Pics: What's been happening in tinseltown

Does Billu spell bad luck? Sharman is giving away 1 crore and feast your eyes on Deepika, Madhuri and Sonam.

Billu Bad Idea? Astro-numerologist Bhavikk Sangghvi predicts that the movie will not do well.

"Originally the title of 'Billu Barber' added up to No.29 (2 ) which is also not a positive number but it is one of SRK's best numbers & would have done some damage control. But by now just calling the film 'Billu' is going to 'cut' down the film's prospects ( pun unintended ) further!. 'Billu' now adds up to No.15 (6). Generally, No.6 is harmless but the octave 15 of No.6 does not have a lasting effect & is often bad for people who are born on dates 4 & 8. The producer of the film Gauri Khan, is a No.8 (8th Oct.). Also No.6 represents Venus – the planet of love, peace, harmony etc. To call 'Billu' - a love story would be inappropriate," says Bhavikk

Mad about You: Madhuri looks dazzling in an elegant saree at a hair and make up event in Bandra


Pretty Face: Eesha Koppikhar at another hair event with children from the National Association for the Blind


Leggy Beauty: Sonam Kapoor looks sophisticated in her high waited pants, soft curls and purple clutch at the Russian Film Festival


Poker Face: That is Sharman's new show on Real Channel where he will give away 1 crore rupees


The Fast and the Gorgeous: Deepika arrives in a racing car at an MTV Force India event

Bollywood's biggest stars perform at NDTV - Toyota Greenathon

Bollywood biggest names came together to support NDTV and Toyota Greenathon - the biggest ever initiative to spread environmental awareness. The programme kicked off on Feb 7 and was live for 24 hours during which Bollywood bigwigs took the green pledge to save the environment and enthralled the audiences with their mind blowing performances.

Bollywood Buzz brings you a special slideshow on some of the top-notch performances of the day.

Madhuri Dixit who is currently in aamchi Mumbai made sure that she could also play her part in supporting this noble cause. Needless to say, the Dancing Diva's performance left the audiences asking for more.

Govinda may have done his bit for his locality and community as a MP but this time as a citizen of the country, Chi Chi did his bit by gyrating to some of his chartbuster tracks and thereby promoting the cause to save the environment

The Greenathon commenced on all NDTV networks on Feb 7 at 7 pm IST. Some of the activities as a part of the initiative included round-the-clock clean up drives in Mumbai city and Yamuna Ghats in Delhi; a 24-hour marathon run by Milind Soman; and a musical extravaganza by renowned Bollywood stars. Among the many performers who sizzled on stage for this noble cause were Bollywood hotties Bipasha Basu and Malaika Arora Khan.

Next in line at this star-studded extravaganza were funny man Arshad Warsi and the beautiful Dia Mirza. While Arshad grooved on stage in his new look (with moustache et al) Dia looked her prettiest best. The acts were choreographed by Shiamak Davar and his troupe.

It was not just actors and actresses but also singers who pledged this cause. Sunidhi Chauhan who has given many a chartbusters in recent times gave a power packed performance along with other singers such as Shaan, Kailash Kher, and Sukhwinder Singh. All in all, a good time was had by everyone and the right message to save our environment was conveyed in the right way through this initiative.

Madhuri has ‘loo’ meetings

Well, ZOOM’s lavish Mumbai premiere of Danny Boyle’s Oscar nominee was indeed a million dollar opportunity for our photogs.

Madhuri Dixit looking resplendent as ever caught everyone’s attention. In fact, when Mads went to use the restroom, there was a huge queue of producers, etc, waiting outside to get a glimpse of her. Mads in Mumbai — is a rare photo-op, na?

Madhuri back in town for Sankranti

Makar Sankranti, for Maharashtrians, is spent at home.

And that is what Madhuri Dixit did yesterday in Mumbai. Bollywood’s original Dhak-Dhak girl is in the city with sons Arian and Ryan.
She’s here to shoot a commercial; Makar Sankranti was part of the fringe benefits of this trip. At her Juhu home, Madhuri discovered that her boys were no longer camera-shy. Happily, they posed for pictures. “They were shy earlier because they were too young to understand anything,” she said.

