Madhuri Dixit's Best Dances

For a very long time, I hated Madhuri Dixit with a burning seething passion. However, even when I did not like her at all, I could still always acknowledge that she was in fact an amazing and accomplished dancer. Now that she is in my top 5 favorite Bollywood actresses, I see it even more. Therefore, I've decided to put together a list of what I believe to be Madhuri's 10 best dances. Here we go:

10. Jungle Mein Sher - Prem Granth

Let's take a look at the first steps of the dance - this girl is jumping/hopping and it looks as if she's flying through the air briefly. The grace and expressions of this number is what gets it a spot on the list.

9. Mera Piya Ghar Aaya - Yaarana

The awesome hip movements in this dance are legend. Madhuri performs it live and you hear the crowd go louder. Why? Because it is perfectly executed with style and grace. Every single step is in time with the music and works perfectly. Hats off both to Mads and the choreographer.

8. Aaja Nachle - Aaja Nachle

When the queen of dance returns - you know she'll bring a great dance along with her. Aaja Nachle is that dance. I don't know whether it is the jingle of her bangles, the twirl of her skirt, her feet or her gorgeous back, but this is to me one of her most sensual songs.

7. Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai - Khalnayak

Where Aaja Nachle is sensual mainly in Madhuri's moves, Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai is sensual also in the lyrics as we become curious to find out what's under Madhuri's choli (blouse) only to find out it is her dil (heart)! Gotta love her sweet navel and graceful feet.

6. Dola Re Dola - Devdas

This is a very popular and famous song because it has two of Bollywood's biggest stars in it. Aishwarya is beautiful and knows the steps, but looks terribly awkward next to Madhuri.

5. Kathak Number - Dil To Pagal Hai

For many reasons, I almost like this more than Madhuri's other famous Kathak number Kaahe Chhed Mohe. It is a perfect display of Kathak dancing at its best. Since she was 3, Madhuri took dancing classes and studied Kathak carefully, which makes it very special whenever you get to see this dancing queen show off her special skills.

4. Dhak Dhak Karne Laga - Beta

What a VULGAR dance! Heaving her bossom like that! Just kidding. There's nothing vulgar about this dance when Madhuri does it. I feel that she's always been good at being sexy but also at keeping the sex appeal to a minimum so she doesn't look bad.

3. Kaahe Chhed Mohe - Devdas

The first song of Madhuri's I fell in love with. Chandramukhi is definitely her best character and this song shows her allure and charm like no other. Brownie points to Mads for being pregnant and dancing in a heavy dress and dupatta while singing about Lord Krishna and Radha!

2. Ek Do Teen - Tezaab

Let me just say that if it were not for my undying love for the classical dances of India, this song and dance would be my number one, especially since it has my favorite expressions. It's no wonder that this dance sequence shot Madhuri straight to stardom. Who knew watching a young Indian girl count to thirteen would be so enjoyable?

1. Maar Daala - Devdas

While Kaahe Chhed Mohe showed Chandramukhi's charm, this showed her spunk and firey spirit as she promptly tells Kali Babu to GTFO with a nod of her head. And of course it also helps that you can see the pain and love in her eyes as she sings the amazing lyrics to this song while looking at Devdas. Outstanding!

Review: Guzaarish

Guzaarish
Stars: Hrithik Roshan, Aishwarya Rai
Directed By: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Released: 2010

Sanjay Leela Bhansali does it again! This time with his magical drama, Guzaarish.

Guzaarish tells the tale of a once great magician named Ethan (Roshan) who became paralyzed from the neck down in a terrible and mysterious accident during one of his most popular acts. He's lived in a large run-down mansion with his nurse Sofia (Rai) for twelve years - but now he's had enough. He summons his lawyer Devyani Dutta to help him with 'Ethanasia' a project in which he hoped would not only help him get the right to die, but would also help him make peace with his decision.

He travels along his journey with the ever-faithful Sofia, and the budding magician Omar who hopes to learn all of Ethan's secrets. It is a bumpy road full of set backs, second thoughts and revealing secrets that makes everyoen in this story question where they stand on this issue.

