Dancing queen Madhuri Dixit shows of her jalwa

The competition in this week’s Nach Baliye will reach boiling point as the reigning queen of Bollywood, Madhuri Dixit, dances her way onto television screens this weekend as a guest on India's answer to Stricly Come Dancing - Nach Baliye.

The actress with the 1,000 watt smile will duet with celebrity judge choreographer, Vaibhav Merchant to entice viewers to dance along to her smash hit song Aaja Nachle.

Madhuri is sure to mesmerise with her electrifying jhatkas in what promises to be the most spectacular show in the series so far.

High-energy dance spectacle, Nach Baliye, captures the drama and emotional journey of 10 celebrity couples from the small and silver screen through a high powered dance-off competition, where they compete to impress three A-list celebrity judges - the sensational actress Isha Koppikar, ace director David Dhawan and promising choreographer Vaibhav Merchant.

The stakes are high this year with the theme being "Yeh Nach Nahin Aasaan" (Dance is Far From Easy), and so the show tests the dancing mettle of each celebrity couple to the limits. With only four weeks left to the finale show, the remaining couples which include Raakhi Sawant and Kashmeera Shah with their respective baliyes, are battling it out for the grand prize.

Each week, the couples have to perform on challenging themes, which test their dancing skills and their choreographer's imagination.

The theme for this weekend’s unmissable show will see contestants perform their own renditions of some of Madhuri’s hit songs. Catch Rakhi Sawant and her baliye perform their very own rendition of Madhuri’s hit 80’s song Ek, Do, Teen.

Nach Baliye with Madhuri Dixit will be broadcast on STAR Plus on 22 March at 9.00pm.

Asian News

FLASHBACK 2007 - Hype over Madhuri Dixit sank 'Aaja Nachle'

MUMBAI (Reuters) - "Aaja Nachle" turned out to be a resounding failure and its director holds the media responsible - for harping on Madhuri Dixit's comeback but ignoring the film's theme.

Even the film's reviews dealt only with the superstar's acting prowess and dancing skills, said Anil Mehta.

"Madhuri was surely the face of the film and with she making a comeback all eyes was bound to be on her," the filmmaker said.

"But I'm disappointed that media completely neglected the point 'Aaja Nachle' had tried to convey."

Mehta feels the film's twin themes of women as breadwinners and the importance of art were overshadowed by the media’s obsession with Dixit's comeback.

But not without reason.

In her prime, Dixit was the undisputed queen of Bollywood and when she decided to return after a six-year break that saw her getting married and having two children, anticipation was bound to be high.

Her much-hyped role saw the 42-year-old actress play a divorced New York-based choreographer who returns to India to save a theatre from demolition.

"The film wanted to show how art is important for reviving our soul that is trapped in consumerist existence where people are only existing and not living their lives," said Mehta.

But the Dixit magic wasn't enough to pull the film through and "Aaja Nachle" sank at the box-office.

"I thought I had made a good enjoyable film but sadly there were not many takers for it."

Prithwish Ganguly, Reuters India

Madhuri Dixit has had enough!

After her passionate and endearing comeback effort, Aaja Nachle, fell flat at the box office, looking more as an indulgence than a serious comeback effort in tune with box office realities, Madhuri is reported to have called it quits.

"She's upset that her grand comeback did little to revive her stardom and she doesn't want her film to score a duck at the BO," her friend tells TOI.

If true, Madhuri's decision is as regrettable as her decision to go with Aaja Nachle, because her beauty and charm remain largely intact. They just need to be packaged into a product that can sell at the Box Office.

Sawf News

Nominations for Max Stardust Awards 2008

SUPERSTAR OF TOMMOROW - MALE
Himesh Reshammiya (Aap Ka Suroor)
Neil Nitin Mukesh (Johnny Gaddaar)
Kunal Khemu (Traffic Signal)
Ruslan Mumtaz (Mera Pehla Pehla Pyaar)
Ranbir Kapoor (Saawariya)
Muzzamil Ibrahim (Dhokha)

SUPERSTAR OF TOMMOROW - FEMALE
Sagarika Ghatge (Chak De India)
Hansikaa Motwani (Aap Ka Suroor)
Jiah Khan (Nishabd)
Deepika Padukone (Om Shanti Om)
Sonam Kapoor (Saawariya)

BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMANCE – MALE
Shreyas Talpade (Om Shanti Om)
Imaaduddin Shah (Dil Dosti Etc)
Kal Penn (The Namesake)
Vikram Chatwal (Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd)

BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMANCE – FEMALE
Chitrashi Rawat (Chak De India)
Anjana Sukhani (Salaam–E-Ishq)
Kangana Ranaut (Life… In a Metro)
Shreya Saran (Awaarapan)
Swini Khera (Cheeni Kum)
Ashwini Kalsekar (Johnny Gaddaar)
Sunita Rajwar (Ek Chalis Ki Last Local)

THE NEW MENACE
Shilpa Shukla (Chak De India)
Zakir Hussain (Johnny Gaddaar)
Shabbir Ahluwalia (Shootout At Lokhandwala)
Ashok Samarth (Ek Chalis Ki Last Local)
Sudhir Mishra (Traffic Signal)

HOTTEST FILM - PRODUCERS
Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd (Ritesh Sidhwani / Farhan Akhtar)
Ek Chalis Ki Last Local (Quartet Films)
Gandhi My Father (Anil Kapoor)
Bheja Fry (Sunil Doshi)
Loins of Punjab (Horn Ok Please Entertainment)
Manorama Six Feet Under (Shemaroo)

HOTTEST YOUNG FILM MAKER
Shimit Amin (Chak De India)
Sriram Raghavan (Johnny Gaddaar)
Navdeep Singh (Manorama Six Feet Under)
Sagar Bellary (Bheja Fry)
Sajid Khan (Heyy Babyy)
Feroze Abbas Khan (Gandhi My Father)
Imtiaz Ali (Jab We Met)
R. Balki (Cheeni Kum)

STANDOUT PERFORMANCE BY LYRICIST
Amar Maqsood – Shootout At Lokhandwala (‘Unke Nashe Mein’)
Sandeep Srivastava – Life… In A Metro (‘Baatein Kucch Ankahi Si’)
Sandeep Nath – Saawariya (‘Yoon Shabnami Pehle Nahi Thi Chandni’)
Shabbir Ahmed – Partner (‘Soni Ke Nakhre’)
Sanjay Chhel– Partner (‘Do You Want A Partner’)
Mika – Shootout At Lokhandwala (‘Aye Ganpat’)

NEW MUSICAL SENSATION – FEMALE
Hard Kaur – Johnny Gaddaar (Move Your Body)
Maryem Toller – Guru (Mayya Mayya)
Anoushka Manchanda – Cash (Aye Chori)
Akriti Kakkar – Johnny Gaddaar (Johnny Gaddaar)
Suzanne – Aawarapan (Mahiya)
Aanchal – Dus Kahaniyaan (Dus)

NEW MUSICAL SENSATION – MALE
Krishna & Salim Merchant – Chak De India (Maula Mere)
Neeraj Sridhar – Jhoom Barabar Jhoom / Bhool Bhulaiyaa (Ticket To Hollywood / Bhool Bhulaiyaa)
Soham – Life… In A Metro (Inn Dino)
Suhail Kaul – Life… In A Metro (Baatein Kucch Ankahi Si)
Mika – Shootout At Lokhandwala
Jab We Met (Aye Ganpat / Mauja Hi Mauja)
Shail Hada – Saawariya (‘Saawariya’)

STANDOUT PERFORMANCE BY A MUSIC DIRECTOR
Monty Sharma (Saawariya)
Sanjay Leela Bhansali — Thode Se Badmaash (Saawariya)
Mika — Aye Ganpat (Shootout At Lokhandwala)
Mithoon (Anwar / The Train)
Gaurav Dasgupta — Dus (Dus Kahaniyaan)

Madhuri is bridging eras: Anil Mehta

Mumbai, Dec 19 - It wasn't easy to direct Madhuri Dixit in her comeback film, but director Anil Mehta thanks the actress for making it a smooth ride for him.

'She's such an easygoing person. She never let me get stressed about making Madhuri Dixit's comeback film. She was willing to give all of herself,' Mehta told IANS in an interview.

'She's still in equally splendid form. And she's bridging eras. She not only represents the kind of films that were made in the 1980s, but also cinema of today where she has a prominent place. It was such an asset to have her on the sets,' he added.

