If the Universe has a law of the great leveller, Madhuri Dixit is the only exponent of it. In a world of megastar males, she balances the power equation in favour of the fairer sex. She’s one actress who sold films. Who overshadowed her heroes. How else would you explain a relatively forgotten film like Raja (1995) being a superhit. It did nothing for Sanjay Kapoor’s career. But it established one unassailable fact. Madhuri Dixit’s box-office power was indestructible. She’s had a long list of memorable songs, movie moments, award nominations and award wins. It’s part of a movie legacy that’s usually associated with the male stars. The giant posters, the long queues of cinema patrons, the exasperating wait for a comeback. Very few ladies in showbiz enjoy such following. Fewer still make such a description seem like an understatement. That’s the one and only Madhuri.
Rajshri launched the 17-year-old Mumbai born Madhuri in Abodh (1984). Though the film failed to work, the critics noticed Madhuri’s charm and innocence back then. Seen here at the film’s party with her musician Ravindra Jain, producer Rajkumar Barjatya, her co-actor Tapas Pal and director Hiren Nag.
Dormant start
Her first film Abodh was a quickly forgotten affair. Producer Rajkumar Barjatya couldn’t believe it sank without a trace. But when Subhash Ghai saw Madhuri in person, exclaimed, “Volcano of talent!” That was enough to open a few new doors. Madhuri featured in more forgettable fare like Khatron Ke Khiladi and Hifazat. But the start of the crescendo was around the corner.
Dormant start
Her first film Abodh was a quickly forgotten affair. Producer Rajkumar Barjatya couldn’t believe it sank without a trace. But when Subhash Ghai saw Madhuri in person, exclaimed, “Volcano of talent!” That was enough to open a few new doors. Madhuri featured in more forgettable fare like Khatron Ke Khiladi and Hifazat. But the start of the crescendo was around the corner.
Ek do teen from Tezaab became the National anthem when Madhuri shimmied to its beats. Her path-breaking performance in the film brought her much recognition in the industry as an actress too.
Tezaab was a hit and people flocked to watch her dance in Ek do teen. Films like Dayavan, Ram Lakhan, Tridev, Parinda and Kishen Kanhaiya added to the frenzy. The tabloids had a field day when it came to Madhuri. The alleged cold war between her and Sridevi made tabloid news. So did her friendship with Sanjay Dutt. Madhuri was the toast of B-town.
After Sanjay Dutt’s first wife Richa Sharma succumbed to cancer, the actor found a confidante in Madhuri who was at the peak of her career then. it is alleged that Madhuri slowly drifted apart after Sanjay’s TADA arrest in 1993.
Staying on top
In the ’90s Madhuri was reportedly charging around Rs 50 lakh. Such a fee was usually commanded by the male stars. No one was complaining because films like Dil, Saajan, Beta, Khalnayak were hitting box-office gold.
Here seen with the actor-turned-director Nana Patekar on the sets of Prahaar, discussing a scene. They have films like Wajood and Parinda to their credit.
Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! with Salman Khan soared into history as the most successful Hindi film of all time. There were scores of fans worshipping their goddess.
Madhuri was born to humble Maharashtrian parents Shankar Dixit and Snehlata Dixit on May 15, 1967.
And one special devotee was MF Husain. The eccentric artist took his passionate fascination of Madhuri to make some memorable paintings and even featured her in Gaja Gamini.
Madhuri did a look test for Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 1942 A Love Story which ultimately went to Manisha Koirala.
A new life
A million hearts were shattered when the Dhak dhak girl tied the knot with American NRI Dr Sriram Nene in 1999. She settled in Denver, USA to bring up her children Arin and Ryan.
Husain presented her with the trophy at the 38th Filmfare Award when Madhuri won the Best Actress Award for Beta.
Years after Devdas, she tried her hand at a comeback with Yash Raj Films’ Aaja Nachle and also conquered the small screen with reality TV shows.
Madhuri shares a candid moment with her sister Bharti on a film set. Hailing from a close-knit Maharashtrian family, the siblings were close to each other.
She’s become a philanthropist engaging in saving animals and securing a future for kids. She’s also set to conquer the e-generation with her online dance academy and dedicated smartphone app.
Shah Rukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit came together in Rahul Rawail’s Anjaam. The film didn’t impress the audience but it did bring this hot jodi together for many more hit films.
She's not only got her dance app on in full swing, but she's also making her presence felt in the reality TV space. Her last two releases were Gulab Gang and Dedh Ishqiya in 2014, but that was just the tip of the iceberg. She conquered the marquee once and will do so again.