Vogue beauty awards 2011 function in Mumbai

Actress Madhuri Dixit won the Bollywood Beauty Legend Award at the Vogue Beauty Awards functionon 2011

Madhuri will also be seen on the cover of the next Vogue magazine called the 'Age Issue' On receiving the award, she told reporters "I have a long way to go before I become a legend, but it is an honour for me to accept this award. Beauty for me is not what is from the outside, but what is in the inside." Actress Anushka Sharma won the award for the Fresh Face of Bollywood. She said, "I hope I receive the Fresh Face award every year, though that does not mean I am scared of ageing. Beauty is a very subjective aspect. What is beautiful for me, might not be beautiful for someone else. For me beauty is how one does things based on their comfort level." Aishwarya Rai Bachchan won the award for the Global Beauty Icon.

Vogue Beauty Awards honour the best beauty products, services and professionals across 54 categories like skin care, make up, hair and many more. It is the second year of the Awards.

The winners were chosen by a jury, comprising of Dia Mirza, Adhuna Akhtar, Simone Singh, Priya Tanna, Mickey Contractor and others who tested the products nominated personally. The jury members were present at the award ceremony.

Priya Tanna, Editor of Vogue India, said the second edition demonstrates the commitment towards beauty. She said, "The overwhelming response we received last year from our readers, industry professionals and experts has encouraged us to further expand these awards, adding a new category to recognise individual talent and celebrate the stunning faces of Bollywood. It's only going to be bigger and better."

Madhuri Dixit is ambassador for tiger conservation project

Madhuri Dixit has been appointed brand ambassador for a fundraising project for the conservation of Asian elephants and tigers.

The actress launched the "Emeralds for Elephants" project on behalf of Gemfields, a Zambia-based emerald mining company.

Speaking at the fundraising event, Dixit said: "This national heritage animal in India is now seriously under threat since its habitat - forests - is disappearing at an alarming rate.

"Many instances of human-elephant conflict have been reported in the country. This would not have happened if elephants had their own space and humans had not cut forests for farmlands, settlements, industries, roads or railways," she said.

Gemfields has collaborated with the World Land Trust and Wildlife Trust of India to raise funds for the protection of Asian elephants and tigers.

Devdas star Dixit recently announced her to return to Bollywood and is reported to be starring in an Indian version of Freaky Friday.

Madhuri Dixit pays tribute to M.F. Husain

Madhuri Dixit has paid a personal tribute to M.F. Husain, who died in London on Wednesday.

Known for his celebration of the female form, the controversial artist described Dixit as the "complete woman" and heralded the actress as his muse. Dixit recalled fond memories of Husain, who painted her on various occasions
and even organised an exhibition in her name.

Speaking from her home in Denver to NDTV, she said: "Age never touched him. Here he was, an 86-year-old, but there was a little child within him that was excited about everything he saw as well.

"He was not only a great artist, but also my director. We worked together in Gaja Gamini. A wonderful personality. India has lost a jewel."

Described as 'The Picasso of India', Husain died of cardiac arrest at Royal Brompton Hospital and was cremated in London.

His last rites will be performed in India.

Madhuri Leaves Mumbai

Getting the divine Madhuri Dixit to sign on the dotted line just got costlier. After the stupendous response to her presence on Jhalak Dikhlaa Jaa, Madhuri was a pre-given for the next season.

Sure enough the channel offered Madhuri another season of Jhalak…She apparently showed a keen interest in returning to the show.

But now it appears, in order to get her back, the channel would have to considerably upgrade her already-impressive if not astronomical fee.

Apparently Madhuri's fee is larger than any offered a reality-show judge in the history of Indian television.

Says a co-star who has worked closely with Madhuri, “And why not? She brought so much to the table when she came on-board. Jhalak Dikhla Jaa went to another level with Madhuri.”

While channel sources are tight-lipped about the serious re-negotiation, Madhuri who returns to the US this week, is candid enough to admit that another season of Jhalak Dikhlaa Jaa is being worked out.

Says Madhuri, “We're under negotiation. Nothing has been finalized as yet. Let's see…I really enjoyed my first stint on the show. I am not discounting a second season.”

For now Madhuri is looking forward to joining her husband and sons in the US.

“I don't know when I'll be back. This has been my longest stay in Mumbai away from my husband and kids.

Though my sons joined me in Mumbai during Christmas I still felt the distance. At the moment I can't think of anything but going back to the people who matter the most to me.”

Madhuri hasn't signed any film. “I met directors and heard scripts.But nothing that would tear me away from my children.”

Madhuri is overwhelmed by the response she got during this trip to Mumbai.

“I've to admit this was a very special visit to Mumbai. I felt extremely welcome. But right now I can't say when I'm coming back.”

The channel hosting Jhalak Dikhlaa Jaa would have an answer to whether Madhuri returns to Mumbai in the near future.

Madhuri shoots for ad

Bollywood diva Madhuri Dixit is back in the thick of things shooting not only for the dance reality show "Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa" that brought her back to India this time, but also an endorsement for which she has apparently been paid an unheard-of price.

