If you’re a ’90s kid, you’ve most probably danced on all of Madhuri Dixit’s iconic numbers. The hook step to each of them is still fresh in our heads compared to any vital information we learned yesterday. As a megastar of the ’80s and the ’90s, Madhuri was known as the queen of expressions. Who can forget her iconic eye-brow movement in Devdas or the romantic monologue for Shahrukh Khan in Dil Toh Pagal Hai? Throughout her journey on screen, she served quintessential fashion looks that went on to become classics.
On her birthday today, let’s trace some of Madhuri Dixit’s best on-screen looks
1 Tezaab
Madhuri’s earliest tryst with success was when the song Ek Do Teen from the film Tezaab became an anthem that year. Thirty-three years later, her look from this song is still recreated. The half-tied bandana, crystal-etched, off-shoulder blouse, and the multi-coloured panel skirt became a style statement in that era.
2. Khal Nayak
. 
This was one of the earliest dance numbers in Bollywood before they became a routine. Madhuri’s authentic Rajasthani look was designed with intricate details. The mirror-embellished lehenga and blouse were further accentuated with shells and beads. The authentic Marwari look was achieved with oxidised jewellery and oversized white bangles worn on the arm and around the wrist.
3. Hum Apke Hain Kaun
Hum Aapke Hain Kaun is a cult romantic film. Right from the movie’s songs to the popular sartorial looks, everything is still replicated during the many Indian wedding functions. Her emerald green and off-white lehenga with an encrusted neckline, sans the jewellery, became a hit formula that was emulated for many years even after the film was released.
4. Dil Toh Pagal Hai
As Nisha in Dil Toh Pagal Hai, Madhuri is responsible for making all the girls hopeless romantics in that decade. Her style in this movie was very elegant-chic, as compared to her other glamorous getups. Solid coloured chiffon sleeveless kurtas with matching bottoms and jackets, detailed with tone-on-tone buttons in the centre and a risque neckline. The flying dupatta sequences on the mountains created the unrealistic expectation of our’s being stuck in our beloved’s wristwatch.
5. Devdas
Madhuri played the role of Chandrmukhi in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Devdas. Everything about the film was larger-than-life, but Madhuri, even in her supporting role, stole the show. The voluminous zardosi clad lehengas and anarkalis would engulf the room in a twirl. The heavy-weight jewellery and makeup further complemented her character.
6. Aaja Nachle
After a few years of sabbatical from the screen, Madhuri made a comeback with Aaja Nachle. She played a classical dancer in this film and was dressed in theatrical outfits for her exceptional dance sequences. The black and blue embroidered lehenga from the title track or the pristine white anarkali she wore in another song of the same film became widespread.
7. Dedh Ishqiya
In Dedh Ishqiya, as Begum Para, Madhuri cons the con looking like complete royalty. Remember the ghararas with gota pattis in jewel tones, floor-sweeping shararas with delicately worked chikankari kameez and the traditional Moghul jewellery, which included the signature paasa (headpiece) and long necklaces.
8. Kalank
While Madhuri has played a dancer in many of her films, not one character’s look emulated the other. In 2019’s magnum opus Kalank, her character wore newer styles of lehengas and dupatta drapes in bright hues like tangerine and powder pink. Brocade kurtas and palazzos with laced scallop laced chunnis were the newer additions in her wardrobe.
