18 December,2025 08:16 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Madhuri Dixit
Madhuri Dixit has witnessed the rise, reign, and reinvention of Bollywood's biggest stars from the 90s. Having shared the screen with some of Hindi cinema's most enduring superstars, Madhuri recently reflected on what has allowed actors from the 1990s to enjoy such remarkable longevity in an industry known for its unpredictability.
In a conversation on mid-day's Sit With Hitlist, the actor spoke candidly about the long-lasting careers of stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, and Akshay Kumar. According to her, the secret lies in consistency and commitment.
"I think it's consistency," Madhuri said. "They made consistently good films and invested a lot of themselves in their work. And I'm not talking just about money, I'm talking about themselves." She noted that many of these stars went on to launch their own production houses, taking creative control of their careers. "They worked diligently, never gave up, and never rested on their laurels. I think that's what really helps longevity."
Among her many co-stars, Madhuri spoke warmly about Shah Rukh Khan, highlighting not just his stardom but his personality off camera. "Shah Rukh was more outgoing and charming," she shared. "He makes sure he looks after women, not just his co-stars, but everyone working with him. He's extremely witty and smart and can talk about anything under the sun. He has a lovely personality, and we got along so well."
The admiration has always been mutual. In an old interview, Shah Rukh had once called Madhuri the best co-star he had worked with, adding that he had learned the most from her. Reacting to that comment, Madhuri laughed it off. "I didn't teach anyone anything," she said. "I think he meant his own observations of me. When you dance together or do scenes together, there's a lot of give-and-take. We often get surprised by the way the other performs and does a particular thing."
She also spoke about how different Shah Rukh Khan is from his contemporary, Salman Khan. "Salman is a very different person," she said. "He's naughty and mischievous. He may seem like he's not very serious about his work, but the moment the camera rolls, he's completely there."
Recalling her collaborations with her Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! co-star, Madhuri described Salman as deeply grounded. "We worked very well together, and I did four or five films with him. He's very down-to-earth and a simple guy in real life."
