Madhuri Dixit to recreate `Ek do teen` krazzze with Himesh

Bollywood's dancing queen Madhuri Dixit is all set to make yet another comeback to the silver screen, this time with none other than the all rounder Himesh. The actress will be grooving to Himesh Reshammiya's version of her most famous smash hit ever Ek do teen from the movie Tezaab.

The stunning actress has reportedly been roped in for the cult song in John Matthew Matthan�s next film, 'A Love Isshtory' which stars Himesh Reshammiya and Niharika Singh.

Grapevine has it that Reshammiya, who plays a tapori in the film, impersonates Munna from 'Rangeela', a character made famous by Aamir Khan�s portrayal of it.

According to our source, Madhuri will be dancing to the foot tapping tunes of Ek do teen� but this time Himesh will be doing what he�s best at by joining her on stage.

Looks like Himesh is going to offer us many more Tandoori Nights!

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Madhuri and Anil all set to spill Tezaab on the celluloid again

Mumbai: Yesteryears hot jodi- Anil Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit, is all set to sizzle the cinema screens yet again. Writer-director N Chandra who was instrumental in Madhuri Dixit's star-trek with 'Tezaab' is reportedly working on a sequel to his film successful flick 'Tezaab'.

The reports suggest that the director is planning to rope in the same star-cast and is hoping to recreate the Anil-Mads magic again. The film will be apparently called 'Tezaab 2'.

It seems that the encouraging audience response to the sequel of 'Sarkar Raj' has inspired Chandra to jump on the sequel bandwagon.

The late 80s and early 90s combination of Anil Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit have given a number of Box-Office hits together, creating a lasting impact on the viewers with their innumerable movies. This piece of news is surely expected to pep up the fans of the two stars.

Only time will tell if the movie will be able to strike a chord with the movie lovers, here's hoping that it won't make the audience get a feel of deja vu with the same old faces gracing the sequel!

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Madhuri’s Kolhapuri connection!

Madhuri has been married for years now and yet her charm and beauty never fails to engulf her admirers!

The beautiful actress paid a visit to Kolhapur, a city in Maharashtra recently while she was in India to receive her Padmashree and left no stone unturned to please her Kolhapuri fans!

“I love Kolhapur and everything about this place! I remember when I was here for the shoot of Prem Granth, I used to live on bhakri (rotis made from the mixture of jowar and wheat flour) and Thecha (mixture of green chillies, groundnut powder and onions)! The bhakri-thecha combination is supposed to be extremely spicy but I in spite of being a Mumbaikar enjoyed this local speciality of Kolhapur”, revealed Madhuri.

Mads didn’t stop enthralling her Kolhapuri fans there, she went ahead and displayed her singing skills as she sang her famous dance number from her film Anjaam called, “Mein Kolhapur Se Aayi Hoon’!

Her efforts to oblige the crowd and their love for her were definitely appreciated as her fans couldn’t get enough of the actor and blew whistles after every second of her speech!

Now that’s what we call...Madhuri mania!

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A Very Very Happy Birthday Madhuri!!!

If you ask who fits the bill of eternality in Bollywood then here's a prompt answer to your question 'Madhuri Dixit Nene'. The only diva who dominated Bollywood with her oodles of acting talent and graceful dance still holds the title of Queen of Bollywood.

With her myriad commercially and critically successful films she established herself as one of the most respected and prominent female actors in Bollywood. Throughout late 80's and 90's she ruled the roost with her award winning performances in the films like TEZAAB, RAM LAKHAN, BETA, DIL, SAAJAN, KHALNAYAK, DIL TO PAGAL HAI and DEVDAS. After successfully handling family Mrs. Nene also did a comeback film AAJA NACHLEY. Though the film didn't work but she was welcomed happily on her return to films.

Recently, she received 'Padma Shri' for her contribution to Indian cinema and the Bollywood diva expressed her gratitude saying the honour is a result of her hard work and honesty. What more could she have asked on her 41st birthday today!

Come let's add to her joy by wishing her a verrrry happy birthday. And also congratulate her on a very deserving honour.

Post your Birthday Wish

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Madhuri: Padma Shri is my hard work

Madhuri Dixit received Padma Shri for her contribution to Indian cinema and the former Bollywood diva says the honour is a result of her hard work and honesty.

"It's always a wonderful feeling to have your work honoured. One has worked so hard for so many years. The Padma Shri is a culmination of all my hard work and honesty. I think I'm being honoured for doing my work sincerely," Madhuri said.

Madhuri's children are in the US with her in-laws and her parents.

"They're all there. I guess my kids are lucky to have three sets of parents. My husband was here with me to share this moment. He left on Sunday," she said.

Did Madhuri's children share her excitement about the award?

"Not the younger one. He's only three. Too young to understand, but my five-year-old son kept asking me why I was getting this award. I told him it was because I did movies in India for many years. 'You did movies. Why? Why do people call you Dixit?' he asked me.

"I think he's finally getting to know that his mom who cooks meals and puts them to bed had a life beyond the home and kids before marriage," Madhuri said.

Bollywood's former diva admits it's hard to bridge the gap between the life she has now in the US and her long and successful innings in the film industry.

"I've gotten used to a life with my husband and kids. And to leave them behind in the US and come to Mumbai to work is tough. Although our parents take really good care of the kids, Ram and I still worry about what's happening back home when we're in India," said the actress.