Mehta placed 'Aaja Nachle' in a small town because big cities don't fascinate him.

'I told Aditya Chopra of an idea about a small town setting. Those big urban fables don't interest me. The film may look lavish because of the dances. But I have kept the treatment very simple.'

Excerpts from the interview:

Q: The small-town ambience in 'Aaja Nachle' is splendid.

A: We created it on a set in Mumbai and if people thought it was a location that's a big compliment. I went on a 20-day recce, checked out towns like Bhopal and Indore. Lots of real construction material was used on the sets. We wove in the chaos and confusion of a small town into our fictional town.

Q: Did Madhuri come into the picture before or after you wrote the script?

A: It's a bit of a chicken-and-egg thing. The idea was floating in my head. Then Madhuri was cast and the story just flowed from there.

Q: Did Madhuri make it any easier for you?

A: She's such an easygoing person. She never let me get stressed about making Madhuri Dixit's comeback film. She was willing to give all of herself.

(c) Indo-Asian News Service

There’s no fear of failure: Madhuri Dixit

Critics panned her comeback vehicle 'Aaja Nachle' as did audiences, but Madhuri Dixit is unconcerned and says she was never worried about a film's box office performance.

'There's no fear of failure in me. I'm just happy that something different has been attempted in my comeback film. There's no hero in the film, but I won't call myself the film's hero. I'm the female protagonist,' Madhuri told IANS.

With theatre as its backdrop, the film revolves around Madhuri who returns from New York to her hometown to revive the local Ajanta theatre. The actress has some memorable dance sequences in the film despite being out of practice.

'With two small kids it's very difficult to continue dance. And I was pregnant half the time that I've been married. Out of the five years I was away I was pregnant and then looking after my kids. So after 'Devdas' I hadn't danced at all,' she said.

Excerpts from the interview:

Q: You shouldered the entire film in your comeback vehicle... almost the hero. But heroine-centric films don't work.

A: There's no fear of failure in me. I'm just happy that something different has been attempted in my comeback film. There's no hero in the film. But I won't call myself the film's hero. I'm the female protagonist.

Q: The role in 'Aaja Nachle' was written for you.

A: The thought made my legs shake, and not because I was dancing (laughs).

Q: The Madhuri mania lives.

A: That was because I've worked with terrific directors and choreographers in good subjects. I remember when I met Aditya Chopra for the first time my first question to him was - do people still want to see me? He looked at me very strangely and said, 'Don't worry about that.' But I was really concerned.

Q: Your old films are played all the time on television.

A: That's a blessing. That's why people haven't forgotten me.

Q: And you get a vehicle in your new film where you dance non-stop.

A: It isn't just about dance but the entire theatre culture and dance is an integral part of it.

Q: Did you keep your dancing going in the US?

A: No, where was the time? With two small kids it's very difficult. And I was pregnant half the time that I've been married. Out of the five years I was away I was pregnant and then looking after my kids. So after 'Devdas' I hadn't danced at all.

Q: And yet you slip so easily into the dances of 'Aaja Nachle'!

A: Can't help it. I don't know what it is. It just comes naturally to me. Earlier, I had many of my best dances choreographed by Saroj Khanji. And she was the boss. I just listened to her when she cracked the whip.

In 'Aaja Nachle' I was working with Vaibhavi Merchant who's an ardent fan of mine. And she was quivering on the first day. I had to call Vaibhavi aside and warn her we could do no work if she was going to be so nervous of me. So, earlier Sarojji used to calm me down, this time I was calming my choreographer down. I was very impressed by her. We got along very well.

Q: The whole cast is your fan.

A: The feeling is mutual. All my co-stars - Vinay Pathak, Kunal Kapoor, Konkona Sen Sharma and Irrfan Khan - are just wonderful actors. I had watched a bit of their work beforehand. The awe just fell off and we were soon laughing and having a ball. As Kunal said, 'Hey she thinks just like I do.'

Q: In your heydays you were not very social? I remember you being very aloof on the sets of 'Devdas'.

A: I was never antisocial. With time you change. I'm more relaxed maybe. As for 'Devdas', there were just the three of us. In fact, I only had Shah Rukh for company. But in 'Aaja Nachle' there were so many actors shooting with me all the time. Such bright, inquisitive and talkative youngsters!