The religious customs over, Mads and kids stuffed themselves with Maharashtrian delicacies prepared for the festival by her mother and mother-in-law (who accompanied them down from the US). Husband Dr Sriram Nene too had come, but yesterday he was back in the US, where it is winter at their home in Denver. “The kids love to play in the snow,” said Madhuri. “It’s lovely there but I think they need to learn about Indian culture and traditions as well. They must know where I come from, they ought to meet the families back here, study Marathi and Hindi, the minds are receptive at this stage — whatever they grasp will be with them for life.”

She talked about the Golden Globes and A R Rahman’s success at the awards. Madhuri had worked with the music composer in Pukar. Of Slumdog Millionaire, the actress said, “It’s a moment of pride for all of us. It’s certainly a big thing, because it’s opening a lot more doors for our films there.” Bollywood, Madhuri added, had stopped taking baby steps, it is right there in the west now — making news.

“Curiosity about India and Bollywood is big time there. People I meet, even my husband’s friends, are curious about our cinema and our culture. It’s beautiful to see this evolution.” What was also thrilling for Madhuri was that there’s a new form of dance called Bollywood dance in the West. “And this is not just among the Indian population,” she exclaimed. Meanwhile, the failure of her comeback film Aaje Nacchle last year has not discouraged the actress from dreaming of a return to Bollywood. “Offers pour in every day, but the one that will sweep me off my feet is yet to come.Till then I am happy looking after my kids and my home. It’s a different high,” she said.

Madhuri Dixit-Nene and her kids at the Kite Festival

Madhuri Dixit to attend College Festival

Former Bollywood superstar Madhuri Dixit is the chief guest at the Sixteen: Nine International Film Festival of Usha Pravin Gandhi College in Vile Parle, Mumbai.

A source from UPG confirms, "Madhuri Dixit is coming to give away the awards on the 13th of January which is the finale of the 2-day film festival."

Along with Madhuri Dixit, hottie Imran Khan, producers Sanjay Gupta and Ravi Chopra, director Goldie Behl and veteran actress Shabana Azmi will also give away some awards, according to the official website of the festival. Directors Aziz Mirza and Anurag Kashyap will inaugurate the festival. Hard Kaur will perform at the finale.

Aamir Khan was the Chief Guest at the festival last year and gave away the prizes in different categories. He said he doesn't attend award ceremonies but this was different as it was done by students and he couldn't say no because he was a student of Narsee Monjee (NM) College. He promised he would keep himself free this year as well to attend the festival. Unfortunately, that has not happened because he is busy shooting for Raju Hirani's 3 Idiots in Bangalore. He will be coming to Bombay today for a few hours to attend the Ghajini success party and to wish nephew Imran whose birthday is on 13 January.

Madhuri Dixit is currently in town with her family and she was also the Guest of Honour at the International Kite Festival held at The Club in Andheri, Mumbai on Sunday.

This film festival is the property of Usha Pravin Gandhi College in Vile Parle. Now in its second year, it showcases short films, documentaries and other films made by budding filmmakers from all across the globe. Seminars on different aspects of cinema are held by experts from those fields during the course of the two day event. The finale comprises the awards distribution and a musical performance.

NDTV Imagine to air Unforgettable Mega Concert

NDTV Imagine will be airing the Bachchans' Unforgettable Mega Concert on 11 October at 8:30 pm.

Apart from Amitabh, Abhishek and Aishwarya, stars like Ritiesh Deshmukh, Preity Zinta, Akshay Kumar, Madhuri Dixit, Shilpa Shetty and music-director duo Vishal-Shekar will also be performing.

Reliving his experiences on the tour, Amitabh Bachchan said, "Phenomenal!! The quality of the production was unbelievable. The adulation and support from the fans was amazing. What a tour!"

"The first thing that hits you is just the euphoria. It's an outpouring of love from the audience -- it really explodes when actors come on stage," adds Abhishek.

