Let’s face it, ever since that Pepsi ad, everyone has loved Aishwarya Rai Bachchan — or maybe the love started when she was crowned Miss World in 1994. Those are just petty details. One thing’s for sure — during her rise to fame, Aish has raised the bar for Bollywood actresses. Movies like “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam,” “Taal” and, more recently, “Jodhaa Akbar” have shown international audiences the true potential of modern Indian cinema.
Now that Aish has settled comfortably into marriage and Beyoncé-level public adoration, there’s a new generation of Bollywood actresses who are ready to take their place in the spotlight.
Katrina Kaif
Originally a model from the United Kingdom, Katrina is undoubtedly the biggest star in Bollywood right now. If you don’t already have a crush on her, it won’t be long until you do. Check her out in blockbuster hits like “Partner” and “Singh Is Kinng”! It isn’t hard to see why Katrina’s dance songs, notably “Sheila ki Jawaani,” have consistently become international hits. Katrina’s (also stunning) sister, Isabel, joins the ranks of Bollywood actresses in this year’s “Dr. Cabbie.”
Sonam has big shoes to fill as the daughter of Bollywood legend Anil Kapoor, and so far, she has certainly stepped up to the challenge! She emerged as a formidable talent in the 2010 blockbuster hit “I Hate Luv Storys.” In mid-September, Sonam was crowned India’s first Disney princess, with the release of the romantic comedy “Khoobsurat.” For further proof that Katrina has arrived, she has even become best friends with fashion icon Tommy Hilfiger!
Priyanka has established herself over the last decade as a major force in Bollywood. From blockbuster hits like “Don,” the “Krrish” series, and “Dostana,” to more experimental work like “Love Story 2050” and “7 Khoon Maaf,” Priyanka is one the highest-paid and most prolific actresses in Bollywood. It doesn’t hurt that, like Aishwarya, Priyanka also is a former Miss World! Check her out in “Aitraaz”!
Deepika Padukone
In 2007, Deepika burst onto the scene in the hit “Om Shanti Om,” winning the Filmfare Award for Best Actress. She has since become known for her strong personality and willingness to speak her mind. Since 2012, Deepika has starred in a string of wildly successful movies, such as “Cocktail,” “Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani” and “Chennai Express.” Check her out in “Break Ke Baad”!
Shraddha Kapoor
Despite being a relative newcomer, Shraddha’s performance in 2013’s “Aashiqui 2” propelled her to fame and earned her a number of awards, including a Filmfare Award nomination for Best Actress. In fact, many only know Shraddha by the name of her character, Arohi. Also a legacy, Shraddha’s father is Shakti Kapoor, a Bollywood luminary. This year, Shraddha also starred in the highly successful “Ek Villain.”
Check out our Bollywood content for more hot actresses! Who is your favorite? Is there anyone you think should have been included in this list? Share with us in the comments!
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