She ruled the Hindi film industry in 1980s and 90s and churned out greatest hits like Tezaab, Ram Lakhan, Beta, Dil, Saajan, Khalnayak, Dil To Pagal Hai and Devdas.

Madhuri says the fact that back home people still want to see her on screen makes her happy.

"It is wonderful to know that people still think about me in my home country, although I don't live here any more. That they still want me back, it makes me feel very wanted," the actress added.

Last time Madhuri was in the country, it was for the release of her comeback film Aaja Nachle. The film didn't work, but she says its failure wasn't a blow to her.

"I did my part sincerely. And I did everything I could. So did the whole team. I've worked in this field long enough to know 'you win some, you lose some'. Sometimes you feel everything is going right and the end product still falls apart. It's okay," she said.

So what is she doing to rectify her fans' sense of disappointment?

"Is that your way of asking if I'm doing another movie? Next time I'll ask my fans what they want to see me do on screen. The fact that I did a part for a woman specially written for an actress my age was a triumph. I'm not in India to sign another movie, not this time. I came just to receive the Padma Shri," Madhuri said.

After the Padma Shri, Madhuri is staying back in Mumbai to catch up with family friends and a whole lot of personal work.

"I do have a life beyond movies," she laughed.

I finally touch on the Madhuri Dixit aura undiminished by time, marriage, motherhood and the failed comeback vehicle.

"I never thought of what you call an aura. For me this life as a wife and mother was what I dreamt of almost all my life."

Thank God, she did at the right time.

"What's the right time?" she quipped. "If you mean the right time to have kids then let me remind you a 63-year-old woman had twins. Nothing is impossible at any age any more. As for me, I had always said if I meet the right person I wouldn't think twice about giving up my career. And that's exactly what I did. I never planned anything in life," she said.

Subash K. Jha, IANS

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Madhuri Dixit has no plans to act in movies

MUMBAI: Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit, who has been captivating viewers for more than a decade, has no plans to act in movies as of now.

But, a section of the media reported that filmmaker Yash Chopra will himself direct Madhuri in their next film as their erstwhile release with her 'Aaja Nachle' was a dismal flop.

A Yash Raj films (YRF) spokesperson said that the reports were baseless. "There is not an iota of truth of these reports", the spokesperson said.

Madhuri's business manager Rakeshnath alias Rikku also said that the actress is leaving for her home in US in a week's time and is not planning to do any movies.

The reports coincided with Madhuri's visit to India to receive the 'Padmashri' award for her contribution to Indian cinema.

Except attending the premiere of 'Jimmy', Mithun Chakraborty's son Mimoh's debut film and receiving the 'Padmashri' in Delhi at the hands of President of India Pratibha Patil, Madhuri is spending her time visiting family and friends, Rikku said.

The actress, who married US based Dr Sriram Nene in 1999 after a successful career in films, is a mother of two. She made a comeback after six years in Yashraj's 'Aaja Nachle' in November last year. However, the film did not do well.

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Madhuri missed meeting favourite director

Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit, who is a big fan of Indian-American director, producer and writer Manoj 'Night' Shyamalan's work, regrets that she couldn't be formally introduced to the spook specialist in Delhi. But she is happy he was being recognised alongside her.

The two film personalities were given Padma Shri Saturday in the capital."Never mind. It's wonderful to see talent from India making a name in Hollywood and being recognised at home as well. I feel, with increasing globalisation more and more Indian talent will be recognised all over the world," Madhuri, who made a comeback with "Aaja Nachle", told IANS.

"I've watched his 'Sixth Sense' like six times. When I was going to watch it for the first time, I was told I'd never be able to guess the ending. I thought I'd be able to because I thought it would be something impossible, which I'll catch on to. But I still couldn't guess the suspense. Sheer genius," added the actress who gave hits like " Tezaab", "Ram Lakhan" "Beta" and "Dil To Pagal Hai".

Madhuri's husband Sriram Nene was also here for the occasion but he left for the US from Delhi immediately after the ceremony. Madhuri, however, stayed back and is now in Mumbai for a week to catch up with friends and relatives.

Delhi was tough on Madhuri's health. "I've got this wracking cough because of the humidity. And the contrast when I'm indoors cooped in the air conditioning and the heat outside is making it worse. Thankfully, I didn't bring my kids along."

Before leaving for Delhi for the Padma Shri, Madhuri attended the premiere of "Jimmy" for her co-star Mithun Chakraborty's sake. "Jimmy" is Mimoh's launch vehicle.

"If you remember, I had done one of my best films 'Prem Pratigyaa' with Mithunda. From the beginning he was such a gentleman, always very professional. Even if he was late, he'd warn me, 'Don't come on the set before 11 a.m. tomorrow.' Yeah, that's what it meant to be disciplined back then."In fact, she met another of her other co-star Govinda at the "Jimmy" premiere.

"Yeah Govinda too was very sweet. Fortunately, everything in Bollywood is getting more organised. We get ready scripts. So there's more incentive to come. Ten years ago it'd have been impossible for me to come down to Mumbai to work. I wouldn't even have thought of it."

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Tezaab was a turning point for me: Madhuri

New Delhi: Bollywood diva Madhuri Dixit was in the Capital to receive the latest addition to her kitty of awards, the Padmashree.

