Madhuri Dixit facts for kids

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Quick facts for kids Madhuri Dixit
Dixit in 2022
Born	(1967-05-15) 15 May 1967 (age 58) Bombay, Maharashtra, India
Other names	Madhuri Dixit Nene
Occupation	Actress television personality
Years active	1984–present
Works	Full list
Spouse(s)	Shriram Madhav Nene (m. 1999)
Children	2
Awards	Full list
Honours	Padma Shri (2008)
Signature

Madhuri Dixit Nene (born on 15 May 1967) is a famous Indian actress and TV star. She has acted in over 70 Hindi movies, becoming a huge star across India. People admire her beauty, amazing dancing, and the strong characters she plays. She was one of the few actresses who could lead movies on her own, like male stars, in an industry mostly led by men. She has won many awards, including six Filmfare Awards. In 2008, the Government of India gave her the Padma Shri, a very high honor for her work.

Born and raised in Mumbai, Madhuri Dixit started acting in 1984 in the movie Abodh. After a few movies that didn't do well, she became famous with Tezaab (1988). She then starred in many successful romantic movies like Dil (1990), Beta (1992), Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! (1994), and Dil To Pagal Hai (1997). She won four Filmfare Awards for Best Actress for these roles. Other popular movies she was in include Ram Lakhan (1989), Khalnayak (1993), and Raja (1995).

Madhuri Dixit also received praise for her acting in movies like Parinda (1989) and Anjaam (1994). She won the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Devdas (2002). After a break, she returned to acting in Aaja Nachle (2007). She also became a judge on dance reality shows like Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa and Dance Deewane. More recently, she starred in the comedy Total Dhamaal (2019) and the Netflix series The Fame Game (2022).

Madhuri Dixit was one of the highest-paid celebrities in India during the 1990s. Besides acting, she helps with charity work. She has worked with UNICEF since 2014 to support children's rights and stop child labour. She also performs in concerts and is a co-founder of a production company. She married Shriram Nene in 1999, and they have two sons.

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Early Life and Education

Madhuri Dixit was born on 15 May 1967 in Mumbai (then called Bombay). Her parents are Shankar and Snehlata Dixit. She has two older sisters and an older brother.

From a young age, Madhuri loved to dance. She started learning Kathak dance at age three and trained for eight years. She became a professional Kathak dancer.

She went to Divine Child High School in Andheri. Besides her studies, she enjoyed activities like drama. Madhuri first wanted to become a microbiologist. She studied microbiology in college for six months. But then, she decided to leave college to become a full-time actress in movies.

Acting Career

Early Roles and Big Break (1980s)

Madhuri Dixit started her movie career in 1984 with the drama Abodh. The movie didn't do well, but critics liked her acting. Her next few movies also didn't succeed.

In 1988, Madhuri finally became well-known. She starred as Mohini in the action drama Tezaab. In the movie, Mohini is a poor woman forced to dance to earn money. Tezaab became the highest-grossing film of the year. Madhuri received her first nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actress. This movie made her a leading actress in Hindi cinema.

In 1989, she starred in Ram Lakhan, which was a big hit. She played Radha, a girl who falls in love with her childhood friend. She also received praise for her role in the drama Prem Pratigyaa. Her movie Tridev was one of the biggest hits of the year. Later that year, she starred in Parinda, which was also a success. Critics said she brought a "touching vulnerability" to her role.

Becoming a Top Actress (1990s)

In 1990, Madhuri Dixit appeared in nine movies. She won her first Filmfare Award for Best Actress for her role in Dil. She played Madhu, a rich and proud girl who falls in love with a poorer boy. This movie was the highest-grossing film of the year. Critics praised her acting, saying she showed her wide range as a performer. Her movie Thanedaar was also a commercial hit.

In 1991, she starred in Saajan, which was a big success. She played Pooja, a woman in love with her idol. She received another Filmfare nomination for this role.