Madhuri Dixit to recreate `Ek do teen` krazzze with Himesh

Bollywood's dancing queen Madhuri Dixit is all set to make yet another comeback to the silver screen, this time with none other than the all rounder Himesh. The actress will be grooving to Himesh Reshammiya's version of her most famous smash hit ever Ek do teen from the movie Tezaab.

The stunning actress has reportedly been roped in for the cult song in John Matthew Matthan�s next film, 'A Love Isshtory' which stars Himesh Reshammiya and Niharika Singh.

Grapevine has it that Reshammiya, who plays a tapori in the film, impersonates Munna from 'Rangeela', a character made famous by Aamir Khan�s portrayal of it.

According to our source, Madhuri will be dancing to the foot tapping tunes of Ek do teen� but this time Himesh will be doing what he�s best at by joining her on stage.

Looks like Himesh is going to offer us many more Tandoori Nights!

'The Unforgettable Tour' all set from July 18

'The Unforgettable Tour' is being unveiled on 18th July in Toronto and rehearsals for the tour have already begun in Mumbai. Taking time off from their busy schedule, the lead stars have already begun preparations for the elaborate song-n-dance-dialogue routines.

The first leg of the tour spans 10 cities, traveling to destinations like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Trinidad & Tobago, Houston, Atlantic City, New York, Vancouver, London and Amsterdam. 'The Unforgettable Tour' will bring together, for the very first time, the legendary Bachchans -- Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan -- on one stage.

Also participating in this Tour are Akshay Kumar, Madhuri Dixit, Preity Zinta and Riteish Deshmukh. The performances will be choreographed by Shiamak Davar, while music will be provided by Vishal-Shekhar. Wizcraft International Entertainment P. Ltd., the pioneer of many extravagant and mesmerizing events, has been instrumental in shaping the Tour.

AB, AB & AB rehearse for THE UNFORGETTABLE TOUR

THE UNFORGETTABLE TOUR, a never seen before extravaganza of Indian Cinema magic,is being unveiled on 18 July 2008 in Toronto, and rehearsals for the tour have already begun in Mumbai. Taking time off from their busy schedule, the lead stars have already begun preparations for the elaborate song-n-dance-dialogue routines that will bring alive the most unforgettable moments in cinema.

The first leg of the tour spans 10 cities, traveling to exotic destinations like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Trinidad & Tobago, Houston, Atlantic City, New York, Vancouver, London and Amsterdam, the tour promises to be an out-of-the-world experience, an event that would leave Indian movie fans asking for more. THE UNFORGETTABLE TOUR will bring together, for the very first time, the first family of Indian cinema - the legendary Bachchans - Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan on one stage enthralling their global fans.

Speaking on the commencement of the tour, Abhishek Bachchan who is getting ready for the release of the much-awaited SARKAR RAJ said, "This tour surely promises to be an 'unforgettable' experience for Indian film aficionados across the globe. The report in one of the magazines about my beloved wife Aishwarya's pregnancy is false. We are all geared up to perform and entertain our audiences. Aishwarya will be performing on some of her most popular numbers, including with Madhuri Dixit on the superhit "Dola Re" from DEVDAS. I am thrilled to be a part of this tour and am eagerly looking forward to performing "Kajra Re" with my family and some of India's most sought after actors and friends Akshay, Madhuri, Preity and Riteish. We are all committed to ensuring the success of the concert tour. It definitely is an experience to look forward to."

Preity Zinta, one of India's leading actresses and current hot-favourite Riteish Deshmukh will be accompanying the Bachchans on this extravaganza. But the magic for Indian film aficionados only begins there. Indian Film Industry's icons Akshay Kumar and Madhuri Dixit will be adding their charm to the trip as celebrity guest performers in specific cities. To add to this, the spectacular performances will be choreographed by India's ace choreographer, Shiamak Davar, while music will be provided by the hot and happening music director duo, Vishal and Shekhar.

Wizcraft International Entertainment Pvt Ltd, the pioneer of many extravagant and mesmerizing events, has been instrumental in shaping THE UNFORGETTABLE TOUR.