Awarded the Padmashree, for her contribution to Indian cinema, Madhuri Dixit had a long list of people to thank.

"I feel elated. It's wonderful. But i have a lot of people to thank. Right from my hair dressers, to the make up to the technicians, everybody has a share in this and i want to thank all of them today," says Madhuri.

CNN-IBN: Do you think Padmashree should have been bestowed on you much earlier, may be at the height of your career?

Madhuri Dixit: I don’t know. A lot of people ask me that. I believe that whenever I have worked in movies, it has been with all my heart and honesty. I have never really worked towards any awards. That has never been on my mind. Now that I am receiving this award, it is a great honour. I don’t care if it is late or early. I just appreciate that fact that I don’t live here anymore. I am in the US and people still think about me. They gave me this honour. I accept that very humbly.

CNN-IBN: When you first started your film career with Abodh, did you ever know that the Indian Government will decorate you as an actress?

Madhuri Dixit: When I started with Abodh, I was too young, I did not even know what I was doing at that time.

CNN-IBN: You have done more than 67 Bollywood films. Which film do you think was a turning point in your career?

Madhuri Dixit: It is hard to say which film was a turning point. I think the biggest hit was Tezaab. That was my first hit film. There are a lot of turning points in my career. That was, maybe, one of my first.

CNN-IBN: Were you disappointed with the reception that Aaja Nach Le got?

Madhuri Dixit: No not really. Sometimes, you win and sometimes you lose. I really had fun working on the movie, working with all the different artists that I did. And that is what matters finally.

CNN-IBN: Aren’t you planning another film here?

Madhuri Dixit: Not yet. But I will see.

Source: CNN-IBN

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Padmashri Madhuri Dixit Nene!

It was a moment of glory for Bollywood diva Madhuri Dixit as she received the prestigious Padma Shri award today (May 10) from President Pratibha Patil for her outstanding contribution to Indian cinema.

The actor who is in the country with her husband Dr. Shriram Nene especially to receive the award is exceedingly happy with this recognition.

"It is a great honour. I am elated," said Padma Shri Madhuri Dixit.

Noted industrialist Ratan Tata, NRI steel baron Lakshmi Mittal, Metroman E Sreedharan and chess wizard Viswanathan Anand were also among the recipients of the Padma awards.

Former bureaucrat PN Dhar, former Chief Justice of India AS Anand and Nobel-prize winning environmentalist RK Pachauri also received the prestigious Padma Vibhushan at a glittering function at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.

Adding glamour to the event were Hollywood director Manoj Night Shyamalan, Punjabi folk singer Hans Raj Hans, versatile actor Tom Alter and footballer Baichung Bhutia, who received Padma Shri awards.

Melody queen P Susheela and noted economists Lord Meghnad Desai, Kaushik Basu and Padma Desai also received the Padma Bhushan award.

The best round of applause was reserved for Tata, who was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan, Bhutia, Shyamalan and Dixit, who received the Padma Shri.

Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams did not turn up to receive the Padam Bhushan while respected Russian diplomat Yuli Mikhailovich Vorontsov's daughter received the award conferred on him posthumously.

Ignoring the clamour for Bharat Ratna triggered by BJP leader LK Advani's letter to the Prime Minister proposing Atal Bihari Vajpayee's name, the government decided against naming anyone for the award for the seventh consecutive year this time.

Bharat Ratna was last given in 2001 to Lata Mangeshkar and Ustad Bismillah Khan.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and several union ministers attended the function.

Among the Padma Bhushan recipients were veena exponent Ustad Asad Ali Khan, industrialist Baba Neelkanth Kalyani, tribal leader Mian Bashir Ahmed, Inderjit Kaur, Jasdev Singh, Kantipudi Padmanabhaiah, Nirmal Kumar Ganguly, Suresh Kumar Neotia, Sushil Kumar Saxena, Viswanathan Ramachandran and Ravindra Kelekar.

Those who received Padma Shri included Aheibam Jayant Kumar Singh, Amitabh Mattoo, Barkha Dutt, Bholabhai Patel, Cannigaiper Uthamaroyan Velmurugendran, Pandit Gokulotsav Maharaj, Heisnam Sabitri, Indu Bushan Sinha, Jawahar Wattal, KS Nishar Ahmed and Kaleem Ullah Khan.

French national Colette Mathur and Russian theatre personality Gennadi Mikhailovich Pechnikov also received the honour.

Karuna Mary Braganza, Kasturi Lal Chopra, Kekoo M Gandhy, Kutikuppala Surya Rao, Madan Mohan Sabharwal, Mohan Chandra Pant, Moozhikkulam Kochukuttan Chakkyar, Rakesh Kumar Jain, Sant Singh Virmani, Sheela Barthakur, Sirkazhi G Siva Chidambaram, Surjya Kanta Hazarika, Vellur Ramachandra Gowrishankar, Yella Venkateswara Rao, Mohammed Yusuf Taing also received the Padma Shri.

Times Now

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A resplendent Madhuri Dixit at Jimmy premiere

Madhuri Dixit looked resplendent in a blue aqua chiffon saree with cheetah print, bright orange embroidered flowers, and orange brocade borders, at the Jimmy premiere at Cinemax, Versova on Thursday, May 8.