The reason I love Guzaarish so much is because of how it surprises you. It seems very straightforward, you think you know all the facts about the characters, stories and such but then SLB throws you for a spin and you discover that there's more to each and every character that you never would have suspected before. And what makes it even better is that each and every twist and turn helps weave the story and makes the characters more real to the viewer.

As for the acting - Hrithik was great as Ethan, but Aishwarya was undoubtedly the heart and soul of this entire film. She shone throughout the entire 109 minutes, in each and every scene she was in. She simply changed the entire atmosphere of the film to fit what hse was doing and what Sofia was feeling. For example, the movie was sad and gloomy... until Sofia danced to Udi (which, by the way is a favorite of mine) on stage. At that point, the entire movie lit up and was more alive than it had been previously.

Guzaarish means favor, so do me a guzaarish and watch this film! Just be warned - if you cry easily, you will quickly cry your weight in tears!

Rating: 9/10

Interview With A Bolly Fanatic: Lalita

So Lalita, what got you into Bollywood?
Aishwarya Rai. I had seen her before in a Non-bolly movie many years ago, and ever since she got my attention. So one day out of nowhere, I decided to search her on Youtube. I remember that the first video I saw of hers was Kajra Re, and I kept looking at videos. And like the 4th I watched was Dola Re Dola. I was just AMAZED... and while reading the comments I read that someone said that the movie Devdas was as good as The Notebook. one of my fave movies. So I googled it and read a bit from the plot. I loved it and decied to watch that movie as soon as possible. It's funny that that same day, when I decided to enter myself in the world of Devdas, I found while zapping channels, in Colombian TV, a Bollywood movie. I only wantched a bit from it, the last 30 minutes, but as it was so different from everything I had seen. I loved it. I came to know several months after that that the bit I watched was from Vivah. And anyways, that was around mid December. I didn't watch anything else till Christmas, since my parents gave me a laptop for a present. And the best use I could find for my new laptop, was of course watching the movie that had been obsessing me... I'd spent the whole day watching Dola Re, and then Maar Dala. So i watched it and changed my WHOLE life. I had never seen something as perfect, as soul touching as Devdas.

So I guess it's safe to say that Devdas is your favorite movie?
Yes it is, though I didn't fell it as my favourite until I watched it for the second time.

Why's that?
Not sure. I guess i cried so bad the first time that I missed details.

Understandable! So who else are you in love with besides Aishwarya?
Madhuri Dixit, Shahrukh Khan and Madhubala. Those four I adore with all my heart.

I can see why. What movies would you recommend to beginners who want to get into Bollywood?
devdas is perfect to begin with. It is the perfect movie. If I want to show Bollywood to someone who doesn't enjoy musicals, I would start with Black or My Name Is Khan. Guzaarish is a good option too. For someone who does enjoy musicals, DDLJ is perfect (smiles)

What do you do besides watch movies and listen to music to further your knowledge of Bollywood?
Well, I read on the net mostly. I visit very often a site called Aishwarya-Spice to find out about the latest news about her. Also, I'm part of a couple forums such as Filmifanatics, Madhuri Magic and Kajol Krazy, and they keep me updated too. There are groups on Facebook entirely dedicated to Bollywood as well. But most important, what has made my knowledge further is the fact that I do Bollywood dancing. You see, I'm taking classical Indian dance lessons with an Indian Guru, but as classic dancing takes so long to learn, we sometimes do shows dancing to Bollywood songs. So that has widened up the whole Bollywood universe for me.

It's really great that you've taken your interests in India and Bollywood farther than the average fanatic. What's your favorite kind of dancing? Why?
I adore classical dancing, and particularly Kathak. I love it because it's a delight to the eyes. It has such a complicated technique, such beautiful facial expressions, but most importantly, such a deep meaning. All forms of Indian classical dancing were born to worship the Gods. So when you dance to it, you feel such a powerful connection with God, that is very hard for me to explain. That's the beauty of it. Learning Kathak has helped me realise that when one dances, one does it for God first or for oneself, and then for others. And when you do it with your heart, that's when you do Magic happen. That's why I feel so passionate about Kathak, and why I decided to become a professional Kathak dancer, even when I'm not what you could call a good dancer.

I think you're a good dancer!
Aww thank you sweetie, the truth is that I've improved, but I have soooo much left to learn.

