In a refreshingly candid conversation, legendary actress Madhuri Dixit, the undisputed queen of 90s Hindi cinema, has shed light on the enduring magic of the era's superstars. The icon, celebrated for timeless hits like 'Tezaab', 'Dil To Pagal Hai', and 'Beta', shared her perspective on why contemporaries like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, and Akshay Kumar continue to dominate the industry decades later.
The Secret Sauce: Consistency and Control
Speaking to Mid-Day's Sit With Hitlist, Dixit dismissed the idea that longevity is a matter of luck. She pinpointed unwavering consistency and personal investment as the core reasons. "I think it's consistency," she stated. "They made consistently good films and invested a lot of themselves in their work. And I'm not talking just about money, I'm talking about themselves."
Dixit further emphasized that taking charge of their careers was a pivotal move. She noted that many stars from that generation became producers, steering their own professional journeys. "They worked diligently, never gave up, and never rested on their laurels. I think that's what really helps longevity," the actress added, highlighting their relentless work ethic.
Recalling Chemistry with Co-Stars: SRK's Charm & Salman's Simplicity
Delving into personal memories, Madhuri Dixit shared delightful anecdotes about working with two of the biggest Khans. On Shah Rukh Khan, she recalled his charismatic and caring nature. "Shah Rukh was more outgoing and charming," she said. "He makes sure he looks after women, not just his co-stars, but everyone working with him."
She praised his intelligence and wit, saying, "He's extremely witty and smart and can talk about anything under the sun. He has a lovely personality, and we got along so well." When reminded of Khan once calling her his best co-star, Dixit humbly brushed it off, attributing it to the natural creative synergy they shared on set.
Reflecting on Salman Khan, Dixit painted a picture of a playful personality with a sharp professional switch. "He may seem like he's not very serious about his work, but the moment the camera rolls, he's completely there," she observed. Despite his monumental stardom, she described him as fundamentally grounded. "He's very down-to-earth and a simple guy in real life," Dixit said, mentioning their successful collaboration in four or five films.
Madhuri Dixit's Current Endeavour: 'Mrs Deshpande'
On the work front, the actress continues to explore diverse roles. Her latest project is the psychological thriller series 'Mrs Deshpande', which started streaming on JioHotstar from December 19. This new venture showcases her willingness to embrace challenging and contemporary narratives, much like the peers she admires for their adaptability and sustained relevance.
Madhuri Dixit's insights offer a valuable lens into the golden era of Bollywood, reminding audiences that the stardom of the 90s was built on a formidable foundation of talent, hard work, and strategic career management—a formula that continues to inspire today.
