N. Chandra reveals how Madhuri Dixit was cast in 'Tezaab' (1988)
Synopsis
N. Chandra had never directed Madhuri Dixit when he decided she was the only actress for 'Tezaab' — he had simply spotted her on a set he was editing. That split-second instinct, combined with a lucky coincidence of shared management with Anil Kapoor, produced 1988's biggest Hindi film and one of Bollywood's most iconic roles.
Key Takeaways
Chandra first saw Madhuri Dixit on the set of a film called 'Bajrangi' , where he had gone as an editor — not a director.
He made Madhuri his 'first and last choice' for 'Tezaab' based on that single encounter.
A shared secretary — Rakesh Nath — between Madhuri and lead actor Anil Kapoor made the casting process straightforward. 'Tezaab' released on 11 November 1988 and became the highest-grossing Hindi film of that year , running to a golden jubilee in theatres.
The song 'Ek Do Teen' , choreographed by Saroj Khan , became one of Bollywood's most celebrated dance numbers and boosted both Madhuri's and Khan's careers.
Veteran director and filmmaker N. Chandra has revealed the behind-the-scenes story of how he first spotted Madhuri Dixit and made her his sole choice for the role of Mohini in the 1988 blockbuster 'Tezaab' — a casting decision that would permanently alter the trajectory of Bollywood's most celebrated actress. The revelation came during an episode of the dance reality show India's Best Dancer Season 5.
The First Encounter
N. Chandra, whose full name is Chandrashekhar Narvekar, recalled that his first glimpse of Madhuri came not on a film set he was directing, but on one he was editing. 'Actually I am an editor as much as I am a director. I have edited a lot of films. A film called Bajrangi was being made. Madhuri ji may not remember it,' he said on the show.
Madhuri, present on the same stage, corrected him affectionately: 'I remember. Anil ji, Babu Garu was the director.' N. Chandra confirmed the detail and continued: 'I was supposed to edit that film. I was told this was the first set, so I should come over. That was when I saw Madhuri for the first time. Someone introduced her to me, and at that moment I saw something special in her.'
Why Madhuri Was His Only Choice for Tezaab
The director was unequivocal about his casting instinct: 'So when Tezaab came up, Madhuri ji was my first and last choice. There was no one else.' He also described how a stroke of luck eased the logistics of bringing the film together — both lead actor Anil Kapoor and Madhuri shared the same secretary, Rakesh Nath. 'When luck is on your side, everything falls into place. It became very easy for me to make the match happen at that time,' N. Chandra said.
The Legacy of 'Tezaab'
'Tezaab' released on 11 November 1988 and became the highest-grossing Hindi film of that year, enjoying a golden jubilee run in theatres. The romantic action drama featured Madhuri Dixit opposite Anil Kapoor, with a supporting cast that included Anupam Kher, Chunky Panday, Kiran Kumar, and Suresh Oberoi.
The film's chartbuster soundtrack, composed by Laxmikant-Pyarelal, produced enduring hits including 'Ek Do Teen', 'So Gaya Yeh Jahan', and 'Keh Do Ke Tum'. The iconic number 'Ek Do Teen', choreographed by legendary choreographer Saroj Khan, cemented both Madhuri's status as Bollywood's foremost dancer and Khan's own reputation as the industry's defining choreographic voice.
A Career-Defining Role
More than three decades on, Mohini remains one of Bollywood's most referenced characters — a benchmark for screen presence, dance performance, and popular appeal. The sizzling on-screen chemistry between Madhuri and Anil Kapoor struck a deep chord with audiences in 1988 and continues to be celebrated by fans and film historians alike. N. Chandra's candid account on India's Best Dancer Season 5 offers a rare first-hand look at how one of Hindi cinema's most consequential casting calls was made.
Point of View
Yet he locked her in for 'Tezaab' without auditioning anyone else — a level of directorial conviction rarely seen today. The logistical coincidence of a shared secretary is a footnote, but the real story is how a single, unplanned set visit in the mid-1980s produced the defining female performance of that decade. It also underscores how much of Hindi cinema's golden-era casting happened through proximity and personal chemistry rather than industry process.
NationPress
27 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How did N. Chandra first meet Madhuri Dixit?
N. Chandra first saw Madhuri Dixit on the set of a film called 'Bajrangi', which he had visited in his capacity as an editor, not a director. Someone on set introduced them, and he recalled immediately noticing something special about her.
Why was Madhuri Dixit chosen for 'Tezaab'?
Director N. Chandra has said that Madhuri was his 'first and last choice' for the role of Mohini in 'Tezaab', based entirely on the impression she made when he first saw her on the 'Bajrangi' set. He did not consider any other actress for the part.
When did 'Tezaab' release and how did it perform?
'Tezaab' released on 11 November 1988 and became the highest-grossing Hindi film of that year. It completed a golden jubilee run in theatres, establishing itself as one of the most iconic films in Madhuri Dixit's career.
What is the significance of the song 'Ek Do Teen' from 'Tezaab'?
'Ek Do Teen', choreographed by legendary choreographer Saroj Khan and part of the Laxmikant-Pyarelal soundtrack, became one of Bollywood's most celebrated dance numbers. It played a pivotal role in establishing Madhuri Dixit as the industry's leading dancer and elevated Saroj Khan's own standing as a choreographer.
Where did N. Chandra share the 'Tezaab' casting story?
N. Chandra revealed the casting story during an episode of the dance reality show India's Best Dancer Season 5, with Madhuri Dixit present on stage and corroborating parts of the account.