Q: The film is about the erosion of our tradition and culture. As an NRI does that issue bother you?

A: Every time I come to Mumbai I find the city more westernised. There's no harm in that. But why not imbibe the best of foreign influences without losing our culture and tradition? Let's not forget who we are. In the US we see families more Indian than in India. But there's hope yet. 'Aaja Nachle' addresses the question of tradition and modernity, but we aren't preaching over here.

Q: Have you seen the recent films?

A: None at all. I've been too busy promoting my film.

By Subhash K. Jha (Staff Writer, © IANS)

AAJA NACHLE holds in the Overseas

Contrary to the initial predictions, Yash Raj's Madhuri Dixit starrer, AAJA NACHLE has managed to hold rather well, especially in the Overseas. While the Anil Mehta directed film has grossed a so-so $425,488 in the US, it has a rather satisfactory $660,238 to show from the UK. Even in Australia, the movie has managed to gross a decent Aus. $ 93,793.

What is interesting to note is that AAJA NACHLE has had an allowable fall of 46 - 56 percent from the first to the second weekend, and this range is considered quite normal in trade parlance.

Well, we have to admit that the 'dhak dhak' girl still has a lot of fire power left in her and that is reason enough for the fans of the dancing queen, Madhuri Dixit, to go 'balle balle'!

Abid, Bollywood Trade News Network

Madhuri has 'still got it': New York Times

Reviewing Madhuri Dixit's comeback film Aaja Nachle, The New York Times has acknowledged her considerable sex appeal and dancing skills even after five years away from Bollywood, the time she has spent leading a "Clark Ken-type life", raising a family in the American city of Denver in Colorado.

"Ms. Dixit reminds us that whatever 'it' is, she's still got it. Now stories will have to be found that can show it off," the Times said in its review Saturday.

The Times' reviewer writes that Anil Mehta, the director of "Aaja Nachle", produced by Yashraj Films, doesn't quite know what to do with Dixit, who plays Dia, a choreographer living in New York, who returns to her hometown in India and tries to save a theatre that developers want to replace with a mall by putting on a show.

The reviewer says that for Aaja... to be a true comeback vehicle for the 40-year-old Dixit, Hindi cinema will have to figure out what kind of heroine a middle-aged woman can be.

The reviewer disapproves the film's story denying Dia, who is divorced with a daughter, a love life, adding: "All her passion goes into the show she's staging and into playing cheerleader to a budding romance between its leads (played by Konkona Sen and Kunal Kapoor)."

New York Times

Madhuri's immediate Bollywood plans doubtful

Though there have been many articles (in the print media), that have talked about the dancing queen, Madhuri Dixit's so called forthcoming projects (after her latest, AAJA NACHLE), but we can only term them as speculative assumptions. The truth is that, irrespective of the outcome of AAJA NACHLE, the 'dhak-dhak' girl's plans to return to Bollywood are nebulous.

In fact, the last 'superstarni' of Bollywood insists that she is not even sure if she will be back to work in another project, as there are no films in the pipeline. She sets the record straight by saying that she has not come across a script worth her consideration.

While this news may make the fans of the charming actress sad, but this is the truth that they have to contend with, at least for a while.

Abid, Bollywood Trade News Network

Aaja Nachle: Madhuri rules

MADHURI DIXIT rocks! That, pretty much, is the succinct review of the film, but a review cannot be that short, and if you want to know more, read on.

The dance is amazing, choreography, scintillating and fabulous. If you think I am being generous with superlatives that is because they are well deserved. I was skeptical about Vaibhavi Merchant after Saroj Khan-Madhuri combo, but wow! She has made Madhuri do steps that we had never seen from her. As anticipated, Madhuri more than does justice to the rather difficult choreography.

The Laila Majnu production at the end deserves a very special mention, because, this sequence, for perhaps the first time, brings alive the magic of theatre on a film screen. The use of lighting, sequences and costumes made one forget for a while that this is not 3D theatre. For that production alone, the film is worth watching.

Madhuri has never looked better in silhouette, never done more Ada, except perhaps in that song from ‘Anjaam’ - athra baras ki kunwaari kali thi.. (See, I am a die hard Madhuri fan) and when she presents that opening shot in New York, the message is clear - I RULE!