Madhuri’s Kolhapuri connection!

Madhuri has been married for years now and yet her charm and beauty never fails to engulf her admirers!

The beautiful actress paid a visit to Kolhapur, a city in Maharashtra recently while she was in India to receive her Padmashree and left no stone unturned to please her Kolhapuri fans!

“I love Kolhapur and everything about this place! I remember when I was here for the shoot of Prem Granth, I used to live on bhakri (rotis made from the mixture of jowar and wheat flour) and Thecha (mixture of green chillies, groundnut powder and onions)! The bhakri-thecha combination is supposed to be extremely spicy but I in spite of being a Mumbaikar enjoyed this local speciality of Kolhapur”, revealed Madhuri.

Mads didn’t stop enthralling her Kolhapuri fans there, she went ahead and displayed her singing skills as she sang her famous dance number from her film Anjaam called, “Mein Kolhapur Se Aayi Hoon’!

Her efforts to oblige the crowd and their love for her were definitely appreciated as her fans couldn’t get enough of the actor and blew whistles after every second of her speech!

Now that’s what we call...Madhuri mania!

Madhuri, Juhi snub Paanchvi Pass

Did not take Paanchvi team’s calls; SRK had to call KJo at the last minute

Madhuri Dixit was supposed to feature with Rani Mukerji in the celebrity episode of Paanchvi Pass, which was shot on Wednesday. At the nth hour the actress remained unreachable.

As a result, Juhi Chawla was asked to be on the show. But Chawla, too, did not respond to the phone calls. As a last resort, host Shah Rukh Khan called buddy Karan Johar to step in.

Paanchvi, produced by Siddharth Basu’s Synergy Communications, had been in touch with Madhuri. But when the date to shoot was nearing, she remained elusive. As a result, Juhi’s name was considered.

Says a source, “Time was running out, SRK took on the onus to salvage the situation. He called buddy Karan Johar (who picked up the phone!) and the director made his way to the show.”

Says Rikku Rakeshnath, Madhuri’s spokesperson, “I don’t think she was supposed to be on the show.”

A Very Very Happy Birthday Madhuri!!!

If you ask who fits the bill of eternality in Bollywood then here's a prompt answer to your question 'Madhuri Dixit Nene'. The only diva who dominated Bollywood with her oodles of acting talent and graceful dance still holds the title of Queen of Bollywood.

With her myriad commercially and critically successful films she established herself as one of the most respected and prominent female actors in Bollywood. Throughout late 80's and 90's she ruled the roost with her award winning performances in the films like TEZAAB, RAM LAKHAN, BETA, DIL, SAAJAN, KHALNAYAK, DIL TO PAGAL HAI and DEVDAS. After successfully handling family Mrs. Nene also did a comeback film AAJA NACHLEY. Though the film didn't work but she was welcomed happily on her return to films.

Recently, she received 'Padma Shri' for her contribution to Indian cinema and the Bollywood diva expressed her gratitude saying the honour is a result of her hard work and honesty. What more could she have asked on her 41st birthday today!

Come let's add to her joy by wishing her a verrrry happy birthday. And also congratulate her on a very deserving honour.

Post your Birthday Wish

I do have a life beyond movies: Madhuri

Madhuri Dixit received Padma Shri for her contribution to Indian cinema and the former Bollywood diva says the honour is a result of her hard work and honesty.

"It's always a wonderful feeling to have your work honoured. One has worked so hard for so many years. The Padma Shri is a culmination of all my hard work and honesty. I think I'm being honoured for doing my work sincerely," Madhuri told IANS.

Madhuri's children are in the US with her in-laws and her parents.

"They're all there. I guess my kids are lucky to have three sets of parents. My husband was here with me to share this moment. He left on Sunday."

Did Madhuri's children share her excitement about the award?

"Not the younger one. He's only three. Too young to understand, but my five-year-old son kept asking me why I was getting this award. I told him it was because I did movies in India for many years. 'You did movies. Why? Why do people call you Dixit?' he asked me.

