This weeks SOTW doesn’t focus as much on the music (although
it its essential), but more so on the dancing that goes with it and the woman
who brings it to life. As most people know, Madhuri Dixit is a trained Kathak
dancer and she excels at it. It is something she enjoys immensely, and I would
not be surprised if she loved Kathak and dancing in general more than acting. There
are few times in her career where we have been able to see her true talents in
this classical form of Indian dancing, but we get lucky enough in this film to
get quite the treat. Madhuri makes her ghungroos sing with her every move as
SRK accompanies her on the drums. Kathak with drums, the way it’s meant to be.
There are a few different ideas as to where Kathak originated. In the myths,
Shiva created the dance and when he did, I’m sure he had a woman like Madhuri
in his mind. She is never more feminine and graceful in her dancing than when
she does the dancing form that she has been trained to do since she was at such
a young, precious age. So enjoy this Song Of The Week. Enjoy something a little
more out of the box from the other 90s Indian masala films and songs. Enjoy
beauty, in the best form possible.
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!