I read someplace that the role was not conceived with Madhuri in mind. That is surprising, because only Madhuri could have brought life to this character. Only Madhuri can make Ajanta theatre look like a convincing cause.

So, where does the movie fail? It fails in more places than one.

For starters, the storyline has more holes than a cube of cheese, so I will not even go in that direction, but a couple glaring ones refuse to stay unstated. First, what happens to Ajanta theatre after Madhuri Dixit’s return to the United States? There is, as a corporate character would say, no succession plan in place. By that flaw alone, the entire concept of restarting theatre goes to the dogs.

The second, I am not sure what the message regarding love is. In the first part, Madhuri runs away and finds that it was a wrong decision. Worse still, her act leads to the demise of Ajanta theatre. In the second half, we again find a couple falling in love during the production. Needless to mention, we do not know if love alliances are accepted now in Shamli, or will this love story lead to a second demise of the theatre?

The costumes are good, well thought out and not too in your face. Madhuri could have experimented with her look, but she stuck to the pants, tight top routine throughout. Sad for her fans!

The cinematography could have done a little better. With those moves, a little use of light, creative angles and long shot-close shot balance might have produced a different result, but I was not on the sets, so take this with a pinch of salt. Perhaps, the cinematographer did bring out the best of what was on the set.

The music is less than memorable, except perhaps the title track, and the Khoobiyaan song. I loved that song! The lyrics are completely forgotten at the end of the film.

Nidhi Kaila, Meri News

Secret of Madhuri health

Guess what's the secret of Madhuri Dixit's fitness? No, it's not some secret American diet that she's following, but the rigorous fitness regime that's she's following. "I'm not into dieting and other stuff. I just workout for about an hour or for about 40 minutes everyday, 5 days a week, no matter where I'm."

Madhuri says "Even if I don't get time I make it point to run in the treadmill for at least 20 minutes. I take two days off to chill out with my husband and children and then back to my workouts."

And guess how she chill-out in US over the weekend? "We usually go the mountains and hang around, it's so peaceful," she says. Will she be doing more films? "I will be doing, but it all depends on the scripts, right now I'm in the middle of signing some more films. I'm over whelmed by the response of my fans," she states.

Gautam Buragohain, Indiatimes Movies

No reason for Aaja Nachle to be banned: Sharmila Tagore

NEW DELHI: As the Madhuri Dixit starrer Aaja Nachle ran into trouble over some questionable lyrics, Censor Board chief Sharmila Tagore on Saturday said she was ready to apologise if the sentiments of any community were hurt but stressed there was no reason for the film to be banned.

"The music of the film has been in the market for a long time now, but nobody had registered any complaints. The line has been taken out of context. My committee which had reviewed the film had seen it as a profession-based remark and not a caste-based slight or insult," Tagore said.

She said the lyrics to which objections have been raised were meant in a light-hearted manner. It was felt they could not offend anyone.

"Nevertheless, if somebody has been offended and if any particular community has been hurt then we are prepared to apologise," she said.

Tagore admitted that the line in question, which has been criticised as being insulting to Dalits, was "slightly overlooked" and some "miscalculation" was made.

She expressed hope that the controversy would not blow up into a stir.

Tagore welcomed the decision by the filmmakers to voluntarily withdraw the line.

"The state government can ban a film if it creates a law and order problem. But I don't see any reason for any government to ban the film because the questionable line has been removed and I saw the movie myself in a theatre in Mumbai and there was no problem and there were no spontaneous protests anywhere in the country," she said.

Times Of India

Madhuri's comeback film runs into trouble in Mayawati's state

Even as positive reports trickled in for Madhuri Dixit's Aaja Nachle, the film was slapped with a total ban in Uttar Pradesh and in the National Capital Region of Noida. Chief Minsiter Mayawati said, the ban was in keeping with the sentiments of the various dalit groups that found certain languages and lyrics in the film objectionable. There were also reports that Mayawati has requested the Prime Minister to impose a ban on the film all over the country.

The Punjab chief minister has also imposed a ban on the film not wanting to fan communal tensions.

Reacting to the news, Yash Chopra, Chairman, Yash Raj Films rendered an unconditional apology, "It was not our intention to hurt the feelings of any individual or community of our great nation. If we have inadvertently hurt the sentiments of anybody I apologise for the same and have taken immediate remedial action by deleting the line from the prints of Aaja Nachle from all over the country. This line has been deleted in all the theatres today."

