Join Masala as we pay tribute to this multitalented megastar by recapping some of her most memorable moments.
By Ashima Sethi
1 -1980s
Madhuri’s performance in Tezaab (1988) was a game-changer for both her career and style portfolio. Her character Mohini’s pink sequinned one-shoulder blouse paired with a multi-coloured gypsy skirt became synonymous with the timeless song ‘Ek Do Teen,’ which is still a massive hit today. Fans loved her fun yet flirty ensemble and her side-swept hairdo. Madhuri herself recalls that after the film’s release she gained notoriety as the ‘Ek Do Teen Girl.’ “When I landed at the airport after Tezaab, I came out and there were these little street urchins who clean your car,” she says. “Suddenly one of them said ‘hey that’s the Ek Do Teen Mohini girl’ and I ended up signing my first autograph.”
2 – 1990s
It is universally recognised that Madhuri’s role in Hum Aapke Hain Koun…! (1994) is one of her career highlights. Not only was she charming and funny as Nisha, but her sartorial selections put her at the top of her fashion game. In the song “Didi Tera Devar Deewana,” she was radiant in a jewel-studded purple satin sari complete with floral embellishments. This outfit became so iconic, that for a long time, women all over the world were rushing to their stylists and tailors to emulate her look.
3 – 2000s
It takes a lot to compete against Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, but all eyes were on Madhuri and her award-winning costumes in Devdas (2002). As striking courtesan Chandramukhi, Madhuri was draped in many intricate ethnic outfits that included this maroon lehenga with gold embroidery by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla. Although the outfit weighed over 30kg, Madhuri danced to “Kaahe Chhed Mohe” with so much charisma that most moviegoers couldn’t even tell how heavy her ensemble was (we certainly couldn’t).
4 – NOW
At the Lux Golden Rose Awards in 2017, Madhuri once again showcased her evergreen appeal in a one-shoulder black gown with a thigh-high slit by couturier Mark Bumgarner, paired with a funky belt from Etro. As we often see the actress don ethnic wear, it was refreshing to see her rock the red carpet in an elegant western silhouette. She completed the look with a sleek hairdo, rosy makeup and tasteful jewellery from Aurelle by Leshna Shah.
