Still mad about madhuri

Manjula Negi / TNN / Feb 18, 2007, 21:05 IST

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She's still the undisputed No.1 claim critics and trade pundits. As all eyes turn yet again to Madhuri Dixit, who's poised for a return to filmdom, we explore why she reminds one of the other No. 1 Madhubala.

She's still the undisputed No.1 claim critics and trade pundits. As all eyes turn yet again to Madhuri Dixit, who's poised for a return to filmdom, we explore why she reminds one of the other No. 1 Madhubala.
Rarely have the film-wallahs in Mumbai, their critics or the audience across the country, waited so eagerly and anxiously for a comeback in the Hindi film scenario as this time round.
The outcome of the yet to be titled Yashraj production may as well have been decided, so positive and strong is the buzz since it was announced that Madhuri Dixit has signed up for the banner. It is almost as though she was never away neither from screen, much less from collective memory!
What is it about Madhuri Dixit that spells magic much like her predecessor Madhubala whose girl-woman character attributes she sub-consciously inherited and then used in film after film?

Was it simply the rolling of the big, kohl-lined eyes, the mysterious smile which worked its way up from the lips to light up the heart-shaped face, the biting of the lower lip with coyness and Mischief written with a capital 'M' all across in body language that had the men swooning and the women dying to emulate, each time she stepped onto the silver screen?
Or is it the commitment that she brings to the table?
Of the former, talks Sudhir Mishra of Dharavi fame in which he portrayed Mads as the ultimate fantasy of any man: "Madhuri doesn't copy Madhubala but she does have the same abilities the same dramatic flair and sense of comic timing.

Both have this ability to spoof themselves and both seem approachable but someone who cannot be possessed." "The way I understand performance, no actor can copy another. But in this case, perhaps the comparison comes through in the intensity.
Their smiles are very similar and both are extremely talented," says Chandan Arora, the maker of the aspirational Mein Madhuri Dixit Banna Chahti Hoon.
But celebrated cinematographer Ashok Mehta who has worked with Mads from Ram Lakhan and Khalnayak to Pukar and Gaja Gamini would rather speak of commitment: "She has the X-factor. It's not like I've done any magic on her to capture her beauty.
Madhuri is a good actress who has achieved a lot because of her commitment and no ego." Vouches Leena Yadav, director of Shabd and television reality show, Kahin Na Kahin Koi Hai which Madhuri anchored: "Each time she walked onto the set ready to give a shot, everyone just sighed!
There was something so warm and friendly about her, layered with this distinct veneer of professionalism. She commanded a lot of respect."
But the singular reason why Madhuri Dixit is still the rightful claimant to the number one position is this: There is an aura and mystery that she possesses which sets her apart from the breed today and leaves the public craving for more so much more.
Even at the height of her stardom, little was known about her personal life, her relationships or the colour combo in her bedroom. Says Aseem Bajaj, the award-winning cinematographer who's shot Chameli, Shabd and Zameen: "Both she and Madhubala have the same enigma.
The stars today have no dignity off screen and they are so available. This is a fantasy-land the stuff of dreams. You idolise your stars, you pretend to be like them.
That's where the fun comes in. You can't bring out dirty linen in public and yet hope to remain a star. To me, Madhuri is the last number one heroine in the Hindi film industry and that comes from her iconic status."
And yet to realise her complete potential as an actress. Mishra is first off the mark: "Madhubala worked with great filmmakers and across a variety of roles - from Howrah Bridge, to Half-Ticket to Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi, Mr and Mrs 55 to Mughal-e-Azam.
Those were times when great films were made and there were better filmmakers. The thing about Madhuri is that while you remember her there is hardly any great film in her career that comes to mind. There were only moments in Mrityudand and Devdas but that's it."
Mehta whose repertoire ranges from Mandi and Trikaal to Bandit Queen and Chalte Chalte agrees: "It all depends on the projects one gets. Madhuri has missed out on parellel cinema.
And risk is avoided by artistes in the mainstream genre. Here we pay attention to glamour." But if what Arora says is correct, then there is a new Mads waiting in the wings and ready to take off once more: "She is forever ready for another challenge."
And don't we all agree in this ever-evolving profession of cinema, Mads is one actor-star who has always kept ahead of her times.
lucknow.times@timesgroup.com

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