Madhuri Dixit on Shah Rukh Khan: Why Their Films Still Define Bollywood Romance — And How Mrs Deshpande Marks a Bold New Turn

From Devdas and Dil To Pagal Hai to the gritty Anjaam, Madhuri Dixit reflects on her timeless pairing with Shah Rukh Khan while stepping into her darkest role yet in the psychological thriller Mrs Deshpande.

Few on-screen pairings in Hindi cinema have aged as gracefully as Shah Rukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit. Their films together continue to be celebrated for their emotional depth, intensity, and unmistakable chemistry. In a recent interview while promoting her upcoming series Mrs Deshpande, Madhuri looked back at her collaborations with Shah Rukh, calling him one of Bollywood’s finest romantic heroes and recalling how working with him shaped some of her most memorable performances.

When asked to name her favourite films with Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri immediately pointed to Devdas and Dil To Pagal Hai. She described both as special experiences that allowed them to explore deep emotions and pure romance on screen. However, she also mentioned Anjaam as a standout project for entirely different reasons. Unlike their romantic outings, Anjaam demanded intense physical action and darker emotions, making it a challenging but enriching experience for her as an actor.

Madhuri revealed that Anjaam and Koyla were being discussed around the same time, highlighting how dramatically different the films were. While Anjaam had them locked in violent confrontations, Koyla pushed them into physically exhausting situations involving rugged terrain, mud, and extreme conditions. She recalled learning a great deal from Shah Rukh during these demanding shoots, especially while navigating action-heavy scenes that were far removed from glamour.

Amid these intense projects, Madhuri shared that she had expressed a desire to work with Shah Rukh in a gentle, feel-good romantic film — a wish that soon came true with Dil To Pagal Hai. She spoke fondly of finally getting the chance to explore full-fledged romance with him, adding that Shah Rukh has a unique ability to make love feel authentic on screen. According to her, when he romances a co-star, it genuinely feels as if he is deeply in love, which is what sets him apart.

Looking back, Madhuri summed up her journey with Shah Rukh Khan by saying she feels grateful to have been part of several strong and memorable films with him. From the haunting darkness of Anjaam to the poetic tragedy of Devdas and the lyrical romance of Dil To Pagal Hai, their collaborations spanned genres and emotions, leaving an indelible mark on Bollywood.

While nostalgia surrounds her reflections, Madhuri is firmly focused on the present with Mrs Deshpande, a psychological thriller that marks one of the boldest turns of her career. In the series, she plays a convicted serial killer who assists the police in tracking down a copycat murderer — but only if her estranged son, a detective, works alongside her. The role is a sharp departure from her iconic image and has already generated buzz for its layered storytelling and unsettling tone.

Directed by Nagesh Kukunoor and adapted from the French series La Mante, Mrs Deshpande places Madhuri in a dark, complex space where vulnerability and menace coexist. With this project, she once again proves that even after decades in the industry, she continues to reinvent herself — balancing the legacy of timeless romance with fearless, unconventional choices.