Latest news and gossips of Top Bollywood Actresses

The best Actress of Hindi Cinema

The typical Bollywood Screenplay has always been a Man's World. Rarely has an actress been able to break this formulaic deadlock and emerge a winner. Post-1990 Bollywood mainstream is specifically known for its male-oriented subjects, wherein the eve is just an eye candy or a glorified set prop. In spite of this predicament, some of our actresses have delivered memorable performances, over the years.

Here, we give you a list of 10 Bollywood actresses who effected some brilliant on-screen portrayals, this decade.

Aishwarya Rai [ 1999 - 2000 ]

After bringing home the Miss World crown of 1994, Aishwarya Rai was signed up by Mani Ratnam for 'Iruvar' (1997). Bollywood welcomed her with 'Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya'. Two movies old, Sanjay Leela Bhansali roped her in for his romance saga, 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam'. The movie turned out to be Aishwarya's big ticket to fame and superstardom in Bollywood.

Aishwarya gave a novel interpretation to the character of Nandini, which could otherwise have become a cliche. Her nuanced performance combined with an out-of-the-world chemistry with Salman Khan contributed immensely to the allure of this lost-and-found Romance. Aishwarya won the Filmfare Award for Best Actress for her role in 'HDDCS'.

Aishwarya Rai's notable performances of the decade were in 'Devdas', 'Raincoat', 'Provoked' and 'Guru'.

Says Aishwarya: "I relate to each character I do. I am very sensitive to moods and one`s inward feelings and emotions. I am a true people person and people watcher. I look forward to meeting interesting people and understanding their experiences in life."

Karisma Kapoor [ 2000 - 2001 ]

Karisma Kapoor failed to live up to her famous surname for the better part of her career, which started in 1991 with 'Prem Qaidi'. She started off with hopeless no-brainers, and never quite got a chance to do justice to her 'acting gene' until 'Raja Hindustani' and 'Dil To Pagal Hai' happened in 1996 and 1997 respectively. 2000's 'Fiza' was her crowning glory.

Widely regarded as one of the best "sister acts" in Bollywood, Karisma Kapoor delivered a stunning performance in Khalid Mohamed's 'Fiza'. She portrayed a young woman trying to search for/rescue her brother, who is trapped in the clutches of religious extremism. Lolo won almost all the major awards for her role in 'Fiza'.

Karisma Kapoor's notable performances of the decade were in 'Zubeidaa' and 'Shakti - The Power'.

Says Karisma: "I have never misused my stardom. I cherish it because I have had to struggle relentlessly to attain my place in the sun. I've always dreamt that one day roles would be written for me like they were for Rekha and Sridevi."

Kajol [ 2001 - 2002 ]

One of the most consistent and bankable stars of her generation, Kajol managed to up her ante with every film of her career, which started in 1992 with 'Bekhudi'. Audiences could not get enough of her effervescent self, which was in full blossom in movies such as 'DDLG' and 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai'.

Her "Chandni Chowk-di-kudi" act in 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham' warmed the cockles of one's heart. Along with Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol carried the film on her shoulders, and also managed to hold fort against (the supreme talent of) Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan. She won the Filfmare and Screen Best Actress Awards for her performance in 'K3G'.

Kajol's notable performances of the decade were in 'Fanaa' and 'U, Me Aur Hum'.

Says Kajol: "I think everyone has her own comfort level. We all have our priorities and USPs. When you're young, you need to cash in on your assets, whatever they might be. If they can sleep peacefully after what they do, good for them. I wouldn't do such roles because I'm not comfortable doing them. If I wear a swimsuit my discomfort would show, and the whole sensuality bit would fall apart."

Bipasha Basu [ 2002 - 2003 ]

Bipasha belongs to the elite club of models-turned- movie superstars. She entered Bollywood after having proved herself on the Ramp at a very young age. Bipasha made her debut in Bollywood with Abbas-Mustan's 'Ajnabee'. Her portrayal of Sonia, a character with grey shades, earned her the Filmfare Best Debut Award.

As the possessed Sanjana Dhanraj in 'Raaz', Bips made both critics and fans nod in acceptance. Her earnest performance and crackling chemistry with then boyfriend Dino Morea made 'Raaz', one of the most successful flicks of the decade.

Bipasha Basu's notable performances of the decade were in 'Jism', 'Corporate', 'Race', 'Omkara' and 'Bachna Ae Haseeno'.

Says Bipasha: "Sexy, in India, is not considered positive. But, with today's crop of fresh faces in the modelling arena, being sexy is an asset, so let's hope for the best."

Preity Zinta [ 2003 - 2004 ]

It was TV Commercials that opened the doors of Bollywood to Preity Zinta. Her first on-screen outing was in Mani Rathnam's 'Dil Se'. In spite of the minimal screen time, Preity evoked interest among critics and audiences alike. Her breakthrough role, however, was in Kundan Shah's 'Kya Kehna' (2000) as a teenage single mother fighting the system and societal norms. Preity Zinta is one of the few actresses, who have achieved success by breaking away from character stereotypes.

She played the bespectacled Naina who has no time for love in 'Kal Ho Na Ho'. The movie is about the transformation of the character, which is effectively brought forth by Preity. She also managed not to get overshadowed by an in-form Shah Rukh Khan and a charming Saif Ali Khan. She won seven awards for the performance.