She was accompanied by her husband Ram Nene, and received and escorted in by a highly 'spirited' Mithun chakravorty, who acted as the de facto host for the event which marks the launch of his son Mimoh's Bollywood career.

Madhuri is in India to receive the coveted Padmashri national award for her contribution to Indian cinema. The award ceremony is on May 10.

She attended the event as a special invitee of Mithun, her co-star in films such as Pyar Ka Devta (1990), Prem Pratigyaa (1989) and Mujrim (1989). She did not stay for long, so as not to take the thunder away from Mimoh, but her appearance at the event made it truly special.

Madhuri wore a cap sleeve blouse with a deep V neckline and a matching cheetah print with her saree.

She accessorized with long dangler earrings that had chunky orange stones, a ring each on her ring fingers and a golden clutch. She had left her layered hair open.

The Barjatyas are reported to be planning a sequel to Hum Aapke Hai Kaun and Madhuri fans are hopeful the actress, who turns 43 on May 15, will feature in the film.

Madhuri made a spirited and endearing come back to Bollywood in 2007, after a five year sabbatical, with Aaja Nachle, a dance extravaganza that failed to stir the box office.

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Yash Chopra to direct Madhuri Dixit

Though Madhuri Dixit's comeback vehicle AAJA NACHLE under Yash Raj banner could not click at box-office but that didn't stop the ace actress to spell her charm.

In fact she is gearing up for her other projects. According to the latest buzz in media she will soon be seen once again showcasing her acting performance par excellence in yet another Yash Raj project. Yes, according to the latest grapevine it is heard that Yash Raj banner is once again producing a film featuring Madhuri as lead and the details are being worked out. But the striking fact which will make this news more elating is that Yash Chopra may direct this project himself. And whenever this ace director is at the helm of affairs he is a sure shot winner. His last directorial venture was VEER ZAARA starring SRK, Preity Zinta, Rani Mukherji bagging almost all the awards in Yash Raj kitty.

So all you Yash Raj film buffs, your eager await will finally come to an end and hope we will rejoice once again in the old magic with the combination of Yash Raj and the graceful Madhuri.

Rachana

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Madhuri Dixit to receive Padma Shri Award

Madhuri Dixit will be receiving the prestigious Padma Shri Award for her contribution to the Indian India Cinema on May 10. Though Madhuri's comeback vehicle Aaja Nachle failed to create an impact at the box-office last year, the undisputable queen of Bollywood can still make many hearts flutter with her million dollar smile.

Madhuri Dixit along with her husband Dr. Nene will be coming down from Florida for the award ceremony. And, with Madhuri's birthday being just a few days away, this is going to be real celebration month for the Nene family.

One man who will surely be delighted on hearing this news is artist M.F Husain. After expressing his disappointment over the debacle of Aaja Nachle, Husain saab will now have a reason to be happy for Madhuri.

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Madhuri’s Unforgettable Show with Bachchans!

[MadhuriLive Buzz Centre] Remember you heard it here first. The grapevine insists that after Lara Dutta backed out of the Bachhhans ‘Unforgettable tours’ a quick replacement was sought by the organisers after the Bachchans hit the panic button.

And guess who has decided to step in and save the Bachchans show from fading into oblivion? The ever so graceful and dignified Madhuri Dixit. If reports are to be believed the Maharashtrian mulgi has agreed to do the rescue act and shake her famous hips with the Bachchans.

While Madhuri was away in the US and was not available for comments, but her secretary Rikku Rakesh Nath admits that they had a series of meeting with the organisers.

We are in talks currently, but it’s too early to talk about it right now. We have to take care of each other’s comfort level. We should finalise in next couple of days,” says Rikku. With the Dhak Dhak girl coming in, the tour for sure is heading towards some unforgettable moments!

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Madhuri Dixit UNPLUGGED!

An old encounter with the beautiful actress, talking about life and career

Totally nonchalant about the obscenity suit filed against her for the double-entendre song number choli ke peechhey kya hai in Khalnayak, that’s Madhuri Dixit for you. Keeps you waiting on the sets of Rajshri Films latest commercial bonanza, Hum Aapke Hai Kaun for nearly six hours but wipes your would-be frown away with that charismatic smile of hers, which she uses all too often, almost to a fault. Regal, beautiful Madhuri with a gliding walk despite never having glided on a ramp or on the catwalk ever in her life. Some say she resembles Madhubala a lot. Some say no, she reminds the Bengali of the young Suchitra Sen. She is neither. Because she is herself.

Madhuri Dixit, first person
I was born and brought up in JB Nagar, a place in Mumbai's western suburb, Andheri, the youngest of one brother and three sisters. I went to the nearby Divine Child High School from where I did my SSC and then on to Parle College to do my Higher Secondary in Science. All my siblings are now in the USA, married and settled there.

The Beginning
My elder sister's friend knew the Barjatiyas well. She also knew that they were scouting around for a very young girl, a fresh face, for their forthcoming production, Abodh. One day, another friend of the Barjatiyas saw me with my sister and this friend of hers. He knew me when I was little but was surprised to see that I had grown up and looked different. They suggested I try for the role. The Barjatiyas are a respected family in the film industry who has always presented wholesome family entertainment. Off I went for the screen test. I cleared it but the catch was that my Higher Secondary Board exams were round the corner and I was determined not to miss them for anything in my life. The Barjatiyas waited for me to finish the exams and my vacations began with the shooting of Abodh. My results arrived while I was on the sets, in June. I remember being very nervous, very shaky about the results. But I scored more than 80%. I was always a good student. Shooting over, I went back to college to do B.Sc. with microbiology. But Abodh was released by then and the offers began to pour in.

