![]() |
We often ask you, dear reader, questions about your favourite films, but I can't honestly remember when the response has last been so varied.
The question was a difficult one, asking you to nominate Madhuri Dixit's best films. Most such queries bring out a predictable list of popular cinema but, with Mads, the range has been overwhelming. You have nominated everything from superhits to disasters, just because she's dazzled you in all of them.
Whittling it down to a list of ten was hard work, and just outside the list, the following deserve an honourable mention: Prahar, Parinda, Khel, Lajja, Dayavan and Saajan almost made it to the top ten.
Which of your picks made the critical cut? Read on to find out.
|
10. Ram Lakhan
This 1989 Subhash Ghai entertainer pitted Madhuri opposite Anil Kapoor, reinforcing one of the most enduring screen pairs to date.
She was the demure grocer's daughter; he, the corrupt cop with an agenda all his own.
A full-blooded masala superhit that's still great fun to watch.
|
9. Mrityudand
One of Madhuri's most critically-acclaimed performances came with this powerful 1997 Prakash Jha product.
In a dark and socially relevant film about women's rights, she infuses her character Phoolva with overwhelming vitality.
![]() |
8. Khalnayak
The controversial Choli ke peechche song remains this 1993 Subhash Ghai film's highlight, but there was much more to it than that.
Starring opposite Sanjay Dutt, Madhuri played Ganga, a policewoman masquerading as a dancing girl in her attempt at entrapment. A gripping ride.

7. Devdas
It's safe to say that Dixit was the finest thing in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's excessive 2002 adaptation of Sarat Chandra Chatterjee's classic novel.
Miscast in a film starring Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai in the lead roles, she played Chandramukhi the courtesan with delicate fragility.

6. Pukar
This ambitious 2000 Raj Kumar Santoshi film, while flawed, was one of Madhuri's finest recent projects.
Starring opposite Anil Kapoor again, she played Anjali, a girl so hopelessly in love that she is driven to high treason. A compelling role, especially the negative parts.
![]() |
5. Tezaab
Ah, the breakout film! This 1988 N Chandra movie brought Madhuri to the forefront, kicking things off for Bollywood's biggest female superstar.
Opposite Anil Kapoor, the duo never looked back and the crowd couldn't get enough of the bright-eyed Ek do teen girl.

4. Beta
Thanks to ace choreographer Saroj Khan, Madhuri's always had memorable songs. This 1992 Indra Kumar film featured the provocative smash, Dhak dhak karne laga.
A deceptively strong drama, Beta revolved around son Anil Kapoor's superstrong bond with mother Aruna Irani, a tie that choked Madhuri as his lover. Until she spurred him on to fight back.
|
3. Dil To Pagal Hai
In 1997 came a dream romantic project. No one directed a love story like Yash Chopra. No man was finer at it than Shah Rukh. In stepped Madhuri in this Shiamak Dawar-choreographed musical.
Chopra directed with restraint and finesse, and a highly polished script makes this a very watchable film. The chemistry between the lead actors is palpable, resulting in a product that made a whole new generation fall in love with Mads.
![]() |
2. Dil
Indra Kumar's 1990 film is one of those that would be much more palatable if Madhuri wasn't wearing those ridiculous clothes.
Still, the story of young love serves as testament to the dazzling actress, as she constantly steals the show from co-star Aamir Khan, winning a well-deserved first Best Actress award in the process.

1. Hum Aapke Hain Kaun
The biggest film in Bollywood box office history, this one's a justifiably popular pick.
Sooraj Barjatya's 1994 slice-of-wedding-cake film starred Madhuri and Salman Khan as innocent and carefree kids who can't help falling in love.
Madhuri's Nisha was stunning, enthused, plucky and irresistible. The situation goes from heavenly to godforsaken, and while the end remains a stretch, the film broke new ground and changed Bollywood convention forever.







0