Meenakshi Seshadri on Madhuri Dixit, reacts to alleged rivalry: 'I can never be her and she can never be me'

Meenakshi Seshadri and Madhuri Dixit were two of Bollywood’s brightest stars in the 1980s and 90s, often pitted against each other by the media and audiences. While rumours of rivalry have long circulated, Meenakshi has consistently dismissed them, highlighting their individuality and mutual respect.

Early comparisons

Both the actresses were leading in Bollywood in the 1980s and 90s, and were often compared with each other. They starred together in Swati (1986), with Meenakshi as the lead and Madhuri as her stepsister, showcasing their acting and dancing talents. While Meenakshi was praised for her classical dance expertise, Madhuri often drew attention for her captivating presence.

Reported fallout over Shanakht

The actresses reportedly had a fallout during the casting of Tinu Anand's film Shanakht. Initially, Dimple Kapadia was offered the lead role, with Meenakshi as the second lead.

However, after Kapadia declined due to fee issues, Madhuri was cast in the lead, relegating Meenakshi to the second lead. Unhappy with this arrangement, Meenakshi reportedly refused to work with Madhuri, leading to a strained relationship between the two. The film was eventually shelved, and the actresses never shared screen space together.Damini (1993) was a landmark film and one of Meenakshi Seshadri’s career highlights. Reportedly, director Rajkumar Santoshi fell in love with her and even proposed marriage, but she declined.

Their relationship reportedly soured afterward, with rumors suggesting Santoshi considered replacing Meenakshi mid-way and approached Madhuri Dixit for the role.

Madhuri’s solidarity with Meenakshi

Meenakshi later revealed that Madhuri had declined the role in solidarity with her. Damini went on to become one of Meenakshi’s most iconic performances, earning her a nomination for Best Actress.

Meenakshi dismisses rivalry rumors

In a 2024 interview with Bombay Times, Meenakshi emphasized that she and Madhuri are unique, stating that neither can be the other. She dismissed any notion of rivalry, underlining that comparisons between them are unnecessary.Meanwhile, Meenakshi quit Bollywood and moved to the US after marrying investment banker while she was at the peak of her career. Madhuri, on the other hand, continued as the lead actress.