This and That…
I did a lot of classical dancing from my school days and was good at it they say. But it never occurred to me to make a career out of dancing. Before films, I had no clear idea of what I wanted to do with my life. At one time, I toyed with the idea of doing hotel management. But that did not quite seem to have a future at the time. I switched over to the idea of becoming a research scientist. I thought genetics would be the right field to concentrate my research on. It seemed to offer bright prospects. I was right. Today, genetics is an on-going and open field. It was something I was not destined to do. I underwent several phases of mutation till Life decided the future course of action. Never ever in my life did I even dream of becoming a star, an actress. Even when I was well into this profession, I did not expect this kind of fame and popularity. But once I was inside the field, I deliberately and consciously worked towards this goal. I was not handed down to me on a golden platter, no. I am really glad I had to work hard, very hard for it because working towards success and attaining it after the hard work has made me respect my profession all the more.

The Climb
I don't understand the difference between being a star and being an actress. If you are a good actress, you can also be a star but it does not work the other way round. You must be able to deliver the goods. Gone are the days of parallel cinema when actresses like Shabana Azmi and Smita Patil proved to the world that a good actress need not necessarily be a good star. Where is the parallel cinema today? These debates arise mainly because with stardom, there is this tendency to get carried away by one's own glamour, one's fame, and one’s success. The star then begins to play to the gallery, to manipulate the audience. It might work for some time but in the long run, it can be dangerous and self-destructive.

High Points
My biggest high comes when I discover that how I come across on screen tallies exactly with how I had mentally visualized it. If there is a gap between my visualization and how I actually come across, I feel frustrated with myself. This has made me my own worst critic. Being your own critic helps you to keep growing. Failing this, you might find yourself getting stagnant within the mainstream.

The Peak
My best is yet to come. Today, I have reached a stage where I do not have to do too many films. There was a time when I did two to three shifts a day. Now I am in a position where I can pick and choose if I wish to. Two dream roles I would love to do are the role of a court dancer like the one Meena Kumari played in Pakeeza that would take me back to my kathak days and the role of a schizophrenic, a woman with a dual personality, along the lines of the one Nargis did in Raat Aur Din. I am looking for a complex character with different shades to it, a character filled with self-doubts. One thing I am certain about is that I will never do an out-and-out negative role. I do not think I will be convincing enough in a negative role.

Objectivity and all that
One of the most important things I keep in mind is retaining my objectivity, not only in front of the camera but also in every sphere of life. My background in science has imposed a lot of discipline in me. This discipline helps me in sustaining objectivity. It is important not to fall in love with the image one has created for the world out there. The real person and the image that that real person has created are two very different things and no actor should lose track of this essential dichotomy. Objectivity is like the third eye that keeps watching you all the time, correcting you when you falter, holding you when you might fall.

The Future
I have decided that I will remain as normal as I was before I became Madhuri Dixit, the star. It does not matter whether I am at the top or at the bottom. I will not allow myself to create walls of loneliness around myself. Had I not been an actress, I would probably have been peering through a microscope at some invisible organism, zooming into their lives, trying to unravel their secrets. I do realise the need for marriage and motherhood because these are essentials in a person's life. But within marriage too I will create my own space of work instead of juggling time between home and work. I may not do what I am doing now or will keep doing what I am doing but the bottom line is – I will continue to work. I do not have any regrets for being in films and will allow my kids to come into the profession if they wish to.

Shoma A Chatterji

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Madhuri Dixit will be part of the Bachchans tour

It is reliably learnt that Madhuri Dixit will also be part of The Unforgettables stage shows.

Says a source close to the Bachchans, “For Madhuri, it’d be the easiest thing in the world for her to join the concerts in the US as she is based there.”

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Dancing queen Madhuri Dixit shows of her jalwa

The competition in this week’s Nach Baliye will reach boiling point as the reigning queen of Bollywood, Madhuri Dixit, dances her way onto television screens this weekend as a guest on India's answer to Stricly Come Dancing - Nach Baliye.

The actress with the 1,000 watt smile will duet with celebrity judge choreographer, Vaibhav Merchant to entice viewers to dance along to her smash hit song Aaja Nachle.

Madhuri is sure to mesmerise with her electrifying jhatkas in what promises to be the most spectacular show in the series so far.

High-energy dance spectacle, Nach Baliye, captures the drama and emotional journey of 10 celebrity couples from the small and silver screen through a high powered dance-off competition, where they compete to impress three A-list celebrity judges - the sensational actress Isha Koppikar, ace director David Dhawan and promising choreographer Vaibhav Merchant.

The stakes are high this year with the theme being "Yeh Nach Nahin Aasaan" (Dance is Far From Easy), and so the show tests the dancing mettle of each celebrity couple to the limits. With only four weeks left to the finale show, the remaining couples which include Raakhi Sawant and Kashmeera Shah with their respective baliyes, are battling it out for the grand prize.

