Key Points
- Madhuri Dixit, Bollywood’s iconic ‘Dhak-Dhak’ girl, turns 58 today (May 15).
- She rose to stardom in the 90s with her acting, dance, and blockbuster hits.
- Her career includes major controversies, especially around the song “Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai.”
- Her personal life made headlines due to her rumored affair with Sanjay Dutt.
- She is now happily married to Dr. Shriram Nene and remains active in films and TV.
Mumbai: Madhuri Dixit, one of Bollywood’s most beloved and versatile actresses, celebrates her 58th birthday today, May 15. Known for her dazzling smile, graceful dance moves, and powerful performances, Madhuri carved a unique niche for herself in the film industry during the 90s. She became a household name as the ‘Dhak-Dhak’ girl, thanks to her iconic song “Dhak Dhak Karne Laga” from the film Beta.
Blockbusters and Controversies: The ‘Khalnayak’ Chapter
Madhuri’s career is studded with blockbuster films, but it hasn’t been free from controversies. One of the most notable was the 1993 film Khalnayak, directed by Subhash Ghai and co-starring Sanjay Dutt and Jackie Shroff. The film’s song “Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai” became a nationwide sensation, but also sparked a major controversy.
The song, sung by Alka Yagnik and Ila Arun, with lyrics by Anand Bakshi and music by Laxmikant-Pyarelal, was choreographed by Saroj Khan. Critics accused it of promoting obscenity, leading to widespread protests and demands for a ban. The controversy escalated to the courts, but the judiciary ruled in favor of the filmmakers, stating that the song was not objectionable. Despite the uproar, the song was a massive hit, selling over 9 million cassettes and winning a Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer.
The Sanjay Dutt Affair: Headlines and Heartbreak
Madhuri’s personal life also attracted intense media attention, especially her rumored relationship with co-star Sanjay Dutt. Their alleged affair was the talk of the town in the early 90s, often featured in film magazines. At the time, Sanjay’s wife Richa Sharma was battling a brain tumor in the US. Richa’s sister, Ana, publicly accused Madhuri of breaking up her sister’s marriage, calling her “a woman having a relationship with a married man.”
It was widely reported that Sanjay Dutt wanted to marry Madhuri. However, after Sanjay’s arrest in connection with the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts, Madhuri distanced herself from him, ending all ties.
Happily Ever After: Marriage and Family Life
In 1999, Madhuri Dixit married Dr. Shriram Nene, a renowned Indian-American cardiologist. The couple moved to the United States and have two sons together. Despite her move abroad, Madhuri never lost touch with her fans. She returned to India and resumed her film career, also making her mark as a judge on popular dance and reality TV shows.
Today, Madhuri continues to charm audiences with her elegance, talent, and timeless beauty, inspiring millions across generations.
Madhuri Dixit’s journey from a 90s superstar to a timeless Bollywood icon is filled with memorable performances, chartbuster songs, and headline-making controversies. As she celebrates her 58th birthday, her story continues to inspire fans, reminding everyone why she remains the heartthrob of Indian cinema.
