Neha Dhupia

Neha Dhupia, who was crowned Miss India Universe in 2002 made her Bollywood debut in the subsequent year in `Qayamat: City Under Threat`. But she rose to fame with her bod and sexy avataar in `Julie`. Neha will be playing Eva Braun in the film `Dear Friend Hitler` opposite Raghuvir Yadav.

Priyanka Chopra

Now one of the most sought after actress in Bollywood, former Miss World (2000) Priyanka Chopra made her debut in 2003 in Sunny Deol’s ‘The Hero: The Love Story Of A Spy’. Piggy Chops aka PC as she is loving addressed as, has walked miles to attain the status of a fine actress.

Dia Mirza

The girl who has an uncanny resemblance to Aishwarya Rai made her Bollywood debut in ‘Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein’ opposite R Madhavan in 2001. After having performed in number of successful projects, Dia has turned a producer and has launched a production company in association with actor Zayed Khan.

Lara Dutta

Miss Universe (2000) Lara Dutta, now a producer has walked miles in Bollywood. Besidea being a good actor, her first home production ‘Chalo Dilli’ has won rave reviews. Now Mrs Mahesh Bhupati, Lara has decided to do meaty roles that do justice to her stature.

Gul Panag

Gul Panag opted to act in parallel cinema. She was crowned Miss India Universe in 1999 and made her acting debut in 2003 in ‘Dhoop’. However, she got critical acclaims for her acting abilities in Abhay Deol’s ‘Manorama Six Feet Under’, ‘Dor’ and ‘Turning Thirty’.

Aishwarya Rai

Miss World (1994) Aishwarya Rai is now an internationally acclaimed star. She is the face of big international brands and has also managed to achieve the status of a high profile actress in Bollywood. Her first Hindi film ‘Aur Pyaar Ho Gya’ was opposite Bobby Deol.

Sushmita Sen

Sushmita Sen went on to become the first Indian ever to have been crowned Miss Universe in 1994, made her Bollywood debut in 1996. In her first film, ‘Dastak’, she played herself and was paired opposite model-turned actor Mukul Dev.

Juhi Chawla

Bubby girl Juhi Chawla, who was crowned Miss India in 1984 made her Bollywood debut in ‘Sultanat’ in 1986. But her second Hindi film `Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak` opposite Aamir Khan made her a superstar. Juhi has now shifted her focus to meaningful cinema. She co-produces films with Shah Rukh Khan and is also the co-owner of IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders.

Meenakshi Seshadri

Meenakshi Seshadri holds the record for being the youngest woman to be crowned Miss India. She was just 17 when she won the coveted title in 1981. The talented actress, who made a Bollywood debut in Subhash Ghai’s ‘Hero’ opposite Jackie Shroff went on to become a critically acclaimed actress. Her performance in films like ‘Damini’ and ‘Ghatak’ are noteworthy.

Zeenat Aman

Undisputedly, the first ‘sex-symbol’ of Bollywood, Zeenat Aman made her Bollywood debut in 1971 in ‘Hulchul’. But it was Dev Anand’s ‘Hare Rama Hare Krishna’ that gave her a star status. Born in 1951, Zeenat went on to win the Miss Asia Pacific in 1970 held in Quezon City, Philippines.

By Gayatri Sankar