Anjum Bin Anam –
The 2000s marked a shift in Bollywood towards more western influences in dance, style, and fashion. While traditional elements were still present, there was a growing trend towards a more westernized look in films. This period marked the end of a traditional era in Bollywood, as the industry began to embrace a more westernized aesthetic. Over time, this shift away from tradition has come to define the industry and has resulted in the slow decline of traditional elements in Bollywood.
Rani Mukerji
Rani Mukerji, often referred to as the ‘Bong Beauty’, hails from a renowned Bengali family with connections to the film industry. She is the cousin of actress Kajal and the niece of actress Debosree Roy. Despite facing criticism for her height, voice, and dark complexion, Rani rose to become one of the most popular actresses of her time and was considered the queen of the silver screen. Known for her versatile and realistic acting, Rani Mukerji made her mark in Bollywood with her debut film Raja ki Ayegi Baraat and went on to star in hit films such as Hum Tum, Black, Saathiya, Bunty Aur Babli, and Mardaani. She is married to famous film director and producer Aditya Chopra.
Aishwarya Rai
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, the Indian film actress, and a former Miss World, has made a mark in the international entertainment industry with her stunning beauty and talent. She is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful actresses in Bollywood and has received numerous accolades for her performances in films such as Devdas, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, and Guzaarish. Aishwarya has also made a name for herself in Hollywood with her appearances in Bride and Prejudice and Provoked. She is married to actor Abhishek Bachchan, who is an actor and the son of Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan. With her naturally blue eyes and charming presence, Aishwarya has established herself as one of the most sought-after actresses in Bollywood, with successful on-screen partnerships with leading actors Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan.
Preity Zinta
Preity Zinta is widely regarded as one of the cutest and bubbliest actresses of her era. Her charming smile has earned her a massive fan following, due to its endearing quality. She first burst onto the scene with her debut in the film Dil Se and went on to star in several notable movies including Kal Ho Na Ho, Sangharsh, and Veer-Zaara. She was dubbed the Barbie doll of Bollywood and had remarkable on-screen chemistry with both Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan.
Kareena Kapoor
One of the most popular actresses of the millennial generation, she has transformed her acting skills from a young girl with tantrums to a mature and sensible adult woman. Her acting career has been highly successful and versatile. She made her debut in the film Refugee and went on to star in several notable movies including Jab We Met, Chameli, and Heroine. She is also widely regarded as one of Bollywood’s top item numbers performers, with hit songs such as Fevicol Se, Chammak Challo, Bebo Main Bebo, Yeh Mera Dil, Halkat Jawani, and Dil Mera Muft Ka. Her on-screen pairings with actors Fardeen Khan and Hrithik Roshan were highly popular among fans. Kareena Kapoor is also known for her bold remarks and has made headlines numerous times for the same.
Priyanka Chopra
She was highly popular among millennial audiences, having been crowned Miss World. Her talents extend far beyond acting, as she has a distinct English accent, impressive singing skills, and a knack for dancing. She is the only Bollywood actress to have achieved worldwide success and even made her way into Hollywood through her debut in the movie Baywatch. She started her Bollywood career with the film Andaaz and went on to star in several notable movies including Fashion, Barfi, and 7 Khoon Maaf. Her portrayal of a negative character in Aitraaz was widely praised. Her on-screen chemistry with actors Akshay Kumar and Hrithik Roshan was highly popular. She is often compared to the legendary Zeenat Aman of the 1970s.
Katrina Kaif (Katrina Turquotte)
Despite facing language barriers at the beginning of her career, she went on to captivate millions of fans with her stunning beauty, exceptional dancing skills, and endearing expressions. She made her debut in the film Boom and went on to star in several notable movies including Ek Tha Tiger, Namaste London, and Fitoor. She is widely popular for her glamorous personality rather than her acting abilities and had a highly popular on-screen romance with Salman Khan.
Sushmita Sen
She is greatly appreciated for her insightful speeches in real life, having been the first Miss Universe from India. Despite her numerous talents, she remains underrated. She has moderate popularity and made her film debut in Dastak. She went on to star in several notable movies including Main Hoon Na, Biwi No. 1, Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya, and Aankhen. Her on-screen chemistry with Shah Rukh Khan in Main Hoon Na was charming, and she also had a comedic partnership with Salman Khan in several of their movies together.
Vidya Balan
Some directors consider her to be the most skilled and versatile actress of her time. Despite facing rejections from numerous film production houses due to her plus-size figure, she made her debut in Parineeta. In The Dirty Picture, she portrayed a plus-sized, seductive woman based on the South Indian actress Silk Smitha. This role received widespread praise. She has also starred in several other notable films including Kahaani, Begum Jaan, Lage Raho Munna Bhai, and Bhool Bhulaiya. Unfortunately, her desire to work with the three Khans was never fulfilled, but her remarkable acting skills shine in all of her movies nonetheless.
Bipasha Basu
Bipasha Basu was known for her sexually charged roles and sensational expressions. She made her debut in the film Ajnabee. She also appeared in notable films such as Raaz, Race, and Pankh, and received praise for her negative role in the film Jism. While she had several hit item songs, some critics felt that she was undervalued as an actress due to audiences not embracing her outside of her seductive image.
Ameesha Amit Patel
Bollywood actress Ameesha Patel rose to prominence with her debut film, Kaho Na Pyar Hain, in which she starred opposite Hrithik Roshan. Despite initial success, personal and family issues took a toll on her career, causing her popularity to decline. Despite delivering notable performances in films such as Humraaz and Gadar, Patel was unable to fully recapture the success of her earlier years. Controversies surrounding her personal life also impacted her career, making it difficult for her to fully recover and establish herself as a leading actress in the industry. Nevertheless, she remains an important figure in the history of Indian cinema, and her contributions are recognized and appreciated by fans and critics.
Bhumika Chawla (Rachna Chawla)
Bhumika Chawla made a promising debut in the Indian film industry with the highly acclaimed and successful film Tere Naam. Despite her initial success, Chawla struggled to maintain her footing in the industry and saw limited success in her subsequent projects. In an attempt to reignite her career, Chawla turned to the southern film industry and delivered some commercially successful films. However, after her marriage, Chawla discontinued her acting work, effectively bringing her career to an end. Despite her limited filmography, Chawla remains a popular fresh face of her time and continues to be remembered by fans and film enthusiasts.
Lara Dutta
Lara Dutta, a former Miss Universe, made her debut in the Indian film industry with the movie Andaaz. Despite her promising start, her career was marked by mediocrity, with limited commercial and critical success. Despite being cast in big-budget films by top directors, Dutta struggled to establish herself as a leading actress, failing to match the popularity of her contemporaries. Nevertheless, she remains a recognized figure in Indian cinema, and her accomplishments as a former Miss Universe continue to inspire fans and aspiring performers.