In 1992, Madhuri starred in Beta. She played Saraswati, an educated woman who stands up to her difficult mother-in-law. This role earned her much praise and her second Filmfare Award for Best Actress. Beta was the biggest hit of the year. After this movie, Madhuri became known as the "Dhak Dhak Girl" because of a famous dance number.

In 1993, she starred in Khalnayak. She played Ganga, a police officer who goes undercover to catch a criminal. Her performance was highly praised. Khalnayak was the second highest-grossing film of the year.

In 1994, Madhuri starred in Anjaam, her first movie with Shah Rukh Khan. She played Shivani Chopra, a wife and mother seeking revenge. Her next movie was Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! with Salman Khan. This family drama became one of the biggest hits in Indian cinema history. It was the highest-grossing Bollywood film for seven years. Madhuri's role as Nisha earned her a third Filmfare Award for Best Actress. Critics loved her performance, calling her "stunning" and "irresistible."

In 1995, she reunited with director Indra Kumar for Raja. She played Madhu, a rich girl who loves her childhood friend. This movie was the third highest-grossing film of the year. Its success was partly due to Madhuri's huge popularity.

In 1997, Madhuri received critical acclaim for her role in Mrityudand. She played Ketki Singh, a village woman fighting against unfairness. Critics called it her "career's best performance." Later that year, she starred in Yash Chopra's musical romantic drama Dil To Pagal Hai. Co-starring Shah Rukh Khan and Karisma Kapoor, this movie was a blockbuster. Madhuri's role as Pooja earned her a fourth Filmfare Award for Best Actress.

Her movie Aarzoo (1999) did not do well.

Career Changes and Breaks (2000s)

In 2000, Madhuri starred in Pukar opposite Anil Kapoor. She played Anjali, a heartbroken woman seeking revenge. Her performance earned her several nominations. She also starred in Gaja Gamini, directed by the famous painter M. F. Husain.

In 2001, she starred in Lajja, which talked about gender inequality. Madhuri played Janki, a theater actress. The movie was not a hit in India but did well overseas. She won the Zee Cine Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Female for this role.

In 2002, Madhuri starred in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's romantic drama Devdas, with Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai. The movie was a big commercial success. It was shown at the 2002 Cannes Film Festival. Madhuri won the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Devdas. After this movie, Madhuri took a break from acting to focus on her family life in the United States.

In 2007, Madhuri made her comeback with the dance film Aaja Nachle. She played Dia, a choreographer who returns to her town to save a theater. The movie didn't do well at the box office, but critics praised Madhuri's performance.

Recent Work and TV Focus (2010s-2020s)

Madhuri Dixit moved back to India with her family in 2011. In 2013, she made a special appearance in the movie Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani in the song "Ghagra."

In 2014, she starred in the black comedy Dedh Ishqiya. She played Begum Para, a con-woman. Critics praised her performance, calling her "compelling." She also starred in Gulaab Gang, where she played Rajjo, the leader of a women's activist group. For this role, she practiced Shaolin Kung fu and stick training.

In 2018, Madhuri made her debut in Marathi Cinema with Bucket List. She played Madhura Sane, a housewife who completes the wishes of a deceased teenager. Critics loved her performance in the film.

In 2019, she reunited with Anil Kapoor in the adventure comedy Total Dhamaal. This movie was a big commercial success. She also produced the Marathi Netflix drama 15 August. Her next movie was the romantic drama Kalank, which did not do well at the box office.

In 2022, Madhuri Dixit was the main actress in the Netflix series The Fame Game.

Other Activities

Television Work

In 1985, Madhuri Dixit started her TV career in the series Paying Guest. She has been a judge on several dance reality shows, including five seasons of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa and three seasons of Dance Deewane. She also hosted a cooking show called Food Food Maha Challenge.

Dancing and Stage Shows

Madhuri Dixit has performed in many stage shows and concerts around the world. In the 1990s and early 2000s, she had her own "Madhuri Dixit Live" concerts. In 2008, she joined Amitabh Bachchan's "Unforgettable World Tour" across North America and Europe. She also performed in the "Temptation Reloaded" tour and "SLAM! The Tour."

