial killer in his show, Mrs Deshpande. Ahead of the show's release, the superstar spoke to Hindustan Times about playing a dark role in her 50s, the changing avenues for female stars, and the show itself.

Female actors have played dark and negative roles, including killers, in films and shows before. But seldom have mainstream commercial stars played ruthless, unredeemable killers. Madhuri chalks this change to a more accepting audience and ...