"I think he's finally getting to know that his mom who cooks meals and puts them to bed had a life beyond the home and kids before marriage."

Bollywood's former diva admits it's hard to bridge the gap between the life she has now in the US and her long and successful innings in the film industry.

"I've gotten used to a life with my husband and kids. And to leave them behind in the US and come to Mumbai to work is tough. Although our parents take really good care of the kids, Ram and I still worry about what's happening back home when we're in India," said the actress.

She reigned the Hindi film industry in 1980s and 90s and churned out greatest hits like "Tezaab", "Ram Lakhan", "Beta", "Dil", "Saajan", "Khalnayak", "Dil To Pagal Hai" and "Devdas".

Madhuri says the fact that back home people still want to see her on screen makes her happy.

"It is wonderful to know that people still think about me in my home country, although I don't live here any more. That they still want me back, it makes me feel very wanted."

Last time Madhuri was in the country, it was for the release of her comeback film "Aaja Nachle". The film didn't work, but she says its failure wasn't a blow to her.

"I did my part sincerely. And I did everything I could. So did the whole team. I've worked in this field long enough to know you win some, you lose some. Sometimes you feel everything is going right and the end product still falls apart. It's okay."

So what is she doing to rectify her fans' sense of disappointment?

"Is that your way of asking if I'm doing another movie? Next time I'll ask my fans what they want to see me do on screen. The fact that I did a part for a woman specially written for an actress my age was a triumph. I'm not in India to sign another movie, not this time. I came just to receive the Padma Shri."

After the Padma Shri, Madhuri is staying back in Mumbai to catch up with family friends and a whole lot of personal work.

"I do have a life beyond movies," she laughed.

I finally touch on the Madhuri Dixit aura undiminished by time, marriage, motherhood and the failed comeback vehicle.

"I never thought of what you call an aura. For me this life as a wife and mother was what I dreamt of almost all my life."

Thank God, she did at the right time.

"What's the right time?" she quipped. "If you mean the right time to have kids then let me remind you a 63-year-old woman had twins. Nothing is impossible at any age any more.

"As for me, I had always said if I meet the right person I wouldn't think twice about giving up my career. And that's exactly what I did. I never planned anything in life."

Madhuri Dixit has no plans to act in movies

MUMBAI: Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit, who has been captivating viewers for more than a decade, has no plans to act in movies as of now.

But, a section of the media reported that filmmaker Yash Chopra will himself direct Madhuri in their next film as their erstwhile release with her 'Aaja Nachle' was a dismal flop.

A Yash Raj films (YRF) spokesperson said that the reports were baseless. "There is not an iota of truth of these reports", the spokesperson said.

Madhuri's business manager Rakeshnath alias Rikku also said that the actress is leaving for her home in US in a week's time and is not planning to do any movies.

The reports coincided with Madhuri's visit to India to receive the 'Padmashri' award for her contribution to Indian cinema.

Except attending the premiere of 'Jimmy', Mithun Chakraborty's son Mimoh's debut film and receiving the 'Padmashri' in Delhi at the hands of President of India Pratibha Patil, Madhuri is spending her time visiting family and friends, Rikku said.

The actress, who married US based Dr Sriram Nene in 1999 after a successful career in films, is a mother of two. She made a comeback after six years in Yashraj's 'Aaja Nachle' in November last year. However, the film did not do well.

Madhuri missed meeting favourite director

Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit, who is a big fan of Indian-American director, producer and writer Manoj 'Night' Shyamalan's work, regrets that she couldn't be formally introduced to the spook specialist in Delhi. But she is happy he was being recognised alongside her.

The two film personalities were given Padma Shri Saturday in the capital."Never mind. It's wonderful to see talent from India making a name in Hollywood and being recognised at home as well. I feel, with increasing globalisation more and more Indian talent will be recognised all over the world," Madhuri, who made a comeback with "Aaja Nachle", told IANS.