In 2013, Madhuri launched her own online dance academy called "Dance With Madhuri." Here, people can learn different dance styles from her.

Music

Madhuri Dixit has sung small parts in some of her movie songs, like "Kaahe Chhed" from Devdas. In 2014, she sang the folk song "Rangi Sari Gulaabi Chunariya" for her film Gulaab Gang with her mother.

In 2020, Madhuri released her first English song, "Candle." She dedicated it to frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, she released another song called "Tu Hai Mera."

Helping Others

Madhuri Dixit has always been involved in helping children and women. In 2000, she appeared in short TV spots to help prevent AIDS. In 2001, she won money on a game show and donated it to help victims of the 2001 Gujarat earthquake and an orphanage.

In 2009, she performed for "NDTV Toyota Greenathon," a campaign to raise awareness about environmental issues. She also supports "Emeralds for Elephants," a charity project to protect Asian elephants and other endangered animals. In 2013, she donated to help victims of the 2013 Uttarakhand floods.

In June 2013, Madhuri and her husband rescued seven puppies during a rainstorm. They contacted PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) to help the puppies. In 2014, she and her husband wrote a letter to help an elephant named Sunder move to a sanctuary.

Since 2014, Madhuri has worked with UNICEF to support children's rights and prevent child labour and trafficking. She also supports the 'Save & Empower the Girl Child' initiative. In 2015, the Government of India made her the brand ambassador for the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign. This campaign aims to raise awareness and improve services for girls. She also supports the MAA (Mothers Absolute Affection) program to promote breastfeeding.

Madhuri Dixit often makes public appearances to support charities. In 2012, she met children affected by cancer on World Cancer Day. In 2013, she launched a campaign to raise awareness about diabetes. In 2018, she attended a charity event for the 'Nanhi Kali' NGO.

In 2019, Madhuri and her family adopted an abandoned puppy rescued by PETA India. She encourages everyone to adopt pets from shelters. In 2021, she joined other Bollywood actors to celebrate PETA India's 20th anniversary.

Personal Life

Madhuri Dixit married Shriram Madhav Nene, a heart surgeon from Los Angeles, California, on 17 October 1999. Their wedding was a traditional ceremony in Southern California. Shriram Nene had never seen any of her movies and didn't know she was a celebrity. Madhuri said this was important because he got to know her as a person first.

After her marriage, Madhuri lived in Denver, Colorado, for over ten years. On 17 March 2003, she had her first son, Arin. Two years later, on 8 March 2005, she had her second son, Ryan. She has said that being a mother is "amazing."

In October 2011, Madhuri moved back to Mumbai with her family. She said she always loves being in Mumbai because it feels like coming home.

In 2018, Madhuri and her husband started their own production company, RnM Moving Pictures. They both also earned orange belts in taekwondo.

Awards and Honors

Madhuri Dixit has received six Filmfare Awards from a record seventeen nominations. These include four Best Actress awards for Dil (1990), Beta (1992), Hum Aapke Hain Kaun! (1994), and Dil To Pagal Hai (1997). She also won a Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress for Devdas (2002). She received a special award for completing 25 years in the Indian film industry.

In 2008, the Government of India honored her with the Padma Shri, which is the fourth-highest civilian award in India, for her contributions to the arts. In 2023, she received a special award for her contributions to Indian Cinema at the 54th International Film Festival of India.

Images for kids

Madhuri Dixit at a press meet for Yeh Raaste Hain Pyaar Ke in 2001
Madhuri Dixit on the sets of Nach Baliye 3 during promotions of Aaja Nachle in 2007
Dixit at the launch of "Beti Bachao Beti Padhao" campaign alongside PM Narendra Modi, Union Minister Maneka Gandhi and Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar in 2015
Dixit with husband Shriram Nene, at their reception in 1999