12 Reasons Why We Love Madhuri

Happy birthday, Madhuri!

More than 30 years ago, a microbiology student from suburban Mumbai graced the screen to play a young, puerile bride in a Rajshri film.

But it's only when she danced to the beats of Ek do teen in Tezaab that everyone sat up and took notice.

The screen was set on fire and a star was born: Madhuri Dixit would need no introduction again.

Over the years, her magic and merit wowed fans and filmmakers, played muse to legendary painters and inspired flattering scripts like Main Madhuri Dixit Banna Chahti Hoon.

The gorgeous superstar turns 50 today.

Here are just a few reasons why we are MAD about Madhuri. 

• The man who made Madhuri Dixit a star

 

That Million-dollar smile

If there was a penny for every single time Madhuri flashed her perfect pearlies, the world would be a richer place.

 

Dancer par excellence

Whether it's classical or filmi jhatkas, there's never a dull second when witnessing in Madhuri's dancing prowess. 

 

Dance off fervor!

The joy of watching Madhuri's graceful movement is doubled when it meets its match in an equally passionate contender.

 

Her dhak dhak heartbeat

Madhuri called the dibs on the sexy sound of the heartbeat in all its stereophonic glory long ago.

 

Sass. Oomph. Seduction.

The SOS in movie goddessdom, that's Madhuri Dixit for you.

 

Fiery feminism

Once Madhuri turned down the leading lady's role in Yash Chopra's Darr because she could not see herself as a damsel in distress.

Rather, the plucky actress is all for giving back as one gets if not one better.

 

Fashion evolution

Isn't it commendable how the Dil heroine went from THIS...

 

...To This:

It's a Rekha-scale makeover in the world of fashion.

 

That Humari Madhuri feeling!

A lovely mix of mischief and verve, the zing she lends to her on screen banter made her so relatable to the audience in one of the biggest hits of her career -- Hum Aapke Hain Koun...!

 

An inborn talent for teaching

Whether it involves counting numbers or showing Alia and Varun how to Tamma Tamma or jump headlong with the Dance With Madhuri initiative, the star has a flair for tutoring.

 

Chemistry with costars

From Anil Kapoor to Aamir Khan, Sanjay Dutt or Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri has a rare ability to make her big screen beau look like he was born to worship her.

 

Family first

Amazing how the Dedh Ishqiya actress has maintained a healthy balance between her professional commitments and personal space.

But her love for family takes utmost priority, which is quite obvious in how she dotes on her hubby and two boys.

 

Aankhon ki masti

The things the Ankhiyan milaon star can do with her expressive brown eyes -- just another reason to adore this legend.