Jobaaj Stories
Madhuri Dixit is now one of Bollywood's most beloved and successful actresses, known for her remarkable performances in films like Dil To Pagal Hai, Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! and Devdas. However, her journey to stardom was not without its challenges. Early in her career, she faced a series of box-office failures that led many to label her as "jinxed." In a recent interview, filmmaker Indra Kumar, who worked with Madhuri on iconic films like Dil (1990) and Beta (1992), reflected on her early struggles and the skepticism he faced when he decided to cast her.
Indra Kumar's Bold Decision to Cast Madhuri Dixit
In a conversation with popular host Siddharth Kannan, Indra Kumar recalled the time when he first decided to cast Madhuri Dixit in his films. Back in the late 80s, the actress had not yet achieved the fame she is known for today. In fact, she was known more for her series of unsuccessful films rather than her acting talent. At that time, she was considered a "jinxed" actress, with many believing that the presence of Madhuri Dixit in a film would guarantee its failure.
Indra Kumar, who directed Dil (1990) and Beta (1992), shared that although Madhuri had appeared in several films, none of them had performed well at the box office. He said that people were doubtful about her casting, even suggesting he had lost his mind for signing her. “When I signed her for Dil with Aamir Khan, it was still okay. But when I also signed her for Beta, everyone around me said, ‘Are you crazy? None of her films are working. Why are you casting her?’” Indra Kumar shared, reflecting on the industry’s lack of faith in her at the time.
Despite the industry’s skepticism, Kumar said he believed in her. “There was something in my heart that told me she had something special,” he added, demonstrating his faith in her abilities even when others doubted her potential.
The Turning Point
Madhuri’s big break came in 1988 when her performance in Tezaab (1988) turned her career around. This film, which featured her iconic dance number "Ek Do Teen," became a massive hit and marked the beginning of her stardom. Indra Kumar recalled that by the time he began shooting for Dil and Beta, Madhuri’s image had completely changed.
Before the release of Tezaab, she had gained a reputation as the "flop girl" due to a string of unsuccessful films. However, with the success of Tezaab in December 1988, followed by Ram Lakhan (1989), Madhuri was catapulted to fame. “After Tezaab, my distributors' perception of Madhuri completely changed,” said Kumar. “From being considered a ‘bechaari flop’ actress, she became a superstar almost overnight.” This shift in her public image was a major factor in her success in films like Dil and Beta, which both became huge hits.
Indra Kumar also recalled how grounded and humble Madhuri remained even as her popularity soared. “She was so down-to-earth during our first day of shooting, and she has stayed that way throughout her career,” he said. Despite her rise to superstardom, Madhuri never let fame change her demeanor or approach to her work.
The Changing Perception of Madhuri Dixit
In the late 80s, her career had been marked by a string of flops, making her the subject of industry gossip and skepticism. But once Tezaab, Ram Lakhan, and other successes followed, the industry and audiences began to see her in a new light. By the early 90s, she had become one of the most sought-after actresses in Bollywood. Films like Beta, Dil, Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!, and Dil To Pagal Hai cemented her place as one of the top stars of her generation.
The Current Success of Madhuri Dixit
Madhuri Dixit’s career is still going strong today. She was most recently seen in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 (2023), alongside Kartik Aaryan and Vidya Balan. The film, despite releasing alongside Singham Again, proved to be a box-office success, earning ₹389 crore worldwide. This is a testament to her enduring appeal and relevance in Bollywood, even decades after her debut.
Madhuri's journey from being considered "jinxed" to becoming a Bollywood legend serves as an inspiring story of resilience and belief in oneself. Despite the setbacks and early criticisms, she has emerged as a symbol of success, demonstrating that with perseverance and the right opportunities, anything is possible.
Madhuri’s Career Journey
- 1984: Madhuri Dixit made her debut with the film Abodh, which failed at the box office.
- Late 1980s: Her following films, including Awara Baap, Swati, Manav Hatya, Hifazat, Uttar Dakshin, Mohre, and Khatron Ke Khiladi, were all unsuccessful.
- 1988: Madhuri delivered her first commercial hit with Dayavan. The same year, Tezaab became a massive success, followed by Ram Lakhan, both of which changed her career trajectory.
- 1990s & Beyond: Madhuri went on to star in a series of blockbusters, becoming one of Bollywood's biggest stars. Her memorable performances in Dil, Beta, Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!, and Dil To Pagal Hai cemented her legacy in Indian cinema.