Each week, the couples have to perform on challenging themes, which test their dancing skills and their choreographer's imagination.

The theme for this weekend’s unmissable show will see contestants perform their own renditions of some of Madhuri’s hit songs. Catch Rakhi Sawant and her baliye perform their very own rendition of Madhuri’s hit 80’s song Ek, Do, Teen.

Nach Baliye with Madhuri Dixit will be broadcast on STAR Plus on 22 March at 9.00pm.

Asian News

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Madhuri’s comeback plans!

Though her Aaja Nachle didn’t strike gold at the box office, Mrs Madhuri Dixit Nene, we hear will be trying another shot at the box office, sooner than later.

And right now the whole project has been kept under wraps. The film is likely to start somewhere next month. We wonder why the secrecy? Maybe somethings are best kept concealed, what say?

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DVD Review: Aaja Nachle

MOVIE DETAILS

Cast: Madhuri Dixit, Konkona Sen, Kunal Kapoor, Raghubir Yadav, Divya Dutta, Vinay Pathak, Ranvir Shorey, Darshan Zariwala and Irrfan Khan
Director: Anil Mehta
Producer: Aditya Chopra
Music : Salim Sulaiman
Lyrics: Jaideep Sahni & Piyush Mishra

THE FILM

Aaja Nachle was touted to be one of the biggest comeback films ever. After all Madhuri Dixit was coming back to silver screen 5 years after Devdas (2002). If combination of Yash Raj Films with Madhuri wasn't good enough, an added spice in the form of Jaideep Sahni (Chak De India) as a writer contributed to expectations level being an all time high. More positives came in form of the subject of the film, which dealt with dance. Obviously, Madhuri fans were expecting a treat in the offering since there was a stage set for them to scream 'Show Me Your Jalwa' for the 'dhak dhak' girl.

Sadly, the film turned out to be hardly anything but 'jalwa' as it was an extremely average fare. And what happened to Aaja Nachle was the same as it happens to most hyped films which are nowhere near being a 'jalwa'. Aaja Nachle failed at the box office and broke many hearts. The film wasn't atrocious but when names like Yash Chopra, Aditya Chopra, Madhuri Dixit and Jaideep Sahni come together, nothing less than extraordinary is acceptable.

The film had it's biggest problem lying in what could well have been thought as a strength by the makers - it's over simplicity. The film just didn't have a conflict. No, it wasn't about a conflict being built up which could have been resolved easily. Probably even that could have been understandable. The issue here was different as there was no conflict whatsoever from beginning till the end.

For Madhuri Dixit, who had to get people of her hometown to come together and present a show in a downtrodden amphitheater in order to help it survive the land sharks, there were no major challenges that were posed. And the ones which were posed too were so easily overcome that one wished if real life was as simple too!

So what 'really' worked for the film? a) Madhuri Dixit's performance (flawless) and b) Every scene, yes every scene, which featured Akshaye Khanna with Madhuri. Let's talk about Madhuri first. Clichéd as it may sound but she is the sole reason, which makes Aaja Nachle watchable. It's not only the nostalgic element, it is in fact sheer effortlessness with which she carries herself in front of the camera that makes audience look in awe. A perfect example of how a lady should act!

Akshaye Khanna. Now how can this actor continue to deliver one tremendous performance after another but still not have one big success to his name that could establish him as one of the front-runners in the top league. On one end, the industry is whining and crying that there are no actors available till 2010 while on the other we let go of an actor like Akshaye Khanna so easily! Just watch out for those 4-5 scenes he shares with Madhuri. Even a hardcore Madhuri fan would agree that all eyes are reserved only for Akshaye as he displays that ever-so-famous naughty streak of his!

PACKAGING

DVD of Aaja Nachle has an eye catchy design and layout with a classy appeal to it. The box is made of a mix of paper and plastic packaging.

DURATION

The film comes in a twin DVD pack with the film's duration being 147 minutes. The second DVD has special features lasting close to 120 minutes.

SPECIAL FEATURES

- The Making Of The Film
- Laila Majnu Full Version
- Making of Laila Majnu
- Deleted Scenes
- Outtakes
- Theatrical Trailor & Promos
- Aaja Nachle Musical Night - MTV
- Director's Profile
- Cast & Crew Credits
- Photo Gallery - a) Posters b) Movie Stills

Highlight of 'Special Features' in the DVD is close to one hour coverage which is provided to the much talked about 'Laila Majnu' sequence. Not just the viewer gets to watch the full 26 minutes version of 'Laila Majnu', which arrived in the climax, there is also an elaborate 25 minutes segment which takes a viewer through the making of this sequence. 'Laila Majnu', which formed the film's climax, had met through some extreme reactions when the film was screened. However, on repeated viewing on home video, there are finer aspects involved with the thought, concept, and execution of 'Laila Majnu' that does manage to hold your attention.

'Making of 'Laila Majnu' turns out to be an engaging watch too. Behind the scenes happenings involving Madhuri Dixit singing her portions in the recording studio, lyricist Piyush Mishra explaining the depth of the words, Salim & Sulaiman helping the singers get the right pitch and above all choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant guiding each of the major players in 'Laila Majnu' on how to get the right steps and expressions makes one genuinely feel for the effort that went into the making of the film.

