Juhi Chawla, who will be teaming up for the first time with Madhuri Dixit in 'Gulab Gang', says had there been insecurity and rivalry between them the film would not have worked out

In late 80s and early 90s, Madhuri and Juhi were considered to be thick competitors. But now, they are working together on Anubhav Sinha's home production 'Gulab Gang'. "We were rivals earlier.

There was rivalry which remained for some years. We used to meet only on occasions like some film sets or functions. We would not talk beyond a 'hello', just used to exchange pleasantries. After so many years, we got a chance to work in one film, " Juhi told reporters here last night at the wrap-up party of the film.

"We both felt the script was good and accepted our respective roles of a hero and a villain, so it became easy for us to do the film. If we had insecurity and rivalry even now then the film would not have worked out, " she said.

It was debutant director Soumik Sen who made Madhuri and Juhi meet and that was an ice-breaker before the two actresses went on the sets. Juhi reveals that she had fun working on the film and considers Madhuri as one of her best co-stars.

In the film, Juhi would be playing a negative role. "It was exciting and at the same time challenging to play such a character. At this point in my career I want to do roles that excite me. The language is a bit rough in the film, " she said.

The film is based on a group called 'Gulabi Gang' and also stars Mahie Gill and Shilpa Shukla.

'Gulabi Gang' is a women's group from Uttar Pradesh's Bundelkhand region that works for the well-being of women in the region facing violence, domestic and social problems.

The group's leader Sampat Pal was one of the contestants in reality show 'Bigg Boss'. "In the film, protagonist and antagonist both are women. It is women-centric but a very interesting film. It is not a preachy movie, " Juhi added.