So what is it that makes Madhuri, the symbol of womanhood in Indian cinema? Is it her "the girl -next- door" charm, unlike the sophisticated types of Zeenat Aman and Parveen Babi, that appeals to the masses? Oh, lest you be mistaken, Dixit is probably o ne of the few actresses who has been to school. In addition to her feminine charms, and training in classical dance (Kathak), Madhuri has a bachelors degree in Microbiology. But it was not her education that brought her fame. She got a lucky break when Su bhash Ghai spotted her dancing talent during the shooting of Awaara Baap. He told her that if she stopped doing itsy-bitsy roles, he would relaunch her in his films. Madhuri of course jumped at the opportunity, and since then there is no looking back.

There was a time in the Tezaab girl's life when she was threatened by the onslaught of new teenage movies. But for producers who are looking for an actress with more than just sex appeal, Madhuri is the best bet. She can not only gyra te, but can act too . Take for example, the film Prem Granth by Raj Kapoor productions. Madhuri’s superb performance as a low caste village belle who moves from one tragic situation to another a la Nargis in Mother India, confirms that Madhuri’s mass appeal and her consoli dates her number one position in the industry.

So does the nimble feet damsel have any plans for family and relationship, or does she like the many screen legends before her, let life pass by and live in the mirrored existence of the synthetic screen? "I think one should feel that one wants to get mar ried and settled. And I feel there’s such a lot to do with my career that I don’t want to settle down at this moment, " says the Menaka of Master painter M.F. Hussain.