With Madhuri Dixit once again making headlines following the release of Netflix’s ‘Maa Behen’, fans have been looking back at some of the most memorable praise the actress has received throughout her career. Among them is a remark from choreographer-director Remo D’Souza, who once drew a striking comparison between the Bollywood star and the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. The comment has found fresh relevance in a year that also saw the release of ‘Michael’, the much-discussed biopic on the global music icon.The old statement recently resurfaced online, reminding fans of Remo’s admiration for Madhuri’s extraordinary talent. Hailing her unmatched blend of grace, expressions and dance skills, the filmmaker had famously described her as the “Lady Michael Jackson.” Remo has never hidden his admiration for Madhuri Dixit. Long before he became one of the industry’s most sought-after choreographers and filmmakers, he was already a devoted fan of the actress and her iconic dance numbers.Speaking about her talent to IANS, he once said, “I have always been very fond of Madhuri. I love almost all of her songs and her dance is incomparable. Today’s actresses don’t come close to her dance and expressions. She is so flexible, so emotive – for me, she is completely like lady Michael Jackson.”The statement reflected the immense regard he had for Madhuri, whose performances in songs across films like ‘Tezaab’, ‘Sailaab’, ‘Dil To Pagal Hai’ and ‘Devdas’ remain benchmarks in Bollywood choreography.
Learning dance through Madhuri Dixit’s songs
Interestingly, Remo revealed that his admiration went beyond simply watching her on screen. At one point in his career, he had to teach a young contestant for a dance competition and ended up studying one of Madhuri’s most celebrated songs in great detail.“Once, very long time back, I had to train one girl for a competition…that time I learnt all of Madhuri’s steps in ‘Ek Do Teen’ to teach the girl. Madhuri was fabulous in it.” While ‘Ek Do Teen’ from ‘Tezaab’ became one of her most iconic tracks, Remo admitted that another song held a special place in his heart.“But my favourite song featuring her is ‘Humko Aaj Kal Hai’ from the film ‘Sailaab’.”
Remo D’Souza’s meeting with Madhuri Dixit
Like many fans, Remo spent years hoping to meet Madhuri in person. Despite frequently visiting film sets, studios and industry events, the opportunity never arrived until much later in his career. That long-awaited moment finally came when both were brought together as judges on the popular dance reality show ‘Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 4’.“I was overjoyed on meeting Madhuri. She has been my favourite all through.” For someone who had spent years idolising her work, sharing a stage with the actress became a memorable milestone.
Michael Jackson’s Influence on Remo
Remo has often credited Michael Jackson as one of the biggest influences on his dancing style. He learned many of his early moves by watching the King of Pop’s performances and music videos repeatedly.It is perhaps this connection that made his comparison even more significant. For a choreographer inspired by Michael Jackson himself, placing Madhuri in the same league was among the highest compliments he could offer.
Remo D’Souza’s dream collaboration
Apart from praising Madhuri, Remo also spoke about actors he believed could match the energy and technical brilliance associated with Michael Jackson’s style of dancing.According to him, Prabhu Deva and Hrithik Roshan stood out among Indian male performers. “I feel Hrithik will do complete justice to my style of dancing. There aren’t too many actors who can dance well…he is the best among the current lot.”Remo even expressed a desire to one day choreograph both Madhuri and Hrithik together, believing their talent and screen presence would perfectly complement his creative vision.
