The actress completes 13 years in films with 'Raavan'. Aishwarya Rai was born in Mangalore on November 1, 1973. Let's take a look at her journey.
Miss World
She started modelling while pursuing her degree in architecture in Mumbai. She participated in the Miss India 1994 pageant and ended up losing the crown to Sushmita Sen. But she won the Miss World pageant that year.
Film Debut
Ash started her film career with Mani Ratnam's Tamil film 'Iruvar' in 1997. The next year, she starred in Shankar's film, 'Jeans'. She won the Tamil Filmfare Award for the film. Ash also acted opposite Nagarjuna in Telugu film 'Ravoyi Chandamama' (1999).
First film award
Her Hindi debut was in 1997 as well, opposite Bobby Deol in 'Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya'. Ash went on to win the Screen Most Promising Newcomer award for the film.
First Hindi Hit
But her first hit was Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam' in 1999. Aishwarya starred opposite Salman Khan and Ajay Devgan in the film. Salman and Ash were dating at that point of time, and that helped the film at the box office. Ash won several awards for the film.
Showman's girl
That same year, Subhash Ghai's 'Taal' also released. The film did average business at the box office, but Aishwarya was recognised for her dancing and acting skills. She starred opposite Akshaye Khanna and Anil Kapoor.
A good 2000
Aishwarya had many releases in 2000 ' 'Mohabbatein', 'Dhaai Akshar Prem Ke', 'Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai', 'Josh', and 'Kandukondain Kandukondain' (Tamil). She also did special appearances in 'Mela' and 'Sanam Tere Hain Hum'
Dev's Paro
And then 'Devdas' (2002) happened, her third film with Shah Rukh Khan. Aishwarya looked gorgeous in traditional attire, and matched steps with none other than Madhuri Dixit on the song 'Dola Re'. Another award-winning performance. Aishwarya's other films in 2002 did not do too well.
Bengali Debut
In 2003, Aishwarya starred in Rituparno Ghosh's Bengali film, 'Chokher Bali', based on Rabindranath Tagore's story.
Raincoat
In 2004, Ash acted in another Rituparno Ghosh film, 'Raincoat' in which Ajay Devgan was her co-star. Ash surprised everyone with her histrionics.
Active 2004
Her other films in 2004 included Gurinder Chadha's 'Bride & Prejudice', 'Kyun...! Ho Gaya Na' opposite then beau Vivek Oberoi, and 'Khakee' with Akshay Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan.
Kajra Re
Ash's sizzling item number in 'Bunty Aur Babli' was the toast of 2005 where she danced with future husband Abhishek Bachchan and future father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan without any inhibitions. Her other films that year were Paul Mayeda Berges' 'The Mistress of Spices' (English) opposite Dylan Mcdermott, and 'Shabd' opposite Sanjay Dutt.
Hot number
And how can we forget Ash in an absolutely hot avatar in 'Dhoom:2' as Hrithik's love interest Sunehri? That was 2006, and we haven't forgotten her kiss with Hrithik either.
Guru
2007 was another hit year for her, with Mani Ratnam's 'Guru' doing well. There was double joy in Aishwarya's life that year - she got married to Abhishek Bachchan in April, her co-star in many films including 'Guru'.
Going international again
Her other films in 2007 were international projects 'Taj Mahal: The Great Indian Experience' and 'The Last Legion' with Colin Firth and Sir Ben Kingsley.
Akbar's Jodha
After 'Dhoom:2', Aishwarya rocked again with Hrithik Roshan in Ashutosh Gowariker's 'Jodhaa Akbar' (2008). She looked the prettiest ever.
Don't mess with me
Another powerful performance came in Ram Gopal Varma's 'Sarkar Raj (2008). Aishwarya sported the no-nonsense businesswoman look in the film, a complete contrast to her period-film look in 'Jodhaa Akbar'.
Going Pink
Ash's 2009 outing with Steve Martin in 'The Pink Panther 2' didn't quite work.
Raavan
Aishwarya came a full circle and worked with Mani Ratnam again, this time in 'Raavan'. Her performance in the film is already being touted as her best. The film releases June 18, 2010.
Four releases in 2010
Her other films in 2010 include 'Action Replay' opposite Akshay Kumar, 'Endhiran' aka 'Robot' with Rajinikanth and 'Guzaarish' opposite her favourite co-star Hrithik Roshan.
Anupamaa
Veer Hanuman
Parineeti
Bigg Boss 19
Hindi TV Shows
9