Happy Birthday Madhuri Dixit: 7 Iconic movies of Bollywood's ‘Dhak Dhak Girl’
Since making her debut in 1984 with Abodh, Madhuri Dixit Nene’s sensational smile, unbeatable dance moves, and enthralling aura have always been the talk of the town.
Even today, fans can’t keep their calm to catch a glimpse of the Tezaab (1988) star, who set the stage on fire with the superhit number ‘Ek Do Teen’.
It not only gave her the stairway to fame but also her mentor Saroj Khan, who became the first recipient of the ‘Filmfare Award for Best Choreography’- an award that was introduced in 1989.
Besides being a talented actor, Dixit is a classically trained Kathak dancer and a microbiology graduate. Her popularity is so massive that a star is named after her in the Orion constellation.
On her 58th birthday, here are seven of her iconic films that one can watch to celebrate her vast body of work:
Tezaab (1988)
The film was released on November 11, 1988 and was an instant hit. Dixit’s character Mohini was widely appreciated by the masses as well as critics. Tezaab gained phenomenal success, breaking box office records and experiencing an exceptional 50-week run in theatres.
Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! (1994)
The film that made Dixit an overnight star is still etched in the hearts of every 90s kid. Her portrayal of the character Nisha, with delicacy and innocence, under the direction of Sooraj Barjatya, won her immense accolades. The famous song ‘Didi Tera Devar Deewana’ makes its way to marriage functions even today, thus entertaining generation after generation.
Devdaas (2002)
Dixit played the role of Chandramukhi in the period film Devdaas, directed by the maestro Sanjay Leela Bhansali, also starring Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Chandramukhi's internal turmoil, pain, and subsequent acceptance of Dev's love for Paro were fantastically emoted by Dixit. Devdas was featured in the ‘Out of Competition’ section at the 2002 Cannes Film Festival on 23 May 2002 and was released worldwide on 12 July that year. It was the most expensive Indian film ever made at the time. Made with a budget of approximately ₹500 million (US$5.9 million), it grossed ₹998.8 million (US$12 million) worldwide.
Dil To Pagal Hai (1997)
Blockbuster 'Dil To Pagal Hai' starring Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit and Karisma Kapoor captured the hearts of every romantic moviegoer in the 90s. The film revolves around the romance that unfolds when three budding dancers end up in a love triangle. Dixit’s chemistry with King Khan became such a hit that 28 years later, the film hit the theatres again on February 28, 2025, to mark Valentine’s week.
Khal Nayak (1993)
Subhash Ghai’s 1993 crime drama Khalnayak created a niche for itself in Bollywood as the character of the morally ambiguous hero (Ballu) played by Sanjay Dutt polarized the audience. Dixit earned praises for her sensational performance in the song, “Choli Ke Peeche”, choreographed by the evergreen Saroj Khan and helmed her status as Bollywood’s reigning dancing queen.
Aaja Nachle (2007)
After a break of five years, Dixit returned to the big screen with this unique film playing the role of Dia, a dance instructor who had lived in New York City for 11 years. As Dia comes to know that her dance teacher is dying, she returns to the town where she learnt to live and dance and most importantly to save the endangered ‘Ajanta theatre’. Her iconic and breathtaking dance performance in the title song, ‘Aaja Nachle’ made cinephiles flock to the theatres again.
Gulaab Gang (2014)
Debutant director Soumik Sen’s film, Gulaab Gang starring Dixit and Juhi Chawla revolved around activists and vigilantes in Bundelkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh who wore pink sarees and actively fought domestic violence, the dowry system, and rape besides other societal curses. Dixit played the role of the fierce gang leader, Rajjo who went on to challenge a shrewd politician, named Sumitra Devi Bagrecha, played by Chawla.
In 2008, the Government of India awarded Dixit with Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian honour in the country.