Published By: Sayan Paul

Happy Birthday, Madhuri Dixit: There's a Star Named After Her - Did You Know?

Madhuri Dixit is a true star — and quite fittingly, there's a star in the sky named after her.

There’s something about Madhuri Dixit that words often fail to capture. Maybe it’s that smile, maybe it’s how she dances like a dream, or maybe it’s just the way she makes every role unforgettable. For anyone who grew up watching her, she was the star. In an industry ruled by men, she outshone many of them during her prime. As Reuters once put it, “She was the undisputed queen of Bollywood,” and honestly, we couldn’t agree more.

Even after taking a long hiatus from films, the love people have for Madhuri hasn’t faded one bit. She is still as admired, as cherished, and as magical as ever. And the sweetest part is there’s actually a star (a real one) named after her. It’s such a fitting tribute to someone who has always sparkled in our hearts. So, on her 58th birthday today, let’s take a moment to celebrate not just the icon she is, but also this beautiful symbol of how much she is loved — here on Earth, and somewhere out there in the sky too.

There’s a Real Star Named After Madhuri Dixit, and No, We’re Not Surprised

Back in 2012, a group of Madhuri’s super-dedicated fans went the extra mile (or rather, light-year) to name a star after her in the Orion constellation. Thirteen members of a fan club called 'The Empress' surprised her with the official certificate on the sets of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, where she was a judge. The certificate, issued by an organization called the Star Foundation, reads: “A celestial body in the sky above has been named in honor of Madhuri Dixit-Nene.” Well, it's literally out of the world. 

(Credit: Madhuri Dixit Nene)

Madhuri, touched by the gesture, tweeted, “Wanted to thank my fans for the honor. They had a star in the Orion constellation named after me.” 

So, How Does One Even Name a Star?

Let’s clear something up first — naming a star doesn’t mean NASA starts calling it "Star Madhuri D-2000." This is a symbolic gesture offered by private organizations like the Star Foundation and the International Star Registry. You pay a fee (usually between $30 and $100), pick a name, and your star gets registered in their records. You also receive a fancy certificate, a star map showing your star’s location, and bragging rights for life.

However, these names aren’t officially recognized by the scientific community. The International Astronomical Union (the real deal when it comes to naming stuff in space) doesn’t accept commercial star naming. Still, it's a sweet and thoughtful gift — one that says, “You mean the universe to me,” without needing a telescope.

Other Bollywood Stars Who’ve Been Star-Tagged

Madhuri isn’t alone in the galaxy. Shahid Kapoor also has a star named after him — again, in the Orion constellation. 

(Credit: Team Shah Rukh Khan Pune)

Shah Rukh Khan, on the other hand, is one step ahead. A lunar crater (yes, on the actual moon) has been named after him by the International Lunar Geographic Society. This (called Crater S R Khan) is located in the moon's Sea of Tranquility.

Happy Birthday, Madhuri Ji!