There's always room for improvement, I'm sure.
Yes. I'll keep learning for as long as I can. (smiles)

I'm glad to hear it. So, where else do your interests lie?
Well I'm a Law student, so it's pretty obvious I love law, and I love reading and I enjoy philosophical discussions and I love politics and economics... I can't help it, I just love studying, I wish I could do it my whole life. Apart from that, I'm a HUGE Harry Potter fan. Ever since childhood.

I think it's great that you're really into law. You seem like the kind of person that would be fair and just and that's definitely something we need!
Aww thank you. Yes I'm a bit of a d reamer. Sometimes I would like to be a superhero and fly to fight injustice. But since I'm only human, I'm guessing I'll do all what's on my hand to help those who need me. that's why I'd like to be a Human Rights lawyer someday. Though I'm still not sure about it.

I think that's a very honorable thing to be.
I think so too. we'll see what comes around. I'm so uncertain about my future.

Well I think one thing is for certain - you'll continue to enjoy Bollywood.
Oh totally. That's one of my biggest passions. (smiles)

One that you should never give up! Is there anything else you'd like to say before we go?
Oh well I just want to thank you, Kassy, for taking me into account for this interview, and I'd like to make a special mention to my didi, dearest Siham, because I wouldn't be the die hard Bollywood fan I am without her.

You're very welcome, and thank you for letting me interview you Lau!
No Kassy, thank you. (smiles)

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Thank you again to Lau for giving me such an amazing interview!

Lalita's sites:
Madhuri Magic: http://madhuridixit.freeforumlive.com/
Kajol Krazy: http://kajolkrazy.forumotion.com/
Filmifanatics: http://s8.zetaboards.com/filmifanatics/index/
Aishwarya-Spice: http://www.aishwarya-spice.com/
Lalita's Tumblr: http://lalitablack.tumblr.com/

Review: Devdas

Devdas
Stars: Shahrukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, Madhuri Dixit, Jackie Shroff, Kirron Kher
Directed By: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Released: 2002

When a film weaves magic, when a film defines a movie industry, when a film touches every inch of your heart and soul, it's name is Devdas. This is the first Bollywood movie that I sat down to watch and I was captured by it immediately. It is a timeless story about love, loss and tragedy that is told in the proper Bollywood way: With Madhuri Dixit, fantastic sets and timeless music.

Devdas Mukherjee (Khan) is a young man returning from studying in England. He has been there for ten years, having reluctantly left his home and his best friend Parvati (Rai) in order to study law. His mother, Kaushalya is over joyed when she hears that her son is returning home to her. This happiness is stolen from her, however, when Devdas is more interested in meeting up with Paro than he is his own family. Paro and Devdas' friendship is stronger than ever and a romance erupts between the two. Paro's mother Sumitra (Kher) is very excited about this, as she believes that Devdas will be the perfect husband for her Paro. When she goes to Kaushalya's house for a party and to propose marriage, Kaushalya turns her down and insults her in the most terrible of ways. Sumitra swears to Devdas' mother that her daughter will marry someone richer and of higher status that the Mukherjees - and she succeeds. Devdas is heartbroken over his family's betrayal and his loss of Paro, and he goes to a brothel with his friend from London, Chunnilal (Shroff), or Chunni Babu. It is there that he meets the courtesan Chandramukhi (Dixit) - the woman who is as beautiful as the moon. With the urging of Chunni Babu, Devdas decides to take his first sip of alcohol - an action that sends him on the downward spiral towards his self-destruction.

Devdas is often Shahrukh Khan's most praised performance - and for good reason. He and Madhuri Dixit prove just how versatile they are all in this one film, which is a very rare thing to find. They both are able to pull off the different shades of their characters, be it happy, sad or angry - they were completely convincing throughout.

Yet another thing that makes Devdas so special is that it has two heroines. Many will try to tell you that Chandramukhi is nothing but a supporting character, but that is simply not true. She had just as much influence on Devdas and the movie as Paro and she is the true heart of the movie. Aishwarya Rai was fantastic as Parvati, but I could still think of better actresses. Madhuri was the true gem of the film. She gave life to my favorite character in all of Bollywood. She is the only role that I could not recast, no matter how hard I tried.

