Madhuri Dixit, one of Bollywood's most glamorous and graceful actresses, is celebrating her 58th birthday today. A prominent actress of the 1990s, Madhuri achieved immense success through her powerful acting and captivating dance style. However, her journey, while filled with triumphs, was not without controversy. There was a time when she faced serious accusations of promoting obscenity through songs and causing rifts in relationships.
Madhuri Dixit's Career
In the 1993 film 'Khalnayak,' Madhuri Dixit shared the screen with Sanjay Dutt and Jackie Shroff. The film was a box office blockbuster, but its song, 'Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai,' sparked immense controversy. The song ignited a nationwide debate, from streets to Parliament.
The song's lyrics were accused of promoting obscenity. Despite this, the film was a massive success, further enhancing Madhuri's star power. While Subhash Ghai's 'Khalnayak,' released in 1993, was a blockbuster, it was the song 'Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai,' featuring Madhuri Dixit, that garnered the most attention and controversy, facing accusations of promoting obscenity.
From Calls for a Ban to the Film's Release
There were demands to ban the song and even halt the film's release. Several social organizations protested, and the matter reached the courts. However, the court dismissed the petition, stating that the song contained no objectionable elements warranting a ban. Despite this, the song became the most discussed and best-selling song of that time. 'Choli Ke Peeche' was sung by Alka Yagnik and Ila Arun, composed by Laxmikant-Pyarelal, and penned by Anand Bakshi.
Choreographed by Saroj Khan, Madhuri Dixit's performance remains etched in the minds of viewers. Interestingly, despite the protests, over 9 million cassettes of the song were sold, and Alka and Ila received the Filmfare Best Female Playback Singer award. The film also starred Sanjay Dutt, Jackie Shroff, Anupam Kher, Rakhee Gulzar, Ramya Krishna, Sushmita Mukherjee, A.K. Hangal, and Neena Gupta.
Madhuri Dixit in the 1990s
In the 1990s, Madhuri Dixit was not only in the spotlight for her exceptional acting and dancing but also for her personal life, which remained in the news for a considerable time. The 'Dhak Dhak Girl' faced serious accusations of promoting "obscenity" and "breaking up homes." These accusations were leveled by Ana Sharma, the sister of Sanjay Dutt's first wife, Richa Sharma. During that period, news of an affair between Sanjay and Madhuri filled film magazines and newspapers.
Reports suggest that even while married, Sanjay wanted to marry Madhuri, while Richa Sharma was undergoing treatment for a brain tumor in the United States. To save her marriage, Richa returned to Mumbai from her treatment and, in an interview, criticized Madhuri, calling her a "home-wrecker."
However, Sanjay Dutt's arrest in the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts case strained their relationship. After his arrest, Madhuri distanced herself from him and never publicly appeared with him again. A few years later, in 1999, Madhuri Dixit took a new turn in her life, marrying American cardiac surgeon Dr. Shriram Nene. Today, they have two sons, and Madhuri leads a happy family life while remaining active in films, television, and social work.
