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Ash's memorable dances!
Trained in Bharatnatyam from early childhood, her entry in Hindi films gave her a chance to showcase this talent to the fullest.
Right from her marvelous swivels in Thoda sa pagla from her debut film Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya and Hai rabba in Jeans (left) to the wild gyrations of Barso re in Guru, Ash pirouetted her way into the hearts of her fans.
Howeever, don't expect her to break into an impromptu jig in her new film Provoked. Directed by Jag Mundhra, it is a serious woman-oriented drama dealing with the issue of domestic violence. The film hits the marquee on March 6.
Nimbooda (Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam)
Kajra re (Bunty Aur Babli) 
Crazy kiya re (Dhoom 2)
But for now, let's take a look at the Dhoom queen's most memorable dance performances on celluloid.
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Ash's memorable dances!
One of the most breathtaking features of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's opulent love triangle were its song and dance sequences.
Aishwarya's animated thumkas, particularly, stood out in the fast-paced Nimbooda.
Reportedly, all the rigorous dancing steps gave Ash a bad case of sore feet. But the professional refused to take any breaks. 
Her efforts were suitably rewarded with a Best Actress Filmfare award.
Ash's memorable dances!
Kahin aag lage, Ramta jogi (Taal)
Considering her Mansi in Subhash Ghai's mega musical was a singer/stage performer, Taal offered Ash ample opportunity to further flaunt her dancing skills.
And flaunt them she did.
The sheer elegance and efficiency of her movements in Kahin aag lage or Ramta jogi was simply awe-inspiring. 
Dola re (Devdas)
Ishq kamina (Shakti: The Power)
With such delicacy about her, it is no surprise why a tulip was then named after her.
Ash's memorable dances!
Agreed, director Sanjay Leela Bhansali went overboard in the name of poetic license by throwing Paro (Aishwarya Rai) and Chandramukhi (Madhuri Dixit) together in a dance sequence.
Then again, Dola re brought two of Hindi Cinema' most fabulous dancers together in the same frame. Matching steps with the Dhak dhak queen is no cakewalk.
Ash, however, with her trademark poise and confidence, moved like magic.
Her throbbing energy wonderfully complimented the restraint and grace of her senior colleague. 
The final effect created a truly memorable movie moment.
Ash's memorable dances!
When Aishwarya Rai decides to do an item number, it's expected to be hot. But Ishq kamina, with Shah Rukh Khah, was simply scalding.
A far cry from her usually ethereal self, Ash blazed the screen with her sexy backless cholis and sweltering moves. 
Ash and SRK's on-screen rumba may not have done much for this excessively violent Karisma Kapoor starrer, but the ditty's independent popularity remains unquestioned.
Ash's memorable dances!
And then Ash topped herself with the baap of all item songs.
Who would have then imagined the beauty was dancing with her soon-to-be husband and father-in-law?
Serendipity aside, remember how smashing she looks basking in the combined attention and admiration of the Bachchans in this rollicking chartbuster? 
Salaam (Umrao Jaan)
Why just the Bachchans? With her sleek body language, stylish makeover and delicious dancing, Ms Rai had the entire entire nation swooning to her kaare kaare naina.
Ash's memorable dances!
True, she's no Rekha. JP Dutta's Umrao Jaan a patch on Muzzafar Ali's interpretation of Mirza Haadi Ruswa's Urdu novel.
However, that doesn't take away the fact that Aishwarya looked exceptionally resplendent in the part of a courtesan.
Choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant's contemporary take on kathak notwithstanding, Ash rendered the intricate steps of the opening mujra Salaam with amazing accuracy and finesse.
Ash's memorable dances!
This hard core masala potboiler made everyone go 'wow' over Ash Rai's picture perfect figure and golden tan.
After all those extensive work outs in the gym, the actress had every business showing off those shapely stems and slender arms in the foot-tapping number. 
Barso re (Guru)
All that sensual swinging and swaying definitely made an impression on both Mr A (Aryan, not Abhishek, wicked souls!) and the audience.
Ash's memorable dances!
Who can forget her wet, vivacious, upbeat avatar in Guru's Barso re, which has her careening all over some picture perfect village without any care in the world? 
Yet another example of her terrific capabilities to boogie.
Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai were engaged on January 14, ending national speculation about their romance.
Their wedding will be one of the biggest events this year.
As they get ready for better times ahead, rediff.com brings you news, photographs and much more about Bollywood's dream couple.
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