EP-369 | Madhuri Dixit on Fame, Films, Politics, Pay Parity, Shah Rukh Khan & 8-Hour Shift Debate

Madhuri Dixit is one of the film icons that India has loved for over four decades. From Mohini in 'Tezaab' to Nisha in 'Hum Aapke Hain Koun' and Chandramukhi in 'Devdas', her characters live on in people’s memories. Her dance, her expressions, her screen presence, they shaped an entire generation of moviegoers.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Madhuri Dixit opens up like never before. She talks about being booed at IIT Bombay, then dancing for 1.5 hours, her legendary partnership with Saroj Khan and working with Yash Chopra and Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

She also speaks about MF Husain visiting her home in Denver, her first meeting with Dr Nene, shifting to the US, pay parity, and her take on the 8-hour shift debate.

And for the first time in her 40-year career, Madhuri plays a serial killer in 'Mrs Deshpande', releasing on JioCinema on December 19. She tells us what went into creating this raw and intense character.

This podcast shows that behind the superstar is someone curious, grounded, and always ready to try something new.

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction

01:38 – Acting Journey

04:12 – Family Support for Joining Films

05:16 – Bond with Saroj Khan

08:07 – Working with Directors & Crew

10:27 – Actors Who Dance Well

13:54 – Were Karisma and Aishwarya Competitors?

17:12 – Women-Centric Roles

20:36 – Playing a Serial Killer in Mrs. Deshpande

24:44 – How OTT Has Changed Cinema

27:23 – Taking a Break from Acting

33:56 – Acting Then vs Now

37:44 – Women Actors on Set

40:25 – Remembering Dharmendra

41:26 – Sanjay Dutt & the Khalnayak Shoot

44:18 – Who Helps Madhuri Choose Her Roles Now?

49:32 – Has Social Media Killed Stardom?

57:24 – Will Madhuri Join Politics?

58:49 – Films vs OTT: What Changed?