"I've watched his 'Sixth Sense' like six times. When I was going to watch it for the first time, I was told I'd never be able to guess the ending. I thought I'd be able to because I thought it would be something impossible, which I'll catch on to. But I still couldn't guess the suspense. Sheer genius," added the actress who gave hits like " Tezaab", "Ram Lakhan" "Beta" and "Dil To Pagal Hai".

Madhuri's husband Sriram Nene was also here for the occasion but he left for the US from Delhi immediately after the ceremony. Madhuri, however, stayed back and is now in Mumbai for a week to catch up with friends and relatives.

Delhi was tough on Madhuri's health. "I've got this wracking cough because of the humidity. And the contrast when I'm indoors cooped in the air conditioning and the heat outside is making it worse. Thankfully, I didn't bring my kids along."

Before leaving for Delhi for the Padma Shri, Madhuri attended the premiere of "Jimmy" for her co-star Mithun Chakraborty's sake. "Jimmy" is Mimoh's launch vehicle.

"If you remember, I had done one of my best films 'Prem Pratigyaa' with Mithunda. From the beginning he was such a gentleman, always very professional. Even if he was late, he'd warn me, 'Don't come on the set before 11 a.m. tomorrow.' Yeah, that's what it meant to be disciplined back then."In fact, she met another of her other co-star Govinda at the "Jimmy" premiere.

"Yeah Govinda too was very sweet. Fortunately, everything in Bollywood is getting more organised. We get ready scripts. So there's more incentive to come. Ten years ago it'd have been impossible for me to come down to Mumbai to work. I wouldn't even have thought of it."

Tezaab was a turning point for me: Madhuri

New Delhi: Bollywood diva Madhuri Dixit was in the Capital to receive the latest addition to her kitty of awards, the Padmashree.

Awarded the Padmashree, for her contribution to Indian cinema, Madhuri Dixit had a long list of people to thank.

"I feel elated. It's wonderful. But i have a lot of people to thank. Right from my hair dressers, to the make up to the technicians, everybody has a share in this and i want to thank all of them today," says Madhuri.

CNN-IBN: Do you think Padmashree should have been bestowed on you much earlier, may be at the height of your career?

Madhuri Dixit: I don’t know. A lot of people ask me that. I believe that whenever I have worked in movies, it has been with all my heart and honesty. I have never really worked towards any awards. That has never been on my mind. Now that I am receiving this award, it is a great honour. I don’t care if it is late or early. I just appreciate that fact that I don’t live here anymore. I am in the US and people still think about me. They gave me this honour. I accept that very humbly.

CNN-IBN: When you first started your film career with Abodh, did you ever know that the Indian Government will decorate you as an actress?

Madhuri Dixit: When I started with Abodh, I was too young, I did not even know what I was doing at that time.

CNN-IBN: You have done more than 67 Bollywood films. Which film do you think was a turning point in your career?

Madhuri Dixit: It is hard to say which film was a turning point. I think the biggest hit was Tezaab. That was my first hit film. There are a lot of turning points in my career. That was, maybe, one of my first.

CNN-IBN: Were you disappointed with the reception that Aaja Nach Le got?

Madhuri Dixit: No not really. Sometimes, you win and sometimes you lose. I really had fun working on the movie, working with all the different artists that I did. And that is what matters finally.

CNN-IBN: Aren’t you planning another film here?

Madhuri Dixit: Not yet. But I will see.

Source: CNN-IBN

Padmashri Madhuri Dixit Nene!

It was a moment of glory for Bollywood diva Madhuri Dixit as she received the prestigious Padma Shri award today (May 10) from President Pratibha Patil for her outstanding contribution to Indian cinema.

The actor who is in the country with her husband Dr. Shriram Nene especially to receive the award is exceedingly happy with this recognition.

"It is a great honour. I am elated," said Padma Shri Madhuri Dixit.

Noted industrialist Ratan Tata, NRI steel baron Lakshmi Mittal, Metroman E Sreedharan and chess wizard Viswanathan Anand were also among the recipients of the Padma awards.

Former bureaucrat PN Dhar, former Chief Justice of India AS Anand and Nobel-prize winning environmentalist RK Pachauri also received the prestigious Padma Vibhushan at a glittering function at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.

