On International Women's Day, here's a look at some of Indian cinema's most enduring beauties - powerhouses of talent who have mesmerised India and the world and will continue to do so in the years to come.
Here's a look at some of Indian cinema's most enduring beauties - powerhouses of talent who have mesmerised India and the world and will continue to do so in the years to come.
Madhubala: Madhubala's enigmatic screen presence and beauty still manages to seduce men. She was one of the most sought after actresses of her time.
Meena Kumari: Tragedy queen Meena Kumari was one of the most beloved actresses of all times in Bollywood cinema and she continues to live deep into the hearts of people even today. Her beauty, her acting skills, her voice - mesmerised her fans.
Waheeda Rehman: Waheeda Rehman was one of the most prominent actresses of her time. Her beautiful looks mesmerised everyone including Guru Dutt. A classic beauty, Waheeda Rehman has also won accolades for her acting skills.
Sharmila Tagore: Sharmila Tagore established herself as a popular Hindi film actress with Shakti Samanta's Kashmir Ki Kali in 1964. In 1967, Sharmila sported a bikini in the movie An Evening in Paris (1967), she was one of the few Indian actresses to do so. This not only shocked conservative Indian audiences but also set a trend. Wearing a bikini put her name in the Indian press as one of Bollywood's ten hottest actresses of all time.
Hema Malini: The dream girl of Bollywood Hema Malini was the second actress after Vyjayantimalato make it big in Bollywood. Hema with her beauty had her share of admirers. Both Jeetendra and Sanjeev Kumar proposed marriage to her but it was Dharmendra who wooed and won her.
Rekha: Rekha is certainly one of the most talented actresses of Bollywood. Who can forget this dusky beauty's seductive act in movies like Umrao Jaan and Utsav. She truly is the Bollywood's eternal beauty.
Zeenat Aman: Zeenat Aman: Bollywood's sex symbol of the 1970-80s surprisingly, as a teenager, was "dismayed and shocked" with her body and would take great pains to keep herself completely wrapped up at all times. But her pics don't seem to say the same thing.
Sridevi: Bollywood's sensational star Sridevi made men go weak in their knees with her bold act. Who can forget her in the sensous moves in the song Kaate Nahi Kat Te from Mr India, where she swerved in a blue chiffon sari. More recently she wowed everyone with her sensational performance in her comeback film English Vinglish.
Madhuri Dixit: Dhak dhak girl Madhuri Dixit with her million dollar smile ruled many hearts during her heydays.
Raveena Tandon: This mast mast actress of Bollywood was the hottest of all the actresses of her time.
Karisma Kapur: Her perfect figure, hot dance moves and of course her passionate kiss with Aamir Khan in the movie Raja Hindustani made Karisma a hot property in Bollywood. She took a break after marriage but dazzled everyone in her comeback film Dangerous Ishq.
Shilpa Shetty: Shilpa Shetty became a hot property in Bollywood after winning the reality show Big Brother and hosting its Indian version Bigg Boss. Not much can be said about her acting prowess, but who can forget her sexy moves in the song UP Bihar lootne from the movie Shool. The actress who recently got married to her long-time beau Raj Kundra and has a son with him, has also launched her Spa and Yoga CDs.
Kajol: One of Bollywood's most gifted actresses, Kajol Kajol looked her sexiest best in movies like Baazigar, Karan Arjun and Yeh Dillagi. But after the release of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge people fell in love with her for her extraordinary screen presence and acting. She continued to work off and on after her marriage to Ajay Devgn in 2001. Her last film was My Name Is Khan, and if rumours are to be believed, she may be seen opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Karan Johar's next venture.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, often called the most beautiful woman in the world, continues to draw gasps of admiration post marriage and a baby. From being the face of international brands to caring for her one-year-old daughter Aaradhya, life has changed drastically for the former Miss World. But she continues to look stunning. Last heard, Ash is keen on making a comeback to the silver screen. We are waiting to see more and more of Ash.
Bipasha Basu: This list will be incomplete without mentioning the sultry Bengali beauty Bipasha Basu. The model-turned-actress, who redefined the word "sexy" in Bollywood is considered as the eternal style diva of film industry. Bipasha also takes the credit for reviving micro-minis, in an industry where leading actresses would shy away from sporting the same. Her co-star in Bachna Ae Haseenon Ranbir Kapoor had once called her the 'Most Sexiest Actress' in Bollywood.
Kareena Kapoor: With her size-zero figure and beautiful looks, Kareena is the most sought after actresses in Bollywood. The actress has never gone wrong with her style sense be it Indian or western wear. She looks even more beautiful post marriage and is definitely Bollywood's true blue Heroine.
Priyanka Chopra: Bollywood's current hot favourite Priyanka Chopra is the first Indian actress to have beaten the Khans in endorsements. The actress, who has her kitty full with big banners, has worked hard on her figure and now is seen as a fashion icon in Bollywood.
Vidya Balan: Classic beauty Vidya Balan is one of the most sensuous and sought-after actresses in Bollywood these days.
Deepika Padukone: Model-turned-actress Deepika Padukone has been on a roll ever since she entered showbiz. Over the years, her dusky beauty and star quality has made her the girl of choice for leading movie banners, fashion brands and magazines.
Katrina Kaif: Katrina Kaif is one of the most beautiful faces among the current crop of Bollywood actresses. The beautiful lady has been voted as the Sexiest Women not once but twice by FHM magazine. She is also among the most searched Bollywood star on Google, beating the likes of Shah Rukh and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. She looked simply gorgeous in her two superhit films of this year- Ek Tha Tiger and Jab Tak Hai Jaan.
