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All these young actresses such as Deepika, Alia, Aditi Rao have one role model when it comes to period roles. She is Aishwarya Rai. She is the ultimate period queen of Indian cinema. No actress even Madhubala can compete with her grace, epitome of beauty and acting in period roles.
In Tamil she first appeared in period film Iruvar where she played Jayalalita. What a classic film it was.
Her first successful Hindi film was Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. A modern film with period settings. It was classic romantic film with old world touch. She outdone in it. Her Nandini inspired Deepika's Leela and Alia's Roop.
Devdas is another classic and masterpiece period film. Aishwarya immortalised the role of Paro. Still many actresses like Deepika, Sonakshi trytry to copy her from Devdas.
In Chokher Bali, she was Rabindranath Tagore heroine. Such a great mind-blowing Bengali period film. After Devdas Ash was supposed to do many big films but SRK plotted against her and replaced her in all films. Still she made her own by doing her best in art cinemas at the time of crisis. Chokher Bali won her best actress at Anondolok Award and national award for best Bengali
film.
She again appeared in Bengali look in Raincoat. It won her best actress critics and best Hindi film at national award.
Her next period look was Sujhata in Guru. What a powerful Mani Ratnam heroine. It was another classic film.
Her final and last period film was the masterpiece and classic Jodhaa Akbar. She immortalised Jodhaa Bai's role and inspired others to play Royal type roles. Deepika copied Ash's Jodhaa in Mastani and Padmavati.
Her next film Mani Ratnam's Ponniyin Selvan is a grand period film where she again plays a period role. The film would be on par with Baahubali and Game of Thrones.
So, it is safe to say Indian cinema's real period queen is Aishwarya Rai. 👏
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