So far, members of the Indian Justice Party staged protests outside some theatres in Delhi. There were protests in Lucknow as well. Director Anil Mehta appeared on certain TV channels, apologising for any grief caused to any section of society, inadvertently. Though he expressed surprise at why the Censor Board did not find the dialogues or lyrics objectionable. However he offered to remove the objectionable words from the film, while lyricist Piyush Mishra too offered to remove controversial words from the lyrics. He also requested Mayawati to watch the film first before pressing on for a nation-wide ban on the film.

Buzz18

I will not compromise now: Madhuri Dixit

Bollywood has never been very kind to comeback heroines. However, actor, who is all set to return to the silver screen with "Aaja Nachle", says she is not bothered about whether she will make it to the top or not.

"I have never been a part of the numbers game. We are not racing horses, who should be numbered. Either the work you do is good or bad," Madhuri told.

"I have come back not because I missed being written about or media arc lights...it's secondary. I missed my craft!" she said Tuesday while in the national capital to promote her new film.

The actress, who last appeared in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus "Devdas", agrees that she was a little unsure about making a comeback.

"When Adi (Aditya Chopra) came up with this film the first thing I asked him was 'Is the audience still interesting in watching me?' But when I came here the way my friends in the industry and fans responded was heart warming.

"The best compliment I have received so far is 'It feels you never went away and now that you've returned don't ever go back'," said Madhuri.

The Dhak Dhak girl, as she has been fondly named, started her stint in Bollywood with "Abodh" and gave hits like "Tezaab", "Dil", "Beta", "Khalnayak", "Hum Aapke Hain Kaun" and "Dil To Pagal Hai", to name some.

Asked how she felt while facing the camera after a gap of five years, Madhuri said: "My heart was racing. I was afraid that I would forget the dialogues. Thankfully nothing of this sort happened and once the camera rolled every hesitations and fear of mine just melted.

It has always been a pleasure to work with the Chopras. They are true to their words. I have worked with them in 'Dil to Pagal Hain', so I share an amazing comfortable level with them."

The versatile actress is playing the role of a choreographer called Dia in the film and feels there could have been no better launch vehicle than this one.

"This film is really close to my heart as it imparts a very important message apart from being an out an out entertainer.

"I feel we are somewhere moving away from our roots. With the onslaught of so many cultures we are forgetting our own culture. It is our treasure and we must nurture it. This film gives the same message. I couldn't have got a much better role than this one," Madhuri said.

"I hope people will like the film as everybody has poured their hearts into it. It is made with all honesty, with no gimmicks and calculations. Nothing has been overdone because it is Madhuri Dixit's film and no one has tried to act smart," she added.

Although the 'Dhakh-Dhakh' girl has made a comeback, she is not very sure about her future. "As of now it is 'Aaja Nachle'. I haven't thought anything beyond that. Moreover, the script has to be well thought out and well planned. I won't compromise with my family and there are other issues which I have to take care of before signing a film," she says.

Madhuri, who left India and settled in US after her marriage, said she was fortunate to get the support of her family and husband.

"I have always got the support of my family and husband. So When I decided to make a comeback, I sat with my husband and talked and discussed and took all the steps required accordingly," she says.

So now that she has made a comeback and worked with a bunch of new actors, how does she feel?

"It has been a wonderful experience so far. I think they are a group of wonderful actors, eager to learn all the time. So, I see something of myself in all of them," she says.

IANS

Madhuri and Lata Mangeshkar on one stage

Madhuri Dixit has been a Lata Mangeshkar fan for as long as she can remember. And when the Nightingale sang for the Dixit in Hum Aapke Hain Koun and Ram Lakhan, the actress felt her career had come a complete circle.

The Nightingale, generous to the core, has often said Madhuri is one of her first actresses. The two come together on one platform tomorrow for the grand finale of Star’s Voice Of India on this evening (Saturday 24 Nov) where Madhuri will be dancing and also handing over the trophy for the winner to Lataji.

