New Delhi: Bollywood ‘lady superstar’ Madhuri Dixit completed 58 today.
The iconic Hindi cinema actress has conquered a billion hearts with her ravishing smile, graceful charm, a vivacious personality, acting chops, and great dancing skills. For around one and half decades through the 1990s to the first half of the 2000s, Madhuri's on-screen presence was enough to draw the audience to the theatres - a rare feat for a female actor in the male dominated Indian film industry. If judged by the yardstick of carrying a film singularly on her shoulders, Madhuri's success was comparable to another legendary actress Sridevi, six years junior to her.
Born on May 15, 1967, the Mumbaikar came up with stellar performances in films such as ‘Parinda’, ‘Devdas’, and ‘Dil’. In Sanjay Leela Bhansali's multi-starrer Devdas (2002), for instance, Madhuri's lively portrayal of Chandramukhi had earned rave reviews from critics, outshining Aishwarya Rai's Paro.
Madhuri's contribution to Hindi cinema can scarcely be overstated. Her acting and gyrations continue to be emblematic of Bollywood and still inspire new actresses. And many feel it redefined the role of the heroine in mainstream Indian cinema.
Making her debut in 1984 with ‘Abodh’ opposite Bengali matinee idol Tapas Paul, Madhuri catapulted to stardom with her role in ‘Tezaab’ (1988). The film's success established her as one of the leading actresses of her time. Over the next two decades, she delivered a series of high octane performances in films like ‘Beta’, ‘Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!’, and ‘Dil To Pagal Hai’, each showcasing her grandeur and elegance.
Beyond just the usual mainstream, however, Madhuri's acting prowess and versatility were proven in several films like ‘Parinda’, which gave her great acclaim from audiences and critics alike, showcasing the depth and versatility of her acting.
In tandem with her acting skills, Madhuri also transformed the art of dancing into an expression itself, with her moves often speaking more than words could.
With her dance steps, Madhuri showcased her ability to turn every song into a spectacle of pure emotion. Trained in Kathak from childhood, her combination of dancer’s discipline and grace, and a performer’s charisma and fluidity to the screen redefined Bollywood’s standards for acting and choreography.
Whether it was the sensual nature of ‘Dhak Dhak Karne Laga’ (Beta), the playful charm of ‘Didi Tera Devar Deewana’ (Hum Aapke Hain Koun) or the emotional depth of ‘Maar Daala’ (Devdas) she didn’t merely dance, rather she elevated every step into a cultural moment.
The much feted actress has bagged six Filmfare Awards, including four for Best Actress. In 2008, she was presented the nation's fourth highest civilian award Padma Shri.
