Actress Madhuri Dixit (Nene) is often hailed as the epitome of grace and elegance. With her mesmerising performances, intoxicating smile, and impeccable dancing skills, she has been captivating the audience for decades. Also referred to as 'Dhak Dhak Girl', Madhuri has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema with her versatility and is often referred to as a powerhouse of talent. The Bollywood Diva's timeless beauty and charm remain unmatched in the industry. Even at the age of 57, she continues to be an inspiration to aspiring actors and dancers alike. She is also known for her humility, intelligence, and dedication to her craft off-screen.
Madhuri Dixit remains a true Bollywood diva, loved and admired by millions around the world. As the diva celebrates her 57th birthday, let's delve into some lesser-known tales about the dancing queen of Bollywood.
1. Academic Excellence: Before entering Bollywood, Madhuri was a bright student and earned a degree in microbiology. She had aspirations of becoming a microbiologist before destiny led her to acting.
2. Initial Struggles: Despite her eventual success, Madhuri faced rejection early in her career. She was once rejected for a role because the director felt she wasn't star material. However, she didn't let it deter her and continued to pursue her dreams.
3. On-Screen Chemistry: While Madhuri is best known for her pairing with actors like Anil Kapoor and Shah Rukh Khan, she had incredible chemistry with many actors, including Jackie Shroff and Sanjay Dutt, in lesser-known films.
4. Global Recognition: Madhuri's fame isn't limited to Bollywood. She's also known internationally for her talent and grace. She's been a judge on dance reality shows and has even appeared in American television series.
5. Dancing Queen: Madhuri's dance skills are legendary, but what many don't know is that she initially faced criticism for her dancing. She persevered, honed her craft, and is now considered one of the best dancers in Indian cinema.
Born on May 15, 1967, into a Marathi Kokanastha Brahmin family in Bombay (Mumbai) to Shankar and Snehlata Dixit, Madhuri was the youngest among her siblings (2 sisters and 1 brother). At the early age of three, she kindled interest in dancing and went on to train in Kathak for eight years.
In 1984 at the age of 17, she made her acting debut with Abodh, opposite Tapas Paul. Though the movie failed commercially, Madhuri's performance earned positive reviews from critics. Later on, she worked in several other movies which bombed at the box office. Her first commercially successful movie was Dayavan in 1988. The same year, she attained recognition in the action drama Tezaab opposite Anil Kapoor. She also received her first Filmfare Award for Best Actress nomination. Since then, she never looked back. With several ups and downs in her career, she won the hearts of moviegoers with her stellar performances.
Apart from winning six Filmfare Awards from a record 17 nominations, she was also conferred with Padma Shri by the Government of India in 2008.
In 1999, Madhuri broke many hearts after tying the knot with a cardiovascular surgeon from Los Angeles, Shriram Madhav Nene. She is the mother of two sons, Arin and Ryan.