Says a Star source, "Lataji and Madhuri met after ages. The warm bonding between the two is something to be seen"

Subhash K. Jha, IndiaFM

Madhuri Dixit says 'Dance With Me'

After making audience stand up and clap on her return with the title song 'Aaja Nachle' and then dance along as everyone asked her 'Show Me Your Jalwa', Madhuri Dixit is calling one and all with a cry of 'Dance With Me'.

Crooned by Sonia Saigal, this English track 'Dance With Me' is penned by Asif Ali Beg who in the past has written for films like NEAL N NIKKI, DHOOM 2 and VICTORIA NO. 203 amongst others.

A dance number choreographed with Madhuri Dixit holding center stage, 'Dance With Me' is set to showcase the Diva's prowess when it comes to Western dance format. If glimpses of the song are any indications, her fans would certain have their hands full when the film releases all over on 30th November.

Joginder Tuteja, Bollywood Trade News Network

Will AAJA NACHLE get a smooth multiplex release ?

Those familiar with the happenings in Bollywood, especially in the distribution/exhibition sector will remember how the multiplexes were humbled by the Chopras during the time of FANAA, DHOOM:2 and other Yash Raj films. They forced the multiplexes to give higher revenue share than that given to other producers (and rightfully so!), due to the enviable track record of their banner.

However, 2007 has not been as good for the Yash Raj films, as compared to the last few years. While CHAKDE! INDIA did superbly at the multiplexes, their other two ventures, JHOOM BARABAR JHOOM and LAAGA CHUNARI MEIN DAAG were duds and entailed heavy losses. Even TA RA RUM PUM drew crowds, but mainly in the multiplexes of Bombay.

The above being the case, the multiplexes feel that it is now their turn to dictate terms to the Chopras. In fact, as per trade and distribution inputs, many multiplex owners/chains are contemplating about forgoing their forthcoming venture, AAJA NACHLE, but that, in case Yash Raj act tough again!

Abid, Bollywood Trade News Network

Madhuri arrives for Aaja Nachle

Early Wednesday morning, Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport had a special passenger land in Mumbai .The original ‘Dhak Dhak’ girl of Bollywood Madhuri Dixit Nene arrived from Denver, L.A. quietly in the city with just two weeks to go for the release of her comeback vehicle Yash Raj Films’ Aaja Nachle.

The girl with the million dollar smile, who was wearing a pink salwar kameez surely did send the crowds in frenzy who were pleasantly surprised to see their very own Maharashtrian Mulgi back in Mumbai.

The actress who has come alone to promote her film would be soon joined by hubby Dr. Sriram Nene in some time.

The promos of Aaja Nachle have been doing the rounds on television, and now the Diva herself has arrived in person to ‘Show you Her Jalwa’. Gear up all you Madhuri fans, the Queen has arrived.

IndiaFM

How will Madhuri fare ?

With her graceful moves and her new toned, slim look, the dhak-dhak girl is all set to sizzle on the screen. And if Madhuri Dixit Nene does, her success will be an exception, rather than the rule.

For, marriage makes things difficult even for divas in the film industry. Stars like Karisma Kapur, Raveena Tandon and Sonali Bendre almost disappeared after marriage. Kajol too couldn’t do much at the box office initially, until Fanaa happened.

With Madhuri’s Aaja Nachle and Aishwarya Bachchan’s Jodhaa Akbar slated for release, everyone is waiting to see whether they will be capable of the same magic as when they were single. “I’ll definitely see Madhuri’s film.

She’s looking ravishing and is a great actress,” says actress Lakshmi Gopalaswamy. She believes the break has been good for Madhuri and she’s re-emerged as an actress of these times.

There’s a tendency with the audience, specifically men, to lose interest in an actress after she gets married. But I believe that such stupendous talent like Madhuri’s supercedes everything,” adds filmmaker Indrajit.

He feels the mindset is slowly changing and marriage is no longer an issue. “It doesn’t matter whether the heroine is married if the role and script are sound. As a director, I don’t take the marital status of actresses into account. Marriage is a non-issue and talent is the bottom line,” he adds.

Model Carun Carumbaiah agrees, saying the common perception that the male audience doesn’t accept married heroines is wrong. “It doesn’t make a difference to me whether the actress is married or not.

If she looks good and acts well, I’m happy. But age matters – I just can’t accept a Karisma or Kajol acting as college kids,” he says.

Leena Ghosh,TNN