Preity Zinta's notable performances of the decade were in 'Kya Kehna', 'Dil Chahta Hai', 'Koi Mil Gaya', 'Heaven on Earth', 'The Last Lear', 'Lakshya' and 'Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna'.

Says Preity Zinta: "I am proud to be part of today's Bollywood. I want to bring a change and do something new and different in my profession. I want to be known as a performer not a star."

Shilpa Shetty [ 2004 - 2005 ]

Shilpa made her debut in Abbas Mustan's superhit thriller, 'Baazigar'. What followed were films bordering on the absurd and the inane. She also managed to transform herself into an item gal. Her personal life (read affair with Akshay Kumar) gained more attention than her films. 'Dhadkan' and 'Phil Milenge' came her way when her silver screen dream was on the verge of extinction.

Shilpa's performance in 'Phir Milenge' is widely regarded as her best to date. She portrayed an HIV patient, who takes the legal route to fight injustice on the official front. She effectively puts forth the emotional and personal trauma of an HIV patient. The role is also significant as it was one of the first roles by a mainstream actor in a film about AIDS. She received Best Actress nominations at the Filmfare, Zee, Star Screen and IIFA Awards.

Shilpa Shetty's notable performances of the decade were in 'Dhadkan', 'Life in a Metro' and 'Apne'.

Says Shilpa: "The film industry is full of people who came here with dreams and nothing else. And today they are all household names."

Rani Mukherjee [ 2005 - 2006 ]

Rani made her debut in 'Raja Ki Aayegi Baaraat'. With an eye for performance-oriented roles, Rani established herself as one of the top actresses of Bollywood. 'Black' happened when she was ruling the B.O. charts. It is a pity that her allegiance to the Yash Raj banner, of late, has brought her career to a standstill.

Only Rani Mukherjee could have convingcily played the role of a deaf, mute and blind girl in 'Black'. Her restrained yet effective portrayal of the character ranks as one of the best performances of all time by a Bollywood actress. She also managed to stand her ground against the great Amitabh Bachchan. Not surprisingly, she walked away with all the awards for her performance in 'Black'.

Rani Mukherjee's notable performances of the decade were in 'Saathiya', 'Chalte Chalte', 'Yuva', 'Hum Tum', 'Paheli' and 'Bunty Aur Babli'.

Says Rani: "I am here to act, entertain and make good films. I don't want to work hard for a film which does not even get released. I will cooperate with my director and help him make a good film. I get disappointed if my co-actors don't put in as much as I do. Today I am looking for banners and co-stars who have the same goal as me --- to work towards making a good film with dedication. I have made mistakes in my career, but that is just the learning process."

Tabu [ 2006 - 2007 ]

Tabu made her debut in 'Hum Naujawan' (1986). For the major part of her career, she maintained a perfect balance between commercial and off beat cinema.

'Cheeni Kum' had a unique pair in the lead - Amitabh Bachchan and Tabu. The janta lapped up this mature romance. Tabu got out of her comfort zone in 'Cheeni Kum' and delivered a delightful performance. What also helped was the fab chemistry between Big B and Tabu.

Tabu's notable performances of the decade were in 'Chandini Bar', 'Maqbool', 'Astitva', 'Hera Pheri' and 'The Namesake'.

Says Tabu: "As an actress, it is just not possible for you to relate to every role that you get to do. For me it is just another chance to prove my worth as an actress by getting into the skin of the character."

Kareena Kapoor [ 2007 - 2008 ]

In Bollywood, Kareena Kapoor is the synonym of Endurance. With the burden of a mighty surname to live up to, Bebo has earned stardom the hard way, to establish herself as one of the top actresses of Bollywood. This Kapoor scion has seen both the peaks and abysses of Fame, and is one of the very few stars of her generation who can also Act!

'Jab We Met' was the movie of a lifetime for Kareena Kapoor. Bebo's flawless portrayal, coupled with some witty, intelligent writing, came like a whiff of fresh air. She won several acting honours for her performance in 'Jab We Met'.

Kareena Kapoor's notable performances of the decade were in 'Refugee', 'Asoka', 'Kyon Ki', 'Chameli', 'Dev' and 'Omkara'.

Says Kareena: "I don't want to play complex characters. I don't want to do any classic or period films either."

Priyanka Chopra [ 2008 - 2009 ]

Bollywood came knocking at Priyanka's door after she was crowned Miss World in 2000. She made her debut with 'The Hero' opposite Sunny Deol. For the most part of her career, Priyanka has struggled to get rid of her glam tag. With 'Fashion', she was ushered into the big league.

'Fashion' is regarded as Priyanka Chopra's coming-of-age film in Bollywood. Her portrayal of the small town girl-turned-fashion diva, Meghna Mathur, was replete with inspired confidence and screen presence. Priyanka proved to her critics that there is more to her as an actress than just a beautiful face. She won the Filmfare, IIFA and Screen Best Actress Award for her performance in 'Fashion'.

Priyanka Chopra's notable performances of the decade were in 'Aitraaz', 'Waqt', 'Don', 'Drona', 'Dostana', 'Kaminey' and 'What's Your Rashee'.

Says Priyanka: "I want the audience to be surprised by my character all the time. I want them to keep guessing about my roles."