According to reliable sources, Madhuri and her old business manager Rakesh Nath (Rikku) have finalised at least three other endorsements that would keep the actress busy for a good part of January.

When contacted Rikku, who has looked after Madhuri's career from the start, admits Madhuri's endorsement plans.

"She is at this very moment shooting for an endorsement campaign for Hindustan Lever product. Other endorsements are being finalised. Meetings are on," he said.

The buzz in the film industry is that Madhuri is determined to make a comeback in movies.

Apparently Yash Raj Films, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Karan Johar and UTV have come up with tempting offers. Madhuri is on the verge of signing one of these.

"You're right. She has got four-five very good offers. She will definitely do another film soon. But this time we have to be very careful. I've worked with other actresses, but Madhuriji is Madhuriji," said Nath.

The diva seems more than happy keeping busy at home away from her adopted home.

"I'm having a ball. I am so glad people have liked me on 'Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa'. I am enjoying this busy phase before the camera," said Madhuri who is married to US-based doctor Sriram Nene and has two sons with him.

Her children are expected to join her this week for Christmas holidays.

"I can't wait to see them," said Madhuri happily before rushing for her next shot.

Bollywood’s every green pair

The ‘dhak dhak’ girl of Bollywood, Madhuri Dixit is back to India and millions of fans are waiting to see her on the big screen once again. Madhuri Dixit rocked the Bollywood with Anil Kapoor with her ‘Mohini’ act in Tezaab in 1988 and since then they became one of the hottest on-screen couples of 80s.

After Tezaab, they were again paired in the following year in Ram Lakhan and the success journey continued in the early 90s with Parinda, Pukar and Beta. Their on-screen chemistry was due to their off-screen bonding and understanding but they were never paired together again after 2000 film Pukar. Madhuri almost left Bollywood after her marriage and was last seen in Aaja Nachle, which was considered to be her comeback film. But this film could not do the expected business and she returned back to the US.

Now, as the beautiful actress has returned to India for judging a reality show in television, Anil Kapoor also got nostalgic. The actor expressed his desire to be paired with his favorite actress once again. But considering the age of the two stars, we doubt if they can be seen in lead roles again. There is no doubt that Anil has been acting with all the young leading ladies in the industry now but Madhuri has seemingly put some weight and looks quite reluctant to do a film now. However, recently on her return to India, Madhuri said that she has started her dance practicing again as her kids have grown up. So, does it mean that she is also looking forward to another innings in Bollywood?

Well, for bringing Madhuri and Anil back on screen, the filmmaker need to develop a very strong script that can really justify their persona now. We hope the filmmakers are listening to Kapoor’s desire and will soon come up with a movie that can bring the hit pair Anil and Madhuri together once again!

Madhuri Dixit joins Twitter, gets overwhelming tweets

Dancing diva Madhuri Dixit is the latest Bollywood star to join micro-blogging site Twitter. She recieved a warm welcome from her fans and has earned over 11,500 followers.

"For all of my fans, finally I have joined Twitter. Love, Madhuri," she posted in her first tweet.

The actress, currently in India to judge dance reality show "Jhalak Dikkhla Jaa 4", joined the micro-blogging site Nov 27.

Much before joining the site, Madhuri had said: "If I am on Twitter and Facebook, I will keep in touch with all my co-stars and old friends from Bollywood."

Many Bollywood celebrities have also extended a warm welcome to the 43-year-old.

Superstar Hrithik Roshan posted: "People!!! Let's welcome the one and only MadhuriDixit! Twitter just turned beautiful. Welcome maam! Love and respect!"

Others too are thrilled with the new joinee.

"I'm an ardent admirer of this lady! Her smile says to hell with darkness, I bring light! Madhuri Dixit! Big SHOUTOUT," posted Diya Mirza, while Sophie Chaudhary said: "Thrilled to bits! Time to welcome one of the best and most beautiful actresses of our time!"

Jewellery designer Farah Khan Ali said: "Please welcome my friend and actor par excellence Madhuri Dixit on Twitter. Welcome my dear Madhuri to a mad world of tweeting, expressing, loving and laughter."

Jewellery designer Maheep Kapoor posted: "Wow Madhuri Dixit is on Twitter! That's HUGE...as you can guess I'm a massive die hard fan!"

Madhuri Dixit 'to judge dance show'

Madhuri Dixit has been confirmed as a celebrity judge on a television dance show.
According to Mid Day, the star has agreed to appear on the Indian version of Dancing With The Stars, retitled Jhalak Dikhla Jaa.

The actress revealed: "Since dance is my passion and this show is associated with that, I thought of taking it up. It took me some time to say yes."

The 43-year old actress, who earned a reputation as one of the most prolific dancers in the film industry, has been largely absent from the screen in recent years.

Dixit was last seen in the Yash Raj Films production Aaja Nachle, which under-performed at the box office.

This season of Jhalak Dikhla Jaa will air from December 13.