In fact one sees a lot of Vaibhavi in 'The Making Of The Film' segment too (which lasts 22 minutes) as the film is centered on dance and Vaibhavi was the chief contributor to majority of frames of the film. The segment has been well shot and edited as instead of boring clichéd interviews, one actually traverses to the sets where the film was shot. It is always engaging to be witness to how a shot was being canned with the sound of 'action' and 'cut' and there is a lot of it to be seen during the making of the film.

Also funny are 6 minutes of out takes where actors are shown to be goofing up in front of the camera. Madhuri's child like mannerisms whenever she gave a bad shot is worth giggling at. In addition, there is a 24 minutes segment around 'Aaja Nachle Musical Night', which was held at Delhi. A video recording of the songs choreographed by Vaibhavi Merchant and performed live by her troupe is the highlight here.

There are 20 minutes of deleted scenes as well though the ones, which impress most, are those, which feature Akshaye Khanna or Ranvir Shorey. There was an interesting dinner table sequence between Akshaye and Madhuri, which was chopped. Surprising, since it involved Akshaye proposing Madhuri. Also, Ranvir may have really been flabbergasted on watching Aaja Nachle at theaters since most of the scenes that he had shot are relegated to 'deleted scenes'. Those who felt that Ranvir's character in Aaja Nachle was half baked have to check out the deleted scenes since the emotional side of him is brought out well in number of sequences. Watch out for the scene where he confesses to Madhuri that he was still willing to get her back into his life!

TECHNICAL DETAILS

- 16:9 Anamorphic Widescreen format
- Optional Subtitles in 7 Languages- International: English / Arabic / Spanish / Dutch / Portuguese, Indian: Tamil / Malayalam
- Dolby Digital 5.1 and Stereo
- Digitally Re-mastered From The Original Film

PRICE

Rs. 399

CONCLUSION

Aaja Nachle is a film which is strictly for home viewing. It's not a film, which mandates a definite watch though. Watch it only if a) you have been dying to see Madhuri Dixit act again or b) you have loved 'Laila Majnu' sequence or c) you have absolutely nothing else to do on a lazy night.

Rating: **

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Padma shri award is a wonderful surprise: Madhuri Dixit

Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit said she has been humbled by the honour of a Padmashri award and the announcement came as a wonderful surprise to her.

In a statement from Denver, US, where she is settled after marriage, Madhuri said, ”I wish to thank all the individuals, who have contributed to my success through the years, and the award is a reflection of their efforts.”

”I wish to thank the Government of India for considering me worthy of this honour, as well as thank patrons of arts and cinema around the world. I am deeply indebted to my motherland for having given me this opportunity,” she added.

UNI

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Madhuri Dixit honoured with Padma Shri

Dazzling damsel Madhuri Dixit is one of the Padmashree awardees this year. The heartthrob of many, Madhuri made her foray into films in 1986 with Abodh but hit it big time with her sizzling number in Tezaab, which opened the door for several good offers. Some of her hits include Ram Lakhan, Tridev, Kishen Kanhaiya, Dil, Saajan, Beta, Khalnayak, Hum Aapke Hai Kaun and Raja.

Madhuri won her first Filmfare Award for her performance in Dil and her second for Beta. She was awarded for a third and fourth time for Hum Apke Hain Kaun and Dil To Pagal Hai respectively. In 2002, she starred in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s mega-budget Devdas with Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai and bagged a Filmfare Award for best supporting actress. She made her comeback in Bollywood with Aaja Nachle last year. While the film failed to make an impact, her performance was appreciated. Take a look at Madhuri Dixit’s journey so far.

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Madhuri dixit feels proud and honoured for Padma Shri

Bollywood actor Madhuri Dixit today said she was proud and happy to be honoured with the ‘Padma Vibhushan’ award.

Her secretary Rakeshnath alias Rikku said ‘’she was extremely happy to receive the news in Denver in US, where she is settled”.

”Madhuri told me that her entire career, beginning as a struggling teenager in the film industry till she attained superstardom came as a flash in front of her eyes when she heard of the news,” Rikku informed.

He said Madhuri will definitely come down to India to receive the award.

The actress, after marriage, made a comeback in Yashraj films’ ‘Aaja Nachle’ in 2007 but the film flopped at the box office.

UNI

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Bollywood diva Madhuri named for Padmi Shri

Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit, who won many hearts with her million-dollar-smile and returned to the silver screen with Aaja Nachle after a five-year hiatus last year, has been named among the Padma Shri awardees this year.

The ravishing actress has several hits to her credit, including Tezaab, Dil, Dil To Pagal Hain and Devdas.

Though her comeback film, after marriage to a US-based doctor and two kids, proved to be a dud at the box office, Madhuri remained unfazed. "I have never been a part of number game and we are not the racing horses who should be numbered. Either the work you do is good or bad. I have come back not because I miss the media archlights or being written about... it's secondary. I missed my craft!" she was quoted as saying.

Madhuri forayed into filmdom with Abodh in 1986 and was catapulted to fame with the hit dance number Ek Do Teen... in Tezaab (1988).

There was no looking back for Madhuri who went on to give a string of hits like Dayavan and Ram Lakhan. She bagged the Filmfare Best Actress Award for her performance in Dil, in which she starred opposite Aamir Khan. She once again walked away with the coveted award for her role in "Beta".

