’’Ae Bhairon, himmat hai to aage aa’’ threatens the nubile village belle with a huge sickle in hand, her eyes flashing with rage. This was Madhuri Dixit at her very best. One of the greatest phenomenon of the 90s Bollywood scene, Madhuri had many ups and downs in her illustrious career.
Flashback
Sometime in the mid-80s, Rajshri films produced a low-budget family movie called ’’Abodh’’ which starred a newcomer called Madhuri Dixit. At that time, a collegian from my building used to tell us that this girl was in his class at Parle College and described her as ghastly looking with buck teeth, thick glasses and cheeks sprayed with red pimples. We shuddered at the thought!
Her first dhamaka
But TEZAAB(1988) took me by shock! This so-called ugly duckling had truly transformed into a beautiful swan. Whats more, the intensity of character shown by Madhuri in her portrayal of Mohini was astonishing. The dance steps in ?Ek do teen? were quite challenging and innovative and made her a national rage. Despite the theme being male-oriented, Madhuri managed to make a strong impact in her scenes.
Top of the Triangle
The next movie I liked her was in SAAJAN (1991). Though I hated the movie because of the two heroes, long haired Sanju and dumbo Salman, Madhuri seemed to be the only redeeming feature in this contrived love story. Her confrontation scene at the climax when she realizes how she has been manipulated is out-of this world.
Comic Relief
While her out-and-out comedy film ?Khel? saw the entire cast going overboard with the slapstick, it was in Rakesh Roshan?s KISHEN KANHAIYA(1991) that I found Madhuri?s comic timing extremely entertaining. In a light hearted manner, she played the streetsmart movie crazy heroine who matched steps with the slicker of the two twins played by Anil Kapoor.
Dramatic Peak
BETA 1992 is one of her finest performance till date. As a simple village girl who could turn ferocious when challenged, Madhuri was absolutely brilliant. Apart from the scene mentioned at the beginning of this review, her confrontation scenes with Aruna Irani were a delight to watch. At the same time, she displayed oomph with her famous ?dhak dhak? routine where she looked resplendent in her backless saffron outfit. The way Madhuri managed to dominate the proceedings, the film was rightly dubbed as ?Beti? by her fans.
Swan song
The only thing I liked about DEVDAS (2002) was Madhuri. As Chandramuki, the courtesan, Madhuri displayed a myriad of emotions with her characteristic sensitivity. Her dance number with the much younger and much hyped Aishwarya had the audience rooting for her.
Some notable mentions: 100 days, Parinda, Anjaam (a horrible movie with a splendid performance by MD) and Dil to Pagal Hai.
Now in her late thirties and in a semi-retirement mode, Madhuri spends her time between US and India with her husband Dr. Nene and her year-old son. We look forward to seeing this diva of acting essaying some meaningful roles suiting her caliber which can effectively bring out her immense talents and potential, which had been lost to the commercial sensibilities of Bollywood.