Madhuri Dixit Birthday Special: 10 iconic dance numbers by the Diva that tops our list of favourites

Madhuri Dixit is a sensation in more contexts than one and one of the greatest dancers that Bollywood has ever seen. Right from her initial days to date when she has also ventured into the OTT space, her dance moves are much loved and celebrated. For dance lovers and true-blue Bollywood buffs, for eons now her iconic dance numbers have always found a place on our playlist.

Madhuri Dixit has always expressed her unconditional love for the creative form. Dancing has always been an inseparable part of who she is as a creative artist and performer. From trained classical dancing styles to matching her steps to western beats, her talent for dancing has always been reflected with a lot of passion and eagerness.

On her 55th Birthday, today here’s to recalling these unforgettable tunes that have made us groove every time we saw her in those films or performing at Award shows. These shall continue to be our favourites forever.

Ek Do Teen

Back in 1988, a very young Madhuri Dixit took Bollywood by storm with an instant chartbuster – the song Ek Do Teen from Tezaab. Even after decades, this song that established Madhuri as a certified phenomenal dancer continues to be attached to her identity. Even though platforms like YouTube and social media were not as actively prevalent as it is now, her performance had set the screen on fire. The dance was choreographed by Late Saroj Khan who has been like a guru to Madhuri Dixit throughout her period of stardom. To those unknown, the success of the song also led to the creation of a new category – “Best Choreography Award” by Filmfare.

Humko Aaj Kal

Madhuri’s oomph factor skyrocketed with this dance number from Sailaab back in 1990. Madhuri was seen in a true-blue Maharashtrian avatar, donned in a traditional fisherwomen outfit. The tunes for this iconic song that went on to become an all-time Madhuri Dixit hit song was given by the legendary Bappi Lahiri who sadly left for his heavenly abode this year. Madhuri was seen performing a folk-dance style in this song, her charm had increased manifold as she set the screen ablaze with her sultry look. This song too was choreographed by none other than ace choreographer Saroj Khan who had also bagged the Filmfare Best Choreography Award for this cult favourite.

Tamma Tamma

Such was the rage of this song that it went on to be recreated in Badrinath Ki Dulhania released in 2017 starring Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt in the lead. The original version was released in the 1990 film Thanedaar, where the scorching chemistry of Sanjay Dutt and Madhuri Dixit made this dance number a sizzling one at that. Their entire get-up to match the vibe of the dance number was also fashion-forward. Dressed in a chick avatar whilst Sanjay Datt sported a rockstar look, the unconventional hairdo and Bappi Lahiri’s music to go with it – it was just the perfect package. It also showed how Madhuri was extremely versatile as a dancer too with impeccable skills for all styles.

Dhak Dhak

Fast forward to 1992, Madhuri Dixit’s highly sensuous song Dhak Dhak from Beta is still raved about. Clad in a gorgeous orange ensemble displaying her midriff, her chemistry with Anil Kapoor in this song was unmatchable. So much so that to date,Madhuri is still lovingly called the Dhak-Dhak girl” by her fans and admirers. This song has undoubtedly immortalized Madhuri Dixit as the incredible dancer that she is who gave unforgettable songs as she kept rising to fame. Ek Do Teen might be her debut in the world of cinema as a talented dancer to watch out for, but the tasteful representation of sensuality in this song showed a different glamorous side of Madhuri that continues to raise temperatures and heartbeats of scores of fans.

Choli Ke Peeche

Over the years, Madhuri Dixit has served some lovely lehenga looks in the excellent dance numbers that she’s had in her filmography. But Choli Ke Peeche from Khalnaayak was a revolution of sorts. Back in 1993, the visuals were not something that was quite easily acceptable from a more orthodox perspective, however, Madhuri’s petite frame with her dance steps became a rage in no time. Claiming her throne as the undisputed dancing queen of Bollywood with this number, the song lyrics were extremely imaginative and blended easily with Madhuri’s impeccable dance moves. Saroj Khan delivered yet another dance number that put Madhuri on the map even more stoically owing to her unmissable beats.

Didi Tera Devar

The 1994 musical hit – Hum Aapke Hain Koun is one of Sooraj Baarjatya’s finest films and had more than one trend that became the talk of the town. Madhuri Dixit’s onscreen chemistry with Salman Khan was the perfect blend of ingenuity and playfulness, and the film had one of the most successful music albums at that time. Didi Tera Devar saw Madhuri looking resplendent in a purple lehenga choli which also became a fashion statement at that time where every young girl dreamt to have a similar outfit. Representing a typical big fat Indian wedding setting, Madhuri's expressions were on point as was her comic timing. To date, this song is still a top favourite in our sangeet function playlist.

Kay Sera Sera

Cue in the 20’s magic and Madhuri Dixit surprised her fans yet again in this uber-cool dance number – Kay Sera Sera from Pukar. She was seen matching steps with the dance god himself – Prabhudeva which was all the more reason why this foot-tapping number got us grooving to its fun-loving beats in no time. Be it her body language or swift dance moves – she was an excellent match to Prabhudeva’s talent. The grace of two superlative dancers with an impressive background was an instant hit. Going away from her impeccable classical dance moves, Madhuri was seen attempting hip-hop. Prabhudeva who had choreographed as well as gotten picturised in the song is still fondly remembered for one of Madhuri's most iconic songs of all time.

Dola Re

This period film was a mix of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magic, an ensemble cast, and incredible dance performances by Madhuri Dixit who played the role of a courtesan. Saroj Khan went on to win various accolades as the Best Choreographer for her work on the film, one of which was also the prestigious National Award. Madhuri who played the role of Chandramukhi had several memorable dance numbers in the film, however, Dola Re saw her sharing screen space with another skilled dancer and actress – Aishwarya Rai. The screen was set ablaze and Dola Re was the only song being heard at that time at numerous functions.

Aaja Nachle

In the title song of Madhuri Dixit's comeback movie, Aaja Nachle, she gave a stunning performance that became a huge hit. The dance number, which was choreographed by none other than Vaibhavi Merchant, featured Madhuri's exquisite movements in a vibrant and colourful environment. The dance queen of Bollywood made a triumphant comeback with this movie and song.

Chane Ke Khet Mein

Chane Ke Khet Mein was a chart-topping hit, and the actor's contagious energy and beautiful dance moments contributed to the song's success, which was a part of the 1994 film Anjaam. Madhuri looked gorgeous in her green lehenga. Her flawless dancing abilities and her amusing eyes mesmerised the audience.

Over the years, we have continued to find some incredibly talented dancers in our favourite stars. But Madhuri Dixit is an icon, and her dance numbers shall always leave an indelible mark in the hearts of her fans. On her birthday, here's a roundup of our favourites that are replete with her grace and talent. It never gets old and it never shall, such is the vibe and nostalgic feel of each of them.

Here's wishing the legendary actress and a talented dancer #MadhuriDixit a very Happy Birthday with a roundup of her iconic dance numbers.