As fantastic as the story itself is, one cannot talk only about the story. They cannot talk about Devdas and not mention the amazing music. Personal favorites are Maar Daala, Dola Re Dola and Kahe Chhed Mohe - all of which, Madhuri Dixit shows off her top notch dancing skills in.

I could not have picked a better film to watch for my first Bollywood film. To me, it represents all the qualities that every single Bollywood film should have. And of course, part of what makes it so special is the fact that not every Bollywood movie is up to the standards of Devdas. I recommend this sensational film for first-time Bollywood watchers and anyone else who loves romance, music and beauty.

Rating: 10/10

Interview With A Bolly Fanatic: Ally

Hey Alenka, how's everything going today? Busy, I'm sure!
I´m quite well, though I could be better, which is always the case! I was busy the first three weeks of July, but now holiday finally starts.

Exactly how many websites do you run?
Let me count. I have one tumblr, two forums, two fan sites and two blogs. No, three blogs.

And how many more do you visit on a daily basis?
I think there are about 15 websites I pay visit to regularly.

You're the creator and administrator/moderator of Madhuri Magic, a forum celebrating everything about the radiant Madhuri Dixit. But there are already so many forums for her out there. What made you decide to make one yourself?
That´s just the thing. There are not many forums. In fact I know of only two – out of which one is in Russian and second is not maintained as well as I would wish. Madhuri usually has her own topic in any Bollywood-related forum, but I really wanted something nice, well-organized for her. And since nobody else seemed to feel the need, I made one myself.

About how much time did it take you to put it all together and then release it?
I think I spent about a month building it (creating the design, uploading info and pictures...), several hours every day.

Do you see yourself making any other forums or sites anytime soon?
No – because I don´t know what would it be about. But if I find someone/somehting interesting enough in the future, why not?

The dedication and love you have to and for Madhuri is truly amazing. But you know, when you think about it, you have a lot of love for many things like the Romanovs and other people from history. What exactly is it, do you think, that allows you to love so passionately?
I don´t really know. With my love for people long gone, like Romanovs, it is definitely bound with my love for stories. Their story is absolutely grand in every aspect, be it love, glamour, suffering. With Madhuri I think it is really about her giving me a lot through her performances. Watching her gives me unreasonable joy, she makes me realize how beautiful every woman is, she inspires me on so many levels. But in the end it´s the same as if you asked me why I like green colour. I just do.

Speaking of the Romanovs - You're the self-proclaimed dinosaur of coloring! How did that get started for you?
I may be a dinosaur, but everything came form the big BANG, which for me was finding the colourings of a Spanish lady named Isabel on Alexander Palace Time Machine forum. Many people say I inspired them to colour. That is what happened to me with Isabel. Till this day I have her colouring in my computer and watch them from time to time. She has been the biggest inspiration. I really found it fastinating that you can give life to old pictures, make them more real – or more unreal depending on your wish.

Do you feel that you're one of the best colorists out there? Why?
I used to. But for the past year I feel I´ve been „out-coloured“ by people like Justine, Magda, Becky, Olgasha.... When I look at their colourings I tend to go speechless. Looking at mine I´m usually disappointed with the result.

Pick five colorations you feel are your best:

http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2010/256/f/4/the_holiest__the_purest_family_by_velkokneznamaria-d2ymykm.jpg


http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2010/143/0/8/Madhuri_Dixit_by_VelkokneznaMaria.jpg


http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2010/284/2/1/russian_roses_by_velkokneznamaria-d30iy4u.jpg


http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2011/108/b/4/sunrise_over_the_empire_by_velkokneznamaria-d3eaelv.jpg


http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2011/102/b/7/judy_garland_by_velkokneznamaria-d3dtowf.jpg


What tips do you have for people who want to start coloring or want to make a forum like you?
Don´t give up when it´s not going well at first! As far as colouring goes – practice makes perfect. That´s all I can say!

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Thank you so much Ally for agreeing to do this interview with me. I wish you all the best and good luck on each and every one of your sites!

Ally's Sites:
Madhuri Dixit Forum: http://madhuridixit.freeforumlive.com/
Blog: http://bollywood-ish.blogspot.com/
deviantArt: http://velkokneznamaria.deviantart.com/
Tumblr: http://bollymusings.tumblr.com/