Well, constant hammering of smiling Madhuri on homepage of Mouthshut and of course she being my all time favourite actress made me write this. Some info first:
First Name: Madhuri
Last Name: Dixit now Nene
Birth Date: May 15, 1967
Star Sign: Gemini
Height: 5’4”
Phone #: 022 - 6202516, 6202918, 6203971 (I do not know her phone # in US)
Address: Vijaydeep, 3rd Floor, Iris Park, Juhu, Bombay - 400 049 (I do not know US address)
Number of films: 58
Madhuri’s first film was Abodh, a Rajshri Production film released in 1984. The movie was about an innocent teenage girl who doesn’t know what marriage means. She goes through sequence of events to ultimately realize what unjust she was doing to her husband. The movie and Madhuri went unnoticed by the people.
Madhuri’s first real break was four years later in 1988 with Tezaab. With Ek, Do, Teen; she became a heartthrob of millions. The movie was blockbuster, the song was super hit and so was Madhuri’s dance. She was truly amazing and I enjoy watching that song even after more than 100 repetitions (I am not exaggerating). After Tezaab there was no looking back for her.
Madhuri gave at least one blockbuster every year until 1997 (exception 1996). Parinda, Ram Lakhan, Tridev and Vardi in 1989, Dil and Jamai Raja in 1990, Saajan and 100 Days in 1991, Beta and Khel in 1992, Khalnayak in 1993, Hum Apke Hain Koun in 1994, Raja in 1995, Dil To Pagal Hai in 1997, Pukar in 2000 and Devdas in 2002.
Mad’s acting was never in question following Parinda. She did an amazing job in the role of a lower middle class girl, a teacher, living a struggling Bombay life, who is supporting her boy friend’s efforts to fight against menace of underworld. She has five filmfare awards (Dil, Beta, HAHK, DTPH and Devdas) and two Screen awards (HAHK and Mrityudand) to her credit.
If anyone ever had any doubt about her acting skills, it should have been cleared by her stellar performance in Mrityudanad. The film was not commercially successful but she missed out the national award for best actress to Tabu (Maachis) by a close margin. After Mrityudand, a lot of women organisations wrote her encouraging letters. They were full of praise because she was fighting for oppressed women. According to Om Puri, in Bihar, men have forbidden women from watching Mrityudand.
She achieved the status of superstar in 1994 with HAHK, arguably the second (first spot is undisputedly occupied by Sholay) most successful movie in the history of Indian cinema. The movie ran packed houses for at least 52 weeks at major centers. Madhuri took away most credit for the gigantic success of the film. Madhuri excelled in role of Nisha who transforms from a bubbly girl to a mature woman due to unfortunate circumstances. By that time she was considered lady Amitabh who carried the burden of success on her delicate shoulders.
Madhuri has been fortunate to have attempted most spectrum of roles through her acting career. An innocent teenager in Abodh, an oppressed daughter in Tezaab, a strident daughter-in-law in Beta, a police officer in Khal Nayak, a hapless lover in Pukar, a reporter in Wajood who was willing to go to any extent to extract a sensational story and a courtesan in Devdas. Her role in Pukar had negative shades to it. The movie did not work but her dance with Prabhudeva and acting were raved universally.
Even in the movies that failed at BO, Madhuri walked away with accolades. She had a tiny role in Lajja but it left an unforgettable mark in the movie. In renowned critic Taran Adarsh’s words: ‘Madhuri's portions are lively and make for interesting viewing. Her characterisation is such, the masses will love it. Madhuri Dixit is simply fantastic. The ease with which she emotes this complex character deserves full marks. Her expressions when her lover (Samir Soni) dumps her, during the course of the play, proves what a magnificent actress she is.’
Another example is Yeh Rastein Hai Pyar Ke. Again in Taran Adarsh’s words: ‘YEH RAASTE HAIN PYAR KE belongs to Madhuri Dixit, who delivers an incredible, flawless performance. The actress looks every bit the character she portrays and proves yet again that she is a powerhouse of talent. There's no denying that her performance uplifts the goings-on to a huge extent.'
Rajkumar Santoshi became her fan after the movie. She has been first choice of many directors. She was Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s first choice in Khamoshi, Yash Chopra’s Darr and Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 1942 A Love Story.
Her Dancing abilities cannot be put in words. She is such a graceful dancer, master at every form, from western to Indian classical, she has mastered every move. She has trained with Pt. Birju Maharaj, the best classical dance teacher in the world. Just look at the list: Ek Do Teen (Tezaab), Oh Ramji (Ram Lakhan), Intezaar (Sailab), Dhak Dhak (Beta), Choli Ke Pichhe (Khal Nayak), Chane Ke Khet Main (Anjaam), Akhiya Milao (Raja), Mera Piya Ghar Aya (Yaarana), Don’t break my heart (Aarzoo) and Key Sera Sera (Pukar). The list is long and undoubtedly impressive.
During filmfare awards ceremony in 1992, M. F. Hussain famously called her ‘Dhak Dhak Girl’ while announcing the best actress award. The title of this piece has been borrowed from M. F. Hussain (for whom I do not have scantest regard for his portrayal of Goddess Saraswati and Sitaji). She was criticized for her dance in the song, but I find it more artistic and sensual than erotic.
Madhuri’s film career spans 18 years (1984 to 2002) from Abodh to Devdas. She has been a thorough professional. I have lot of respect for her because whatever she achieved was due to her sheer hard work and professionalism. She did not have a grandfather to give her a smashing break. Additionally, she has never shied away from doing films for small banners. Today, most successful stars only work for big banners because they guarantee high publicity if not success. She did not charge fee for her work in Parinda. She appeared without makeup in Prahar.
In the end, one lesser known fact about Madhuri. She first started in glamour industry as a model. She was quite unsuccessful. After Abodh was released and failed, her parents sent out a marriage proposal to singer Suresh Wadkar. They even had a meeting. Wadkar rejected her saying she was ‘too slim’. After that her acting career took an upside turn. We must thank Mr. Wadkar for that rejection otherwise film industry would have missed out a great actress and certainly great movies.
