Sunday, January 7, 2007

Madhuri Dixit: The Bollywood Queen

Today, she is happily married and mother of two beautiful sons but still now, she is the Bollywood actress with highest number of hits. She was planning to become a micro-biologist but unfortunately she became a model and then one of the most successful actresses of Bollywood. I think, by this time, you have made your guess about whom I am talking. It is Madhuri Dixit. The beautiful “Mohini” who rocked India with her dance number “Ek do teen.” She was the Bollywood Queen of the 80s and the 90s.

This Taurus girl had her share of struggle in Bollywood. In the beginning of her acting career, she ended up doing small roles. Her debut film Abodh was released in 1984. The movie was not successful. Her luck changed after she met Subhash Ghai, one of the biggest directors and producers of Bollywood. In 1988, Ram Lakhan directed by Subhash Ghai was a huge success. However, it was Tezaab that turned Madhuri into a star. Here are some of the most successful films by Madhuri Dixit.

Tezaab:Tezaab” is a Urdu word which means “Acid.” I do not know who named the movie but it definitely burned Indian audience. Famous music duo Laxmikant Pyarelal composed the song. It was the first successful movie of Madhuri as a lead actress. The story telling style is non-linear; starting with the present condition gradually it reveals the past and then moves to the climax. Mahesh Deshmukh (Anil Kapoor) wanted to serve the country. So he joined navy. During his college year, he fell in love with a girl named Mohini (Madhuri Dixit). In a tragic twist of fate, Mahesh ended up jail and later became a famous gangster named Munna. Mohini, whose father was an alcohol addict, forced her to become a dancer and prostitute. When Mohini was kidnapped, Mahesh was hired by Mohini’s father to save her. At first, Mohini hated Mahesh but knowing what really happened Mohini goes back to Mahesh.

Sajaan: This was one of the most successful movies of 1991. Madhuri starred with Sunjay Dutt and Salman Khan in this beautiful love triangle. Aman (Sanjay Dutt) is a poor, handicapped orphan boy. He came across Akash and they become good friends. Akash’s parents adopted Aman. Aman used to write under penname “Sagar”and became very popular. On the contrary, Akash was a womanizer. Akash’s life changed when he came across Puja Saxena (Madhuri Dixit), a small town girl, who is fond of Sagar. After Aman came to know about Puja and her love for Sagar, Aman told Akash to pose as Sagar. In this way, Aman sacrificed his love for his friend. The film was directed by Lawrence D'Souza and music was composed by famous duo Nadeem-Shravan.

Parinda: This 90’s gangster movie was submitted to Oscar in 1989. The story revolves around two orphan boys: Kishen (Jackie Shroff) and Karan (Anil Kapoor). Kishen works for a don named Anna (Nana Patekar). He sends his younger brother, Karan, abroad to keep away from trouble. Karan is in love with Paro (Madhuri Dixit). Paro’s brother Prakash is killed by Anna’s people and Kishen was behind the plan. After knowing about his brother, Karan joins the gangster and eventually Karan and Paro were killed on their wedding night. Then Kishen kills Anna to avenge his brother. The story is very simple but Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s talented direction made it a great movie. The music was also another major factor. Composed by legendary music composer, R.D. Burman, the songs were very melodious.

Hum Aapke Hain Kaun: It means Who am I to you? The title may look weird but it is one of the most successful movies ever made in Bollywood. The director of the film Sooraj R. Barjatya became a legend through this film. Till now, this movie has collected Rs.1, 500 million worldwide. The story revolves around two Indian families. The movie actually depicts the Indian culture and tradition in a modern setting. One of the most important features of the films is the lavish Shadi’s (Weddings). They look like real weddings. This four hour long film contains fourteen tracks composed by famous music director Raamlaxman. This movie is a milestone in Madhuri’s career.

Dil To Pagal Hai: The second highest grossing film of 1997 and savior of Madhuri, Dil To Pagal Hai was directed by Yash Chopra. This film also influenced the new generation directors like Aditya chopra and Karan Johar. The film won seven Filmfare awards and Shahrukh and Madhuri won numerous awards for their performance in this movie. Karan Johar, who is now one of the top Bollywood movie directors, was the in charge of Shahrukh’s costume in this movie.

Madhuri is now thinking of coming back but this time she might not be doing the characters she used to do. Still, she is one of the most well respected figures in Bollywood.

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