Happy birthday to Aishwarya

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan turns a year older on November 1. The 48-year-old diva is one of the most successful actresses in the Indian film industry. On her birthday, The Business Post picks top 10 Ash movies, which defined Bollywood for the past two decades 

Top Ten films of Aishwarya

Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam

‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’ is a 1999 Indian Hindi-language romantic musical film directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. In the film, Aishwarya plays the role of Nandini, while Salman Khan and Ajay Devgn are cast opposite her. The film received 17 nominations at the 45th Filmfare Awards and won 7 awards.

Devdas

‘Devdas’ is a 2002 Indian Hindi-language period romantic drama film directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. It stars Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai and Madhuri Dixit in lead roles. Based on the 1917 novel of the same name by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, the film narrates the story of Devdas Mukherjee played by Shah Rukh Khan, a wealthy law graduate who returns from London to marry his childhood friend, Parvati ‘Paro’ played by Aishwarya. However, the rejection of their marriage by his own family sparks his descent into alcoholism, ultimately leading to his emotional deterioration and his seeking refuge with the golden-hearted courtesan Chandramukhi (Madhuri). The film was a major commercial success and emerged as the highest-grossing Indian film of the year.

Jodhaa Akbar

‘Jodhaa Akbar’ is a 2008 Indian epic historical romantic drama film directed by Ashutosh Gowariker. It stars Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in the titular roles. Set in the 16th century, the film shows the life and romance between Mughal Emperor Akbar and Princess Jodhaa Bai who becomes his wife in a marriage of convenience. In the film, Aishwarya Rai plays the role of Princess Jodhaa.

Iruvar

‘Iruvar’ is a 1997 Indian Tamil-language epic political drama film co-written, produced and directed by Mani Ratnam. It stars an ensemble cast including Mohanlal, Prakash Raj, Aishwarya Rai, Revathi, Gautami, Tabu and Nassar. Aishwarya Rai, who was crowned Miss World in 1994, made her screen debut through the film, playing dual characters.

 Guru

Guru is a 2007 Indian Hindi-language drama film directed and co-written by Mani Ratnam. In the film, Aishwarya Rai plays the role of Sujata and got praised for her performance with the song ‘Barso Re Megha Megha’. Abhishek Bachchan was cast opposite Aishwarya.

Guzaarish

‘Guzaarish’ is a 2010 Indian Hindi-language romantic drama film written, composed and directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The film received positive reviews from critics, who praised the direction, and performances of Roshan, and Aishwarya. Guzaarish is the third film to feature Roshan opposite Rai after ‘Dhoom 2’ and ‘Jodhaa Akbar.’

Raincoat

‘Raincoat’ is a 2004 Indian drama film directed by Rituparno Ghosh. The film tells the story of two lovers, separated by destiny, who meet again one day. Here Aishwarya Rai plays the role of Neerja and Ajay Devgn casts opposite her.

Sarbjit

‘Sarbjit’ is a 2016 Indian biographical drama film about Sarabjit Singh, who was sentenced to death by the Supreme Court of Pakistan in 1991 and then consequently spent 22 years in prison for alleged terrorism and spying. Directed by Omung Kumar, the film stars Randeep Hooda as Sarabjit Singh. Aishwarya Rai plays a pivotal role in the film.

Taal

‘Taal’ is a 1999 Indian romantic drama film produced and directed by Subhash Ghai. In the film, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan appears as Mansi, while Akshaye Khanna is Manav Mehta, Mansi’s lover turned husband and Anil Kapoor is Mansi’s lover.

Dhoom 2

‘Dhoom 2’ is a sequel to the 2004 film Dhoom and is the second instalment in the ‘Dhoom’ series. Aishwarya Rai appears as Sunehri Mitra, while Hrithik Roshan casts opposite her. ‘Dhoom 2’ was released in 2006 in India, grossed over ₹1.5 billion, and was declared a ‘blockbuster’ by Box Office India. It became the highest-grossing Hindi film of 2006 and was the highest-grossing Hindi film of all time as well at the time of its release.