Adding glamour to the event were Hollywood director Manoj Night Shyamalan, Punjabi folk singer Hans Raj Hans, versatile actor Tom Alter and footballer Baichung Bhutia, who received Padma Shri awards.

Melody queen P Susheela and noted economists Lord Meghnad Desai, Kaushik Basu and Padma Desai also received the Padma Bhushan award.

The best round of applause was reserved for Tata, who was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan, Bhutia, Shyamalan and Dixit, who received the Padma Shri.

Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams did not turn up to receive the Padam Bhushan while respected Russian diplomat Yuli Mikhailovich Vorontsov's daughter received the award conferred on him posthumously.

Ignoring the clamour for Bharat Ratna triggered by BJP leader LK Advani's letter to the Prime Minister proposing Atal Bihari Vajpayee's name, the government decided against naming anyone for the award for the seventh consecutive year this time.

Bharat Ratna was last given in 2001 to Lata Mangeshkar and Ustad Bismillah Khan.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and several union ministers attended the function.

Among the Padma Bhushan recipients were veena exponent Ustad Asad Ali Khan, industrialist Baba Neelkanth Kalyani, tribal leader Mian Bashir Ahmed, Inderjit Kaur, Jasdev Singh, Kantipudi Padmanabhaiah, Nirmal Kumar Ganguly, Suresh Kumar Neotia, Sushil Kumar Saxena, Viswanathan Ramachandran and Ravindra Kelekar.

Those who received Padma Shri included Aheibam Jayant Kumar Singh, Amitabh Mattoo, Barkha Dutt, Bholabhai Patel, Cannigaiper Uthamaroyan Velmurugendran, Pandit Gokulotsav Maharaj, Heisnam Sabitri, Indu Bushan Sinha, Jawahar Wattal, KS Nishar Ahmed and Kaleem Ullah Khan.

French national Colette Mathur and Russian theatre personality Gennadi Mikhailovich Pechnikov also received the honour.

Karuna Mary Braganza, Kasturi Lal Chopra, Kekoo M Gandhy, Kutikuppala Surya Rao, Madan Mohan Sabharwal, Mohan Chandra Pant, Moozhikkulam Kochukuttan Chakkyar, Rakesh Kumar Jain, Sant Singh Virmani, Sheela Barthakur, Sirkazhi G Siva Chidambaram, Surjya Kanta Hazarika, Vellur Ramachandra Gowrishankar, Yella Venkateswara Rao, Mohammed Yusuf Taing also received the Padma Shri.

A resplendent Madhuri Dixit at Jimmy premiere

Madhuri Dixit looked resplendent in a blue aqua chiffon saree with cheetah print, bright orange embroidered flowers, and orange brocade borders, at the Jimmy premiere at Cinemax, Versova on Thursday, May 8.

She was accompanied by her husband Ram Nene, and received and escorted in by a highly 'spirited' Mithun chakravorty, who acted as the de facto host for the event which marks the launch of his son Mimoh's Bollywood career.

Madhuri is in India to receive the coveted Padmashri national award for her contribution to Indian cinema. The award ceremony is on May 10.

She attended the event as a special invitee of Mithun, her co-star in films such as Pyar Ka Devta (1990), Prem Pratigyaa (1989) and Mujrim (1989). She did not stay for long, so as not to take the thunder away from Mimoh, but her appearance at the event made it truly special.

Madhuri wore a cap sleeve blouse with a deep V neckline and a matching cheetah print with her saree.

She accessorized with long dangler earrings that had chunky orange stones, a ring each on her ring fingers and a golden clutch. She had left her layered hair open.

The Barjatyas are reported to be planning a sequel to Hum Aapke Hai Kaun and Madhuri fans are hopeful the actress, who turns 43 on May 15, will feature in the film.

Madhuri made a spirited and endearing come back to Bollywood in 2007, after a five year sabbatical, with Aaja Nachle, a dance extravaganza that failed to stir the box office.

Premiere of Jimmy