'Dhak Dhak' Dame Madhuri Dixit Turns Year Older

One of the most sought after actresses of her time, Madhuri Dixit needs no introduction as such. Her dazzling smile and graceful dance moves has enthralled generations of movie-goers and her popularity has enough steam to inspire movies about her (Main Madhuri Dixit Banna Chahti Hoon, for instance).

This Maharashtrian beauty was born in Mumbai and studied to become a microbiologist before Destiny decided that her path lay elsewhere and Dixit made her Bollywood debut with Rajshri Productions flick Abodh, a film that did not have much success.

Though Madhuri continued doing small roles, she hit the jackpot in 1998 with N. Chandra's Tezaab, a film starring Anil Kapoor, which went on to become a major hit. Madhuri's song ek do teen achieved cult status and is a popular number even at this date and the actress received her first nomination for the Filmfare Best Actress Award.

There was no looking back after that and Madhuri went on to give blockbuster hits with movies like Ram Lakhan, Tridev, Parinda, Dil, Beta, Saajan, Hum Aapke Hain Koun.. and Dil To Pagal Hai to name a few. Apart from acting, Madhuri is also famous for her dance moves and has often been called the 'best Bollywood dancer' by Kathak teacher Pandit Birju Maharaj.

On 17 October 1999, Madhuri Dixit married Shriram Madhav Nene, a UCLA-trained cardiovascular surgeon who practiced in Denver. The family soon shifted to Denver for over a decade till the actress shifted base back to Mumbai. The actress is now planning to make a comeback to films with Dedh Ishqiya and Gulab Gang.

On the occasion of her birthday, here's wishing the talented actress a prosperous professional and personal life.