Madhuri's electrifying dance number Choli ke peechche... in Khalnayak proved a huge hit and her fan following simply soared.

She repeated the success story in Bollywood blockbuster Hum Aapke Hain Koun, where she shared screen space with Salman Khan and bagged yet another Filmfare. Her powerful performance in mega hit Dil To Pagal Hai won her a fourth best actress award.

The dancing diva also charmed renowned Indian painter MF Hussain, who cast her in his film Gaja Gamini.

In 2001, Madhuri was awarded the National Citizens Award, which recognises excellence in various activities affecting national life. The very next year she starred in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's mega-budget Devdas with Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai. Not only did her acting earn rave reviews, she also bagged a Filmfare Award for best supporting actress.

It was after Devdas that she decided to take a break from Bollywood and devote more time to her family in the US.

Hinsutan Times

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AAJA NACHLE completes 50 days

Madhuri Dixit's comeback vehicle which didn't quite reach the distance as was widely anticipated would be completing 50 days at the box office tomorrow.

Though the film has reached this target at a snail's pace with less than 10 theaters across the country screening the film today, AAJA NACHLE has somehow managed to achieve this feat. An admitted box office failure by Yash Raj Films as well, AAJA NACHLE has barely crossed the 16 crores mark. In present situation where a total like this is earned by a big film in it's opening weekend itself (case in point being films like OM SHANTI OM, WELCOME, HEYY BABYY, PARTNER, BHOOL BHULAIYAA), AAJA NACHLE has indeed been disappointing.

With rumors of a big announcement involving Madhuri to be made in the month of February, one looks forward to a better (and an even longer) Bollywood innings by the lady.

Joginder Tuteja, Bollywood Trade News Network

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Madhuri Dixit has declined to visit India

Madhuri Dixit has declined to visit India during February for scripting sessions for a film by the producer - director duo of Ashok Thakeria and Indra Kumar citing date problems, lending credence to reports that the actress is ready to abandon her comeback effort.

Following the lackluster performance of Aaja Nachle at the box office there were reports that the star had called it quits.

Dixit's business manager, Rakesh Nath is categorical that Madhuri is not coming in February as originally scheduled.

"Madhuri right now has no plans at all of flying down to the city next month to meet with various filmmakers for script sessions," he says.

However, he is ambivalent about the star's long term intent.

"There are date problems. Madhuri can't come down to Mumbai when Indu plans to shoot. But she hasn't said 'no' to him yet. We're still trying to work out things," he told HT.

Madhuri is known to have good relations with the filmmaker duo having worked with them in Raja (1995) with Sanjay Kapoor, Beta (1992) with Anil Kapoor and Dil (1990) with Aamir Khan.

Prior to the release of Aaja Nachle there were reports that Madhuri will do more films under the Yash Raj banner but there has been no movement on that front since then.

Talking about the prospect of another film with the Yash Raj banner Nath says, "Yashji hasn't contacted me. So I don't think so."

Sawf News

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Madhuri Dixit on Verve cover

What if the Almighty gave you a wish that you can actually touch beauty, oomph, poise, grace and divinity? Well, with the Christmas and New Year seasons just gone by, we presume that all the networks leading to the Almighty must be heavily choked up. But hey! Just do not lose hope. Because, for all you ‘starved’ folks, here is an answer to all your prayers and believe us, it’s just not an illusion!

The latest issue of Verve has just managed to get a ‘personified version’ of beauty, poise, grace and divinity on its cover! People better know her as the one and only Madhuri Dixit, Bollywood’s evergreen gift to the ‘Diva Land’!

Even the editor of Verve, seconds our sentiments about Madame Dixit. The contents of the magazine (about Madame M, of course) are nothing short of any Biblical words! It speaks about her comeback film Aaja Nachle, her journey in Bollywood, her two sons Arin and Ryan and her daily brush with fame and recognition, whilst in Denver!

Overall, this issue is a slap on the saying that ‘Beauty and graciousness cannot be touched or bought!’

IndiaFM

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Madhuri Dixit Rethinking About a Comeback

Dhak dhak actress Madhuri Dixit has got it all - the smashing looks, that gorgeous smile, great acting talent, envious dancing skills, and millions of her fans still wait to watch her more and more after her recent Aaja Nachle. Besides others, her admirers include Ranvir Shorey and Kunal Kapoor who have been mesmerized by her performance in her Aaja Nachle and are looking forward to watch more and more. This shows that the lady hasn't lost her charm on the men folk even after marriage and giving birth to two children and being away from the industry for few years. In fact, she has blasted the myth that once married the actresses lose their effect and fade away in the wilderness.

However, the reports from quarters close to Madhuri indicate the contrary. We hear that the actress is very much disappointed with the response to her comeback film that didn't exactly set the box office on fire. Besides, she is having a serious second thought about taking up more work. One of her friend has reportedly said," She's upset that her grand comeback did little to revive her comeback and she doesn't want her film to land up like this. " Are the producers and the directors listening? Do they agree with what Madhuri feels? If so, then they need to rethink about planning their movies around her. Better think of her replacement or persuade her to change her mind. Will the Indian channels seek public vote about it? Not a bad idea. Isn't it?

Eye TV India Bureau

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Madhuri Dixit Beautiful Scan from CineBlitz Jan 2008

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