Madhuri Dixit (Marathi: माधुरी दीक्षित) (born as Madhuri Shankar Dixit on May 15, 1967) is an award winning Indian Bollywood actress and one of the biggest stars of the Indian film industry. Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, she dominated Hindi cinema as a leading actress, appearing in many hit films. She is considered to be an icon of the Bollywood film industry.

Was a top-line model in India before entering the Hindi film industry. Was launched by heavyweight producer-director Subhash Ghai. Regretted showing flesh in Dayavan (1988) and has tried to maintain a clean image since then. Got recognized by her Ek-do-teen song/dance number in Tezaab (1988), which launched her as a top actress; had an affair with actor Sanjay Dutt. Her performance in Hum Aapke Hain Koun...! (1994) was the crowning glory of her career. From there on it was all downhill as she put on weight, lost her nubile charm, and had a series of flops. She has regained some ground by winning the Fimfare best actress award in 1998 for her performance in Dil To Pagal Hai (1997).

Born in a Marathi-speaking Koknastha Hindu Brahmin family consisting of dad, Shankar, mom, Snehlata, sisters, Rupa and Bharati, and brother, Ajit. An acclaimed Kathak dancer, acting was not her goal, for she wanted to be a Micro-biologist, and did study in that course in Bombay's Parle College, in Vile Parle (East), Bombay. She first appeared on Bollywood's tinsel screen in 1986 with two releases 'Abodh' and 'Swati', and from then continued to act in approximately 66 movies, as well has lent her voice as a playback singer in 'Devdas' and 'Wajood'. She has won approximately 12 awards from Filmare, Star Screen and Zee for her performances in 'Dil', 'Beta', 'Hum Aapke Hain Kaun', 'Dil To Pagal Hai', 'Devdas', 'Raja', 'Mrityudand', and 'Lajja'. In 1999 she got married to Dr. Sriram Madhav Nene, a Cardiovascular Surgeon, belonging to the same Caste as the Dixit family, and relocated to Denver, Colorado, U.S.A., where she subsequently gave birth to two sons, Arin and Ryan in March, 2003 and March 8, 2005 respectively. Since December of 2006, the Nene family temporarily living in India as Madhuri is starring in 'Aaja Nachle' which is being directed by Anil Mehta, and produced by Yash Chopra.