Madhuri Dixit (born Madhuri Shankar Dixit on May 15, 1967) is a native of Mumbai, India. She was born Madhuri Shankar Dixit to Shankar and Snehlata Dixit, of a Marathi Chitpavan Brahmin family. Dixit attended Parle College and wanted to be a micro-biologist.[10] She is trained as a Kathak dancer, in the Indian classical tradition.Dixit has established herself as one of the most respected and prominent female actors in Bollywood. In 2008, she was awarded the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, by the Government of India.


Madhuri Dixit made her acting debut in Abodh (1984). After a few minor and supporting roles, she landed the lead female role in Tezaab (1988), which shot her to stardom,  She then starred in a number of hits that included Ram Lakhan (1989), Parinda (1989), Tridev (1989) and Kishen Kanhaiya (1990).

In 1990, Dixit starred in Indra Kumar's romantic-drama Dil, alongside Aamir Khan.She followed it with another line of hits, including Saajan (1991), Beta (1992), Khalnayak (1993), Hum Aapke Hain Kaun! (1994), and Raja (1995).

After an unsuccessful year in 1996, Dixit appeared as Pooja in Yash Chopra's Dil To Pagal Hai (1997). The film was a major national success, both critically and commercially, and Dixit won her fourth Filmfare Best Actress Award for her portrayal. In that same year, Dixit starred in Prakash Jha's critically acclaimed Mrityudand.

Dixit has not been known only for her acting skills, but her dancing as well.

In 2002, she starred in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Devdas with Shahrukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai. Her performance was applauded and earned her a Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award. The film attracted worldwide attention and was featured at the Cannes Film Festival.


Madhuri Dixit has been the muse for the famous Indian painter M.F. Husain who considers her the epitome of womanhood. Hence he made a film named Gaja Gamini (2000) in which Madhuri acted. The film was intended as a tribute to Ms. Dixit herself.
On December 7, 2006, Dixit returned to Mumbai along with her husband and sons to start filming for Aaja Nachle (2007).The film released in November 2007 and despite the critics panning it, Dixit's performance was well received, with the New York Times commenting about her that "she's still got it".On Women's International Day in 2007, Dixit topped Rediff's list of the Best Bollywood Actresses Ever.

 
The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil presenting the Padma Shri Award to Ms. Madhuri DixitMadhuri Dixit is a native of Mumbai, India.