Aishwarya Rai- not just another 'Plastic' Beauty Queen

I personally have been a big fan of hers ever since i saw the very popular 'Hi I am Sanjana , got another Pepsi' Ad with Aamir Khan Pepsi Ad. Then she went on to win the 1994 Miss World Pageant..people clearly knew and predicted she would win days before the contest took place. She is gorgeous, that goes without saying, she has a face that has such perfectly carved features that is undeniable but I think she is also one of the most Graceful and Dignified not to forget Classy Actresses that i have seen in recent Cinema.

When she started out , I dint think she was a good actress, she was just this beautiful face, but she has now evolved from being just a beauty queen to something more substantial. I admire her not just for her beauty but for the persona she represents, the elegance and grace with which she carries herself. I must say that the last few movies i have seen of hers were worth appreciating, Jodha Akbar, Guru, Raincoat, Choker Bali , Provoked,Devdas and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. She has the capacity to portray a sexy character(without making it look sleazy) in Dhoom 2 and at the same time portray an Indian Queen with strong conviction in the period film Jodha Akbar, these 2 movies, world apart in their scripts, prove her versatility.

She, unfortunately has also been one of the most criticized actors , whether it was her break up with the ever abusive Salman Khan or her decision to do more Hollywood movies. I think she deserves a little credit, she has been one of the few Actors in Bollywood who has created such an impact in the international scene. At 36, she still is one of the highest paid and popular actors in Hindi Cinema and recently she has been featured in Forbes' most bankable stars list Forbes List leaving all the Khans and Roshans of the film Industry way behind, which says something about her credentials. My American born Cousins and few ex Colleagues here only recognise 3 things indian ,Aishwarya Rai, Chicken Tikka Masala and now ofcourse the very popular Slumdog Millionaire. She has definitely come a long way and has some really interesting projects in 2009, one that i am looking forward to is Mani Ratnam's Ravan. I just wish the media was just a little more appreciative of her work. She has been going strong for the last few years and I am sure her fame is not one that will die soon.