Madhuri: The biggest story of 2007

Move over Rani, Ash, Preity, Priyanka, the real queen bee of Bollywood is back and is beckoning all her fans with open arms. Literally. From atop the biggest billboards, the widest bus backs, and busiest bus stops, from street kiosks and on the small and big screen, Madhuri Dixit is inviting you to her dance fest Aaja Nachle, her arms open wide, that dazzling smile right in place. In an industry that's driven by the male ego, dominated by actors in their 40s, Madhuri is the sole actress, standing tall. And all by herself.

Aaja Nachle, produced by Yash Raj Films and directed by ace cinematographer Anil Mehta (who's earlier works include Lagaan, KANK, Veer Zara among others), is being sold solely on Madhuri's star power. And the biggest testimony of this is her larger-than-life solo hoardings standing proud in the clutter of the Bachchans, Khans and Kapoors across the country.

Madhuri was last seen as Chandramukhi in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Devdas after which she went into a self imposed sabbatical. During that time Rani Mukerji and Preity Zinta dominated the scene along with Ash, Kareena and Priyanka to a certain extent. But even now it's hard to imagine any of these ladies driving a project purely on the basis of their star power. Case in point is the recently released Laaga Chunari Mein Daag which was touted as Rani's big moment of glory, but failed to generate any buzz among her fans.

"Comeback! What comeback are we talking about?" asks Jackie Shroff who had quite a popular pairing with Madhuri once upon a time. He says emphatically, "She had never left the industry in the first place and continues to look as fresh as her Ram Lakhan days."

What's the industry buzz about Aaja Nachle? Trade expert Komal Nahta agrees that the Madhuri factor is the film's biggest strength. "The masses are still crazy to see her which is why there is some optimism about the film. Yet a clearer picture will emerge only when the advance booking opens". Nahta points out that while Madhuri is Aaja Nachle's trump card, having an equally strong hero would have helped the film (a la Aamir Khan in Kajol's comeback Fanaa). Irrespective of the box-office fate of Madhuri's film, it goes without saying that Aaja Nachle will be keenly watched. Even if it is by critics who would be only too keen to write her off.

On the positive side, Nahta however feels that Aaja Nahcle is a heroine-oriented subject tailor-made for Madhuri. This leaves little scope for any of the other actors, which is why no top hero would have even touched the film. Jackie argues that actors of every generation would still be keen on working with her. In fact if given an opportunity Jackie himself wouldn